Nqobile Biyela dies in fatal Greytown aircraft crash

Nqobile Biyela dies in fatal Greytown aircraft crash

Fatal Greytown aircraft crash death of Nqobile Biyela – Obituary

Nqobile Biyela, a student pilot, has been identified as one of the three victims who died in a tragic plane crash near Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal. The light aircraft, which disappeared on Sunday, June 8, 2025, was discovered the following day after an intensive search effort.

The aircraft had taken off from Virginia Airport in Durban around 3 p.m. and was headed to Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria, with a planned stopover in Ladysmith. Due to the absence of night landing capabilities at Ladysmith Airport, the aircraft, along with two others flying in loose formation, diverted to Greytown Airport.

While one plane landed safely and another crashed with no injuries reported, the third aircraft—registered ZS-KFB—went missing overnight. A coordinated search operation led by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre concluded the next morning when the wreckage was located in Greytown. All three individuals onboard, including Nqobile Biyela, were confirmed dead at the scene by South African Police.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport identified Biyela and stated that they are in contact with her mother, Zama Biyela, while also working to reach the families of the other victims. Investigators from the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) have been dispatched, and a preliminary report on the crash is expected to be published within 30 days.