[Image: Aviation Station Media]
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is investigating the circumstances that led to the fatal crash of an Impala Mark 1 aeroplane during a display on Saturday at the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha.
Highly skilled and respected test pilot, James O’Connell, died when the Impala impacted with the ground in full view of spectators.
O’Connell was performing a routine display meant to showcase the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, with videos of the crash circulated widely on social media and overseas news outlets.
The event’s emergency response plan was immediately activated and first responders were on the scene within moments, with the area immediately secured to ensure the safety of all attendees. No spectators were injured during the incident.
Despite the aircraft appearing stable through most of the performance, a sudden loss of altitude during the final manoeuvres led to a devastating crash.
Airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the incident up close, shared: “He went into the dirty configuration, he rolled the aircraft… he was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground. There was no sign of any attempt to ejection. The crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned.”
“The organisers want to express their deep gratitude to their emergency teams and service providers for their swift and professional response, and we ask for privacy and understanding as the aviation community comes to terms with this tragic loss.”
[Source: IOL]
