Nottingham Road, KZN – A large-scale search and rescue operation is underway in the mountains near Nottingham Road after reports of a light aircraft crash on Wednesday. Emergency services were alerted to the situation after receiving distress calls from two aircraft, identified as ZU-PBC and ZU-PBD. Sources have since confirmed that ZU-PBC is the plane believed to have gone down.

The Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) immediately activated the KZN early warning network, mobilising a multi-agency response. The SAPS search and rescue team KZN is leading the operation, with assistance from SARZA KZN, Mountain SAR, HAMNET, K9SARA, Midlands EMS, IPSS search and Rescue, Freddies Fire Services and Clandestine Drone Operations. MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma stated that they are in liaison with experts from the ARCC to support the search and rescue efforts.

However, the search is being significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions. According to emergency responders on scene, thick mist and drizzle are creating extremely poor visibility, making it difficult to locate the downed aircraft. “A team has gone up the mountain to search. However, it’s very misty and drizzling, which is making things a bit challenging,” said one emergency services official.

Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson confirmed that crews are on scene near Nottingham Road, but have yet to locate the aircraft. The Howick SAPS and search and rescue teams are en route to the suspected crash site, with efforts focused on pinpointing the exact location of the aircraft.

At this stage, details regarding the number of people on board the missing plane and whether there are any casualties or injuries remain unknown. The exact location of the aircraft is also yet to be determined, although indications are that at least one aircraft has been found. We are still awaiting confirmation.

The aircraft departed from Secunda this morning.

The public is urged to contact the ARCC immediately with any sightings of the missing aircraft or relevant information at 0635054164 or 0635055485. Authorities are working tirelessly to overcome the challenging conditions and locate the missing aircraft as quickly as possible.