Cliff Notes – Pilot dies after air show plane crash
- A fatal crash occurred at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, resulting in the death of test pilot James O’Connell while performing a routine display.
- Eyewitness accounts describe the plane as being under control for most of the display until a sudden loss of altitude caused it to enter a steep dive.
- The South African Civil Aviation Authority is conducting an investigation into the incident, and no other injuries were reported.
Pilot dies after air show plane crash in South Africa
A pilot has died after his plane spiralled out of control and crashed at an air show in South Africa.
The crash happened at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, a town about 70 miles (110 km) north of Cape Town, on Saturday.
Video footage shows the plane spinning mid-air before plummeting to the ground.
In a statement shared on social media, organisers of the show named the pilot as James O’Connell.
“It is with profound sadness that the organisers of the West Coast Airshow confirm a fatal accident involving James O’Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa,” the statement said.
“Mr O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 – a beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans. It was especially a huge moment because the Impala has not been seen performing at air shows for many years.
“The manoeuvres were being executed as part of the official air show programme, witnessed by thousands of spectators.
“Eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft appeared to be under control during most of the display. However, during one of the final manoeuvres, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive before making contact with the ground.”
Pilot made an attempt to eject
Organisers said there was no sign the pilot made an attempt to eject.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with James’s family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this very tragic event,” they added.
No other injuries were reported.
Elowayne Gouws, the director of West Coast Medical Rescue, told national news site News 24 that medics arrived at the scene within two minutes “and found the wreckage engulfed in flames”.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force’s accident unit are investigating the incident.
“There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala aircraft,” said SACCA head of communication Sisa Majola, national news site Times Live reported.
The authority’s accident and incident investigations division is working with event safety officers to “collate preliminary information”, he added.
Further updates will be shared when more information is available, organisers of the show said.