SEARCH for two missing light aircraft ends in tragedy.
The search was conducted in the KZN Midlands, but sadly the two missing aircraft were found with the pilots dead.
The aircraft had departed from Secunda Airport in Mpumalanga and were due to land at Margate Airport on the KZN south coast.
The first aircraft was found on Wednesday, 15 October, while the second one was found on Thursday, 16 October, according to the Aeronautical Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
KZN Transport and Human Settlement MEC Siboniso Duma said they're saddened by the unfortunate death of both the pilots.
"We express our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. We pray to God to give families of the two pilots strength during this difficult period. We can imagine the pain experienced by the families of both pilots," he said.
Duma said they welcome the announcement of an investigation launched by Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID).
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"We received an update about search and rescue operations from the South African Police's Search and Rescue Team. With the assistance of a drone and cutting-edge technology, rescue teams located one pilot and an aircraft. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather conditions, rescue teams couldn't retrieve the body from the wreckage," he said.
He saluted the search and rescue teams for their hard work and commitment.
"We got a report from Aeronautical Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre and the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit indicating that they have found the second aircraft. Unfortunately, the second pilot suffered fatal injuries," said the MEC.
He expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the two pilots.
"We will allow the team to retrieve the bodies of the two pilots on Thursday, 16 October," he said.
Duma said that the department announced in April 2025 their plans for the aviation industry as guided by many regulations, including the Economic Regulations for Transport Act.
"We are involved in serious work in various airports such as Margate, Oribi, Umkhuze, Richards Bay and Virginia Airport. We are currently harmonising our work with relevant departments such as SA Aviation Authority, Airport Company of South Africa, Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs," he added.
