Tributes Pour In For Pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray After Tragic Durban Airshow Crash

The aviation community and friends are mourning the loss of veteran pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, who went missing after his aircraft crashed into the sea off Durban’s coast on Thursday.

Blackwood-Murray, 61, was taking part in an airshow connected to the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals Global Summit 2025 at Virginia Airport. The fatal incident occurred just before 2pm, when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft he was piloting during its final display plunged into the ocean.

Emergency services rushed to Suncoast Beach after witnesses reported seeing the crash. The eThekwini Municipality has since closed Battery Beach while the search for the pilot continues.

Intense Search Efforts Underway for Andrew Blackwood-Murray

The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) and eThekwini lifeguards have launched a coordinated search operation. NSRI duty coxswain Lorenzo Taverna-Tunisan confirmed that resources are being deployed beyond the breakers to recover wreckage and locate the missing pilot.

“The NSRI rescue craft Spirit of Surfski 6 will be deployed to assist in the ongoing search and to provide a platform for Police divers and Metro Police divers in ongoing scuba dive search efforts,” Taverna-Tunisan said.

The search has drawn on the skills of highly trained divers, lifeguards, and emergency teams working tirelessly since the crash.

Friends Remember a ‘World-Class Pilot’

Tributes have flooded social media, painting a picture of a skilled, warm, and passionate aviator who left a lasting mark on those around him.

Broadcaster John Walland remembered Blackwood-Murray as a man whose “skills touched so many lives,” adding:

“Andrew, your spirit will forever soar in the skies you loved.”

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On his last Facebook post, friends and colleagues shared heartfelt messages.

“A gentleman, an amazing pilot… he will certainly leave a gap in the airshow display calendar,” wrote Venessa Richardson.

“My heart bleeds Andrew… I’m glad I had the pleasure of sharing a classroom with you,” added Ryan Douwie.

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