Pilot killed when an aircraft crashed during the West Coast Airshow

A pilot was killed when an aircraft crashed during the West Coast Airshow at the Saldanha Airfield, on Saturday afternoon

Organisers identified the deceased as James O’Connell. The South African test pilot was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1. It is reported that the Impala had not been seen performing at airshows for many years.

In a statement, West Coast Airshow said that a sudden loss of altitude during O’Connell’s final manoeuvre led to the devastating crash.

“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 eject. The crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned,’’ said Brian Emmenis, Airshow commentator who witnessed the incident up close.

Emergency services responded immediately. No spectators were injured.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) confirmed that 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 AIID is also investigating another aircraft accident that occurred in Van Wyksdorp, also in the Western Cape. The aircraft, a Beechcraft Bonanza, was on a private scenic local flight from Mossel Bay airfield with one pilot and two passengers on-board. It’s understood the pilot intended returning to Mossel Bay to land, when the engine gave problems and the pilot forced landing.

No injuries were sustained while the aircraft was substantially damaged.

COURTESY: Attie van Wyk

Done By: Mitchum George