By Zanele Makola
A devastating light aircraft crash in Rietvlei, KwaZulu-Natal, has claimed the lives of three young students, casting a dark cloud over Youth Month.
Siphesihle Buthelezi, a 20-year-old medical student, and pilot trainees Nqobile Biyela and Lulama Msane, both 23, died when the Piper PA-28-181 Archer II aircraft they were travelling in went down near Greytown on Saturday, June 8.
The students were part of a three-aircraft formation that departed Virginia Airport in Durban around 3:00 PM, bound for Pretoria. Tragedy struck when contact with one of the aircraft was lost near Ladysmith. While another aircraft crash-landed in the area with no major injuries and the third returned safely to base, the plane carrying Buthelezi, Biyela and Msane was later found destroyed in the Midlands by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC).
Preliminary reports suggest severe weather conditions may have played a role, with snowfall and gusting winds reported across the region that weekend. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched a full investigation, including looking into whether Biyela’s level of experience as a student pilot may have contributed to the fatal crash. A full report is expected in early July.
KwaZulu-Natal’s MEC for Transport and Human Settlements, Siboniso Duma, expressed deep sorrow and pledged support to the victims’ families.
“We wish to inform the people of KZN that we are in touch with the families of the two pilot students and a medical student who died tragically following the crash of their light aircraft,” he said. “It is sad that during Youth Month, we lose the lives of dedicated and intelligent young people who were destined to take the aviation and healthcare industries to the next level.”
The deaths of Buthelezi, Biyela, and Msane have left their families and communities reeling, with many calling for tighter aviation training regulations and improved safety protocols for student pilots.
As authorities work to piece together the final moments of the flight, the priority remains on supporting the bereaved families and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
