The South African Civil Aviation Authority has released its preliminary report into the aircraft crash that claimed the life of well-known pilot, Andrew Blackwood-Murray on August 14.
Last month, Blackwood-Murray had been taking part in an airshow when the aircraft levelled off and crashed into the water. As per the report, parts of the wreckage were recovered, including the empennage, elevators, both wings’ skin composite covers, both wings’ ailerons, and the engine.
“The cockpit section of the aircraft and the pilot were not located during the initial rescue operation,” it noted.
Emergency teams at the scene at a Durban beach where the body of a man was found
Almost a month to the date of the fatal crash, the pilot’s body washed up at a Durban beach. At the time, IOL reported that KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said the unidentifiable body was possibly washed out from the ocean. He said the deceased was wearing a flight suit.
The SACAA’s preliminary report noted that the Extra EA-300L aircraft flown by Blackwood-Murray had been airworthy.
The Civil Aviation Authority has classified the crash as an accident and launched a full investigation. Officials have appointed investigators to lead the probe, while German authorities — the aircraft’s state of design and manufacture — declined to send representatives.
A final report will be released once the investigation is complete.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
IOL
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