Press Release
For immediate release 14 August 2025 AIID MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE DURBAN NORTH AIRSHOW ACCIDENT The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirms an aircraft crash at an Airshow held at the Durban North Beach near Suncoast Casino in KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 14 August 2025. The accident occurred at approximately 13.45pm when the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft that was performing its final display crashed into the sea. The Emergency Medical Services and law enforcement immediately attended to the scene. The AIID will provide updates as soon as further information is available. ENDS For media related queries Sisa Majola 0833130754 Email: majolas@caa.co.za
From the battlefield to the display line: Juba Joubert
In a world of soaring machines and highspeed display lines, few names carry the weight of Juba. Known across the African continent for his daring rotorcraft displays and even more so for his shadowy past flying in wartorn skies, Juba has lived an aviation life on the edge – and survived to tell the tale. For over 20 years, he’s been part of the South African airshowlandscape – flying low, tight and with unmistakable presence. But behind the smoke trails and crowd-pleasing turns lies a history thatreads like a Cold War novel: Soviet helicopters, African warzones, private military contractors and combat flights
Legacy in the skies: Goodyear Eagles
When you speak to Dennis Spence, you’re not just talking to a pilot – you’re tapping into nearly half a century of South African airshow history. From the throaty rumble of Pitts Specials cutting through the African sky to the quiet mentorship that shapes the next generation, Dennis has lived, flown, and led through it all. At 75, he still ferries display aircraft to shows. Still flies. Still mentors. Still laughs at his own stories. And still holds an unshakable belief in the power of discipline, mentorship, and teamwork in aerobatic flying. 40 years of formation flying – when did it all
Wings Over Durban: South Africa’s Premier Airshow Returns with Explosive Energy on 10 August 2025!
The skies above Durban are set to ignite once again as the Durban Virginia Airshow, proudly sponsored by Standard Bank, returns on Sunday, 10 August 2025 for another high-octane day of aerial entertainment, family fun, and breathtaking aerobatics. Following its triumphant return and Aeroclub Awards’ Airshow of the Year accolade, the 2025 show promises even more excitement with a fresh programme featuring South Africa’s top aviation talent. Expect a full-throttle spectacle of skydiving, formation flying, and world-class aerobatics. The day kicks off with a Skydiving Spectacular, followed by dazzling displays from aviation legends including Nigel Hopkins, the iconic Puma Flying Lions, and
Living legends: The SAAF Museum’s Role in airshows
For aviation lovers across South Africa, no airshow is complete without the unmistakable sound of radial engines, the graceful lines of classic military aircraft or the sight of vintage warbirds soaring once more. These iconic moments are made possible by the tireless dedication of one of South Africa’s most cherished institutions: the South African Air Force Museum. Over the past 20 years, the SAAF Museum has played a central role in preserving aviation history – not just in hangars, but in the skies. Through thrilling airshow participation, meticulous aircraft restorations and passionate public engagement, the Museum has ensured that South Africa’s aviation
1,000 dreams take flight
Children’s Flight 2025 Lifts a Generation – Celebrating a Decade of Impact On 25 July 2025, Wonderboom National Airport became the launchpad for dreams, as 1,000 underprivileged children took to the skies — many for the first time — during the 10th annual Children’s Flight. By Jarryd Sinovich What began a decade ago as a heartfelt initiative has now flown over 5,000 young passengers, transforming a simple joyride into a movement of hope, opportunity, and inspiration. Aviation With Purpose Thanks to the coordinated efforts of over 100 pilots, more than 150 flights took place in a variety of aircraft, from light sport
Durban Virginia Airshow
✈️ Get ready for takeoff! The Virginia Airshow is soaring back into Durban for 2025 – and it’s coming in full throttle! 🛫🔥 South Africa’s award-winning coastal airshow is bringing you a sky-high spectacle you won’t forget. 🚀 🎉 Expect a day packed with: ✨ Jaw-dropping aerobatic displays 🛩️ Epic military & civilian aircraft flybys 🎙️ Live commentary 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly vibes 🍔 Delicious food stalls 🎈 Non-stop kids entertainment Whether you’re an aviation fanatic or just looking for a fun day out, the Virginia Airshow has something for everyone! 🙌 🎟️ Book your tickets now and feel the roar of the skies!
Flying forward: André van Zyl
Known as South Africa’s gyrocopter ambassador, André is not your typical airshow act. While jets and fixed-wing aircraft often steal the limelight, it’s the graceful swoop and agility of André’s Magni M16 gyrocopter that captures hearts – offering something different, something quietly profound. His story is one of rediscovery. After decades away from aviation, grounded by the responsibilities of life and family, André found himself at a crossroads in 2009. That’s when he encountered the gyrocopter – a unique aircraft that would become both his passion and his platform.What followed was a remarkable comeback: training, practicing and eventually performing solo displays that
Honouring precision and passion: The Marksmen Aerobatic Team
Formed in 2020 amidst global uncertainty, The Marksmen Aerobatic Team quickly established themselves as one of South Africa’s most captivating and technically skilled formation display teams. Known for their crisp precision, spirited camaraderie and compelling presence on the airshow circuit, they’ve become ambassadors for world-class aerobatics – both locally and abroad. Born out of a shared passion for formation flying, the team was founded by Mark Hensman and the late Mark Sampson, later joined by Eugene du Preez and Marty Schultz. Together, they combined artistry, discipline and flying excellence to create a new standard of aerobatic teamwork. When was The Marksmen Aerobatic
Durban Virginia Airshow 2025
The Virginia Airshow is soaring back into Durban for 2025 – and it’s coming in full throttle! 🛫🔥 South Africa’s award-winning coastal airshow is bringing you a sky-high spectacle you won’t forget. 🚀 🎉 Expect a day packed with: ✨ Jaw-dropping aerobatic displays 🛩️ Epic military & civilian aircraft flybys 🎙️ Live commentary 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly vibes 🍔 Delicious food stalls 🎈 Non-stop kids entertainment Whether you’re an aviation fanatic or just looking for a fun day out, the Virginia Airshow has something for everyone! 🙌 🎟️ Book your tickets now and feel the roar of the skies! 🌤️🔊 🎫 Ticket Prices: 👤
The soul of a showman: Menno Parsons
When it comes to raw power and authentic presence in the sky, few South African pilots can match theimpact of Menno Parsons. Whether tearing across the flightline in his iconic P-51 Mustang “Mustang Sally,” or hovering a Huey low over the crowd with rotor bladesthundering, Menno brings a unique blend of grace, guts and nostalgia to every airshow he flies. A businessman with a passion for fl ight, Menno’s aviation journey has evolved into a living museum in motion – preserving and flying some of the most legendary aircraft ofthe 20th century. With a personal fleet that includes everything from piston warbirds
Smoke, noise and nostalgia: The Master Power Team
Nigel Hopkins and Jason Beamish are household names in South African aerobatics – display pilots whohave not only earned their stripes through decades of precision flying, but who have helped build theformation flying legacy we celebrate today. From flying Boeing jets during the week to carving smoke trails through African skies on weekends, Nigel embodies the dream of living both a commercial and passion fuelled aviation career. His flying partner Jason Beamish is from a family heritage of aerobatic pilots and together they’ve formed a partnership that thrills and inspires at all of our airshows. When was your aerobatic team officially formed?The
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