Pilot dies in air show plane crash (VIDEO)
A test pilot has died after his aircraft crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, on Saturday.
James O’Connell was piloting an Impala Mark 1 to demonstrate its capabilities to thousands of spectators. During one of the final maneuvers of O’Connell’s performance, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive before crashing into a grassy area.
“He was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground. There was no sign of any attempt to eject,” air show commentator Brian Emmenis said.
Emergency services arrived within minutes and found the wreckage engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, O’Connell was pronounced dead at the scene.
No other injuries were reported among spectators or event staff. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force’s accident unit have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
The West Coast Air Show referred to O’Connell as a highly decorated, retired South African Air Force officer with more than 36 years of aviation experience. According to the event organizers, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours in helicopters and an additional 1,600 hours in fixed-wing aircraft.
