Missing aircraft found near Barberton, pilot confirmed dead


The light Cessna 206 aircraft that was reported missing after it took off from King Mswati III International Airport has been located in a remote area near Barberton, Mpumalanga.

The aircraft was en route to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport when it disappeared.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre’s Gregory Critchely says an intensive search and rescue operation located the wreckage along with the remains of the pilot.

Critchley says within 30 days a report will be released on the cause of the crash.

“Search and rescue operations in the Barberton area for the missing aircraft this morning involved a task of three helicopters to join the already existing ground search and rescue unit in the area. After a brief search, the task team in the search and rescue area located the aircraft, which was confirmed to be the aircraft we were looking for, and sadly, upon investigation, the pilot was found to have suffered fatal injuries,” says Critchley.