KwaZulu-Natal pilot student dies in tragic Joburg plane crash
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli expresses heartfelt condolences following the tragic loss of promising pilot student Leeche’ Manuel, emphasising the province's commitment to nurturing young talent in the face of adversity.
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Leeche’ Manuel, a promising pilot student and recipient of the KwaZulu-Natal Premier’s Bursary Programme, has died in a plane crash alongside his instructor.
Manuel, a 24-year-old originally from eThekwini, lost his life on Thursday, February 19, 2026, when the plane he was operating crashed during a routine practice flight in Johannesburg.
He was in the final stages of completing his instructor training when the accident occurred. His instructor also succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
The Premier’s Office confirmed that Manuel was an exemplary student, describing him as a “shining example of the talent, discipline, and determination” the province aims to support.
“We are devastated by this unimaginable loss. Leeche’ was more than just a bursary recipient; he exemplified the talent, discipline, and determination that our province aims to nurture. Being on the verge of qualifying as an instructor is a testament to his commitment and hard work,” said KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli in a statement.
Manuel had been awarded a comprehensive bursary by the Office of the Premier to pursue his Commercial Pilot Licence and Instructor Rating, with his training journey spanning Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, and finally Johannesburg.
The premier has directed the Bursary Unit to support the Manuel family during this difficult time, sending an official to convey condolences and assist with arrangements.
Premier Ntuli acknowledged the inherent risks young people take in pursuing ambitious careers.
“This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks young people face in pursuing their dreams and contributing to our country,” he added.
While the provincial government awaits a full technical report on the accident’s cause, Ntuli assured communities that the loss would not deter the province’s mission to empower youth.
“We will honour Leeche’s memory by remaining steadfast and unwavering in our commitment to opening doors of opportunity for young people,” he concluded, extending the province's “deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the broader aviation school community”.
In separate incidents, the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division (AIID) is also investigating a Bell 230 helicopter crash that occurred at the Rand Airport, Gauteng, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
The crew, comprising a flight instructor and a student pilot, was conducting engine-out emergency training exercises. Following a simulated engine failure during one exercise, the crew was unable to restore engine power in time, leading to a loss of control, a hard impact with the ground, and the helicopter rolling over.
The helicopter sustained substantial damage. One crew member suffered minor injuries, and the other sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
The next day, AIID confirmed reports of a non-fatal accident involving a Piper Cherokee 140 fixed-wing (registration ZS-XPR) in Midrand, Gauteng.
The AIID said it was a training flight that departed from the Grand Central Airport and confirmed the accident occurred within a nearby Midrand location.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) in December raised concern about the 43 aviation incidents reported in South Africa during the current financial year, of which 12 crashes resulted in 17 deaths.