By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released a preliminary report into the airshow crash that claimed the life of veteran pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray.
Blackwood-Murray’s plane crashed into the sea during an aviation show a month ago.
Last week, his body was found washed up along the Bay of Plenty Beach, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on September 12, 2025.
CAA says at the time of the crash, the light aircraft had been performing a left roll at a lower height than planned.
It says the pilot carried out five aileron rolls while diving at an angle, but the plane hit the ocean, sinking about 10 meters below the surface of the water as he tried to level it out.
The report notes that the aircraft was completely destroyed on impact, describing the crash as unsurvivable.
The cockpit section has not yet been located.
The CAA’s Accident and Incident Investigations Division says a final report, which will look into the possible causes of the crash, will be released at a later stage.
Blackwood-Murray a skilled aerobatic pilot, had 29 years of flying experience.
On Tuesday morning, his wife, Kyla Blackwood-Murray, posted on social media, thanking those who supported them.
“On behalf of Matt Blackwood-Murray (son), myself, and Andrew’s entire family, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every one of you for the outpouring of love, support, prayers, and condolences we have received.”
She added that the family had been moved by the tributes and gestures of kindness from friends, colleagues, and the aviation community.
“We are humbled beyond words by the magnitude of how deeply Andrew was loved, admired, and respected, not only as a pilot, but as a friend, mentor, colleague, and human being,” she said.
The family confirmed that a memorial service will be held on September 28, 2025 at Hangar 34, Rand Airport, at 9 am, where friends and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life.
Blackwood-Murray had flown extensively on both domestic and international commercial routes and was employed by South African Airways at the time of the accident.