SACAA reports spike: 43 South African aviation incidents, 17 deaths this financial year
An aerial view of the crash site near Morningstar Airfield, where a Sling 2 aircraft went down shortly after take-off, killing both occupants in Cape Town last month.
Image: WCLive Traffic & Safety Alerts
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has raised concern about the 43 aviation incidents reported in South Africa during the current financial year, of which 12 crashes resulted in 17 deaths.
The SACAA said in a statement that it extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues affected by the recent general aviation (GA) fatal accidents recorded across the country.
“The regulator is deeply concerned by these occurrences that resembles a similar trend back in October 2008. In this 2025/26 financial year alone, the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) recorded 43 accidents of which 12 were fatal accidents, resulting in 17 fatalities.
“This is an increase of 10 fatal accidents when compared to the same period at the end of November 2024. It further noted that experience-induced complacency, undue haste, and self-imposed pressure remain significant contributors to avoidable accidents.”
In KwaZulu-Natal there have been recent incidents, two pilots of light aircraft died in separate crashes in inclement weather in the KZN Midlands in November.
In August, Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, an airline and former air force pilot from Johannesburg, died when the Extra 300 aircraft, a two-seat aerobatics monoplane, he was piloting crashed into the sea.
He was at the time performing a final display during an airshow near Durban’s Battery Beach. In June, two young pilots and a medical student were killed in a light aircraft crash.
In previous years:
- 2024/25 financial year: 131 accidents including four fatal accidents with seven fatalities
- 2023/24 financial year: 115 accidents resulted in 13 fatal accidents and 19 fatalities
- 2022/23 financial year: 113 accidents resulting in nine fatal accidents and 12 fatalities
The SACAA said the AIID is conducting independent investigations to determine the causal and contributory factors behind these accidents.
“While these investigations are still underway, the SACAA is accelerating proactive safety interventions under the newly approved General Aviation Safety Strategy (GASS) 2025–2030, aimed at strengthening safety performance and reducing preventable risks in the GA sector.
“As the festive holiday season approaches, typically accompanied by increased flight activity, tight schedules, and elevated operational pressure, the SACAA reminds all pilots and operators to prioritise disciplined decision-making, meticulous flight planning with strict adherence to regulations.”