The two pilots who tragically lost their lives in separate light aircraft crashes in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands this past week have been identified as Martin Brown (35) of Secunda, Mpumalanga, and Mayank Mayank (25) from Delhi, India.
The crashes, which occurred within hours of each other, prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation, which was hampered by poor weather conditions, including mist and drizzle that persisted throughout the day.
Indian Pilot Was Training in South Africa
Mayank was a student pilot at Aviation Junction Flying School, based at Secunda Airfield (FASC) in Mpumalanga.
The Consulate General of India in Durban confirmed his identity and expressed condolences to his family.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. The Consulate General is in touch with the family, and all possible assistance is being rendered,” the statement read.
“We are working with South African authorities for the early transportation of the mortal remains to India.”
Mayank’s body was recovered on Thursday morning, found atop a mountain near Boston, KwaZulu-Natal.
He would have turned 26 next month, and had recently celebrated a milestone by completing his first solo helicopter flight in July.
Well-Known Secunda Businessman
Martin Brown, a well-known entrepreneur in Secunda, was the second victim.
His aircraft, a Sling (ZU-PBC), was located on Wednesday in the Nottingham Road area, but his body could only be retrieved on Thursday due to the weather.
Brown was the owner of DigiMag, a local digital marketing agency.
According to reports from the Ridge Times, he grew up in Secunda, matriculated from Hoërskool Secunda in 2010, and launched his business shortly thereafter.
In a heartfelt tribute, DigiMag described Brown as “a great leader, a loyal friend, and the best boss anyone could ask for.”
“You loved DigiMag with all your heart and gave so much of yourself to this team and this vision. Your kindness, humour, and passion will never be forgotten. You built more than a business – you built a family.”
Brown was also a licensed fixed-wing pilot, having qualified roughly 18 months ago through Aviation Junction, where he trained alongside Mayank.
Final Flight and Ongoing Investigation
Both pilots took off from Secunda Airport at around 10:30 on Wednesday, each flying solo in separate aircraft en route to Margate Airport on the KZN South Coast.
At approximately midday, emergency services received reports of two aircraft going down, triggering a multi-agency search operation.
Christoff le Grange, owner of Aviation Junction, confirmed that they received an emergency radio call from Brown shortly before both aircraft disappeared from radar.
The Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched an investigation into both incidents.
Preliminary reports will be released in the coming weeks.
Public Shock and Questions Mount
The double tragedy has reignited concerns around aviation safety, particularly involving light aircraft in South Africa.
Social media users expressed sadness and shock, with many highlighting the increasing number of small plane accidents in the country in recent months.
“Two promising lives lost in a single day. Something needs to be done about small aircraft safety,” one user commented.
Others shared personal tributes and memories of the two pilots, painting a picture of passion, dedication, and a shared love for flight.
Aviation Community Mourns
As investigations continue, the families of both Brown and Mayank face the heartbreaking task of saying goodbye.
Aviation Junction has not yet released an official statement but is expected to do so in the coming days.
“Flying is essentially not about flying,” Brown once wrote after completing his first solo flight in 2020. “It’s about landing.”
His words now echo with tragic poignancy, marking the end of two lives filled with ambition and dreams of the skies.
