Aircraft Found: Crash Claims Lives of Three, Including Student Pilot Nqobile Biyela

Durban – The search for the missing aircraft that departed from Virginia Airport on Sunday afternoon has tragically concluded, with rescuers locating the wreckage and the remains of three deceased individuals, including student pilot Nqobile Biyela.

“We have received an updated notification from the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) regarding the disappearance of a light aircraft,” announced KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma on Monday.

“As mentioned by ARCC in our meeting, it is with sadness that we report all three passengers aboard the aircraft have lost their lives.

“ARCC has advised us that they will be forwarding the case to the SAPS’s [SA Police Service] Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for a formal investigation.

“We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives.”

“In particular, we are in touch with Ms. Zama Biyela, the mother of the deceased student pilot Ms. Nqobile Biyela.”