Barberton – The Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) has confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing for a Cessna 206 six-seater light aircraft that went missing on Thursday, 16 October 2025. The aircraft, registered TL-ADE, was carrying only its pilot, who has recently been identified as 30-year-old Johann Marx.
The plane departed King Mswati III International Airport at 13:23 local time, bound for Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in South Africa. The last successful communication with the aircraft was recorded at 13:37, shortly after it left the airport control zone boundary. It failed to arrive at its destination and is confirmed missing.
According to reports by Lowvelder, rescue operations were initially hampered by severe weather, forcing two helicopters dispatched to assist to return to base, but full search efforts are now underway. The Eswatini Search and Rescue Unit is coordinating closely with South African authorities, with a Lowvelder reporter on site alongside the teams.
Marx’s aunt, Manda Meyer, confirmed his identity and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact her. Authorities have confirmed that only the pilot was on board the aircraft at the time of its disappearance, and the public is encouraged to assist where possible.
Search teams continue to focus their efforts in the area near Barberton as they work to locate the missing pilot.
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