Tributes have poured in for pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who went missing after a plane crash off the coast of Durban on Thursday.
Andrew Blackwood-Murray/Facebook
Blackwood-Murray was participating in an airshow linked to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025, hosted at Virginia Airport, as per IOL reports.
The incident occurred just before 2pm when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft, performing its final display, crashed into the sea.
Emergency services quickly responded to Suncoast Beach after eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane plunge into the ocean.
The eThekwini Municipality has closed Battery Beach while search efforts continue.
National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan confirmed that teams are searching for the wreckage. Municipal lifeguards have also deployed resources to extend the search beyond the breakers.
“The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 is assisting in ongoing operations and providing a platform for Police and Metro Police divers to conduct scuba searches,” Taverna-Tunisan said.
Tributes pouring in
Friends and fellow aviation enthusiasts have taken to social media to honour Blackwood-Murray, describing him as a “world-class pilot and true gentleman.”
John Walland remembered the 61-year-old as a warm and passionate man whose skills touched many lives. “Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved,” he wrote.
Tributes also appeared on Blackwood-Murray’s final Facebook post. Venessa Richardson said, “Gonna miss you. A gentleman, an amazing pilot. Andrew was always willing to chat, no matter how busy he was. He will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar.”
Ryan Douwie added, “My heart bleeds, Andrew. You were such a gentleman. I’m glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you as part of the Airways April intake.”
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