CAA confirms fatal crash involved three-plane formation
The South African Civil Aviation Authority says
the aircraft that went missing and was later found crashed in the KZN Midlands
was one of three planes flying in formation.
The three occupants of one of the planes were killed.
The three aircraft took off on Sunday afternoon from Virginia Airport in Durban.
They were headed to Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s Sisa Majola says they were meant to refuel at Ladysmith Airport in northern KZN.
READ: Search underway for missing KZN aircraft
"Since the Ladysmith Airport did not have night facilities, the formation of the three aircraft diverted to a nearby great town airport," said Majola.
"The first accident occur when a Piper Cherokee crashed into bushy terrain on approach to the Greytown Airport.
"The two pilots on board were not injured, but the aircraft was damaged. A second aircraft managed to land safely."
The wreckage of the aircraft that was carrying student pilot Nqobile Biyela and two others was found in the Midlands on Monday morning, after an extensive search by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre.
ALSO READ: Three killed in KZN light aircraft crash
Authorities are still working to notify the next-of-kin of the other two victims.
Majola said the CAA's Accident and Incident Investigations Division has been dispatched to both sites.
"In order to collate evidence where preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the day of the accident.
"The AIID also extends sincere condolences to the family and the loved ones of the deceased."
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
