South African aviation authorities have confirmed the tragic deaths of three individuals aboard a light aircraft that crashed near Greytown in KwaZulu-Natal province. The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center announced the discovery of the wreckage on Monday, June 9, a day after the aircraft was reported missing. Sadly, all occupants were found deceased, including a female student pilot, as confirmed by the provincial department for transport and human settlements.
The ill-fated flight had departed from an airstrip near Durban, intending to reach Pretoria, South Africa’s administrative capital. However, it never arrived at its destination. According to reports, the aircraft was part of a trio of light planes that encountered severe weather conditions en route. It is believed that the adverse weather played a significant role in the crash, with low visibility and turbulence likely contributing factors.
While the other two aircraft managed to navigate the conditions, one crash-landed near the same region without any serious injuries reported. The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks faced by light aircraft in unpredictable weather, especially involving trainee pilots. Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the precise cause of the crash and to assess the adequacy of weather warnings issued for the flight path.