At approximately 16:00 on Wednesday the 29th January, the SAPS were alerted that a single seater light aircraft went missing about 20kms from Alexandria.
According to the information received, there were three single seater light aircraft that departed from Port Alfred towards Port Elizabeth. About 20kms from Alexandria, the planes picked up cloud and mist and each of the pilots took a different route to avoid this. One of the three planes did not arrive at the airport in Port Elizabeth.
The SAPS mobilised both air and ground support. All game farms and local farmers were notified.
The search was suspended late yesterday evening and continued at first light this morning.
We have two police choppers. A fixed wing from Algoa Flying Club and Police fixed wing in the air.
We are working closely with Civil Aviation Authorities.
Captain John Fobian SAPS Disaster Management; “The Area that we are covering is very vast. Currently we have ground support, in Uitenhage, Kirkwood, Colchester and Port Elizabeth. We also have the support of the South African National Defence Force. Every effort is being made to locate the missing aircraft.”