A “highly skilled” pilot’s final moments were captured on video before he died in a crash at an air show in South Africa over the weekend.
A tragic incident involving James O’Connell occurred on Saturday at the Saldanha Bay Airfield near Cape Town. Video footage captured a plane carrying out an aerial maneuver before crashing to the ground, causing a fireball and eliciting cries from the onlookers.
“The organizers of the West Coast Airshow express deep sorrow as they confirm the occurrence of a fatal accident with James O’Connell, a highly skilled and esteemed test pilot from South Africa, while flying the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during the event in Saldanha today,” stated the event officials.
“Mr. O’Connell was engaged in a standard display to showcase the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 – a cherished warplane with significant historical value for many South Africans – marking a significant moment as the Impala had been absent from airshows for a considerable period,” they remarked. “The maneuvers were part of the sanctioned airshow program and were observed by numerous spectators.”
A fireball is seen at the Saldanha Bay Airfield north of Cape Town on Saturday, March 22, as the plane crashed. (Maritha Wagner/TMX)
“Emergency services responded immediately, the crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned, and medical attention was handed to the crowd,” he added.
No spectators were injured in the crash, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Show South Africa are now investigating.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Show South Africa are now investigating the fatal crash. (Maritha Wagner/TMX)
“The organizers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. O’Connell’s family, friends and aviation colleagues,” they added.
