Organisers of the West Coast Airshow have named the pilot who crashed in an Impala Mark 1 aircraft during Saturday’s flying display in Saldanha as respected test pilot James O’Connell.
NOTE: This article may upset sensitive readers
“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,” a statement from organisers 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.
‘Aircraft appeared to be under control’
“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.”
Airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the event in real time, said: “He went into the dirty configuration, he rolled the aircraft – the dirty configuration is when the undercarriage is extended – he turned the aircraft, the undercarriage was up.
“On coming out of it, one could clearly see that he was losing height.
“He went out towards the hangars – he was at that stage in a serious deep dive – and he went straight into the ground.
“There was no sign of an attempt to eject.
“Emergency services responded immediately, the crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned.”
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) were notified immediately and a full investigation is under way.
The SACAA said its Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was working with the event safety officers to collate preliminary information.
A preliminary report would be published 30 days from the day of the accident.
The South African website extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of James O’Connell.
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