Windhoek: The Chief Executive Officer of Desert Air, Willem de Wet, on Monday confirmed the deaths of a pilot and three German nationals after a Cessna 210 aircraft operating between Windhoek and the Sossusvlei area went missing on Sunday and was found at a crash site on Monday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the aircraft departed on Sunday from a private airstrip near Hosea Kutako International Airport en route to a lodge in the Sossusvlei area, but failed to arrive at its destination as scheduled. De Wet said the aircraft was carrying one pilot and three German nationals.

Air and ground search operations were activated after the aircraft was reported overdue. Rescue teams continued the search throughout Sunday afternoon before resuming operations at first light on Monday. In a follow-up statement issued on Monday, Desert Air confirmed that the wreckage was located in the Sossusvlei area and that no survivors were found.

De Wet conveyed condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. 'We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic accident. Everyone at Desert Air is deeply devastated by this loss,' he said.

De Wet said all next of kin had been informed and that the company remains engaged with the relevant authorities. He further thanked the search and rescue personnel, aviation authorities, emergency services and volunteers involved in the operation.

The cause of the accident remains unknown and is now under official investigation by the Directorate of Aircraft Accident Investigation (DAAI). 'Until such time as the investigation has been concluded and official findings have been released by the DAAI, we respectfully request that no speculation be made regarding the cause of the accident,' De Wet said.