Body Believed to Be Pilot Found After Durban Airshow Crash

The search for pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who vanished when his light aircraft plunged into the ocean during a Durban airshow final display, has tragically come to an end. Authorities report that a body believed to be his was found washed up on the shores of Durban’s Battery Beach on the night of 12 September.

Blackwood-Murray, aged 61 and from Johannesburg, was the sole occupant of the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft when it crashed at around 13:45 on 14 August while performing its final manoeuvres over the ocean near Durban North Beach.

Official Response and Investigation

KZN’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlement, Siboniso Duma, confirmed that they’ve been officially notified of the find. He expressed hopes that this discovery will bring much-needed closure for Blackwood-Murray’s wife and family after weeks of uncertainty.

Local authorities, including the South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Accident and Incident Investigation Division, SAPS (South African Police Service), and other relevant agencies, will carry out formal identification procedures. They have not yet confirmed whether the body is definitively that of the pilot, though preliminary details suggest it could be — the individual was found wearing a flight suit and is believed to have washed ashore from the ocean.

An inquest docket has been opened by Durban Central SAPS in relation to the recovery of the body at Bay of Plenty Beach, part of the Durban Beachfront.

Tribute & Moving Forward

MEC Duma praised the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), SAPS, and all other organisations and rescue teams for their steadfast search efforts despite challenging conditions. He also pledged to work closely with the Mayor of eThekwini, councillor Cyril Xaba, and the Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, in managing the sensitive aftermath of this incident.

Though the discovery is heartbreaking, officials believe it may finally allow Blackwood-Murray’s loved ones some peace and closure after a long period of waiting and grief.