UPDATE | Missing KZN plane found, all three occupants killed

Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered the aircraft that went missing on Sunday afternoon.

The bodies of three of the occupants including the pilot have been recovered.

The aircraft left Durban’s Virginia Airport at around 3pm destined for Ladysmith in the midlands of the province but did not reach its destination.

Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre had reported that the aircraft was tracked flying over Ladysmith heading south towards Greytown.

Earlier, the MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KZN Siboniso Duma said the department is working with officials from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre following the disappearance of the light aircraft.

Missing Aircraft in the KZN Midlands: Duma in liaison with experts from Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) in support of search and rescue efforts | Ayanda Msweli is now liaising with the family of the missing pilot.

Read more: pic.twitter.com/3PWZ8sVEdl

— KZN Transport (@KZNTransport) June 9, 2025

The aircraft, which departed from Virginia Airport at around three o’clock yesterday afternoon, failed to reach its destination.

The aircraft was last tracked flying over Ladysmith, heading south towards either Pietermaritzburg or Greytown.

Missing Aircraft in the KZN Midlandshttps://t.co/r6uJaH5u2k#ArriveAlive #MissingPlane @KZNTransport pic.twitter.com/gYNOoj1PoI

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 9, 2025