The South African Hang-gliding and Paragliding Association (SAHPA) regrets to confirm that a 65-year-old male pilot who was reported missing in the Porterville area yesterday afternoon has been located deceased.
The pilot was reported missing after failing to return from a flight on Monday afternoon. Search and Rescue services were alerted at approximately 17:00, and a coordinated search operation was subsequently initiated.
The operation was coordinated by the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC), with the search effort led by Metro EMS. Search operations were suspended yesterday after deteriorating weather conditions made further operations unsafe and resumed this morning.
The pilot was located during the search operation this afternoon. Unfortunately, he was found deceased.
At the time of issuing this statement, the pilot’s next of kin have not yet been located and formally notified.
SAHPA therefore requests that members of the media and public refrain from publishing or circulating the pilot’s name, photographs or any other information that could lead to his identification. This is particularly important to ensure that family members do not learn of their loss through media reports or social media before the appropriate authorities have been able to contact them.
SAHPA extends its sincere condolences to the pilot’s family, friends and the wider free-flight community.
We also acknowledge the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre, Metro EMS and all Search and Rescue personnel and volunteers who participated in the operation under challenging weather and terrain conditions.
Further information will be released when appropriate and once the necessary notifications have been completed.