WATCH VIDEO: Pilot Dies in Plane Crash at South Africa Air Show
Chinedu Bruce
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Pilot James O'Connell. Pic: West Coast Air Show
A tragic plane crash shocked the crowd at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, on Saturday, March 22, leaving one pilot dead and thousands of spectators in disbelief. The incident is now under investigation and has drawn attention from around the world.
What Happened at West Coast Air Show South Africa ?
Video the shows the plane spinning mid-air before plummeting to the ground. The pilot " James O’Connel " was "highly skilled and respected" and crashed after suddenly losing altitude during the final manoeuvre.
The pilot, James O’Connell, was a well-known and respected test pilot. He was flying the Impala Mark 1, a historic South African warplane that had not been seen in air show performances for many years. His appearance was meant to be a special moment at the air show, but it ended in tragedy.
"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," said the event’s official statement.
According to eyewitnesses and video footage shared online, the plane appeared to perform smoothly through most of the display. However, things changed quickly during the final moments.
“Despite the aircraft appearing stable through most of the performance, a sudden loss of altitude during the final [maneuver] led to a devastating crash," organisers said.
The video showed the plane spinning mid-air, then entering a steep dive. One witness said it looked like the aircraft was in control until it suddenly dropped and crashed into the ground, bursting into flames.
“He [O’Connell] went into the [landing] 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 show commentator Brian Emmenis, who saw the crash happen up close.
Emergency teams from West Coast Medical Rescue were on the scene within two minutes, but they found the wreckage already on fire.
“There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala aircraft,” said Sisa Majola, head of communication at the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), according to Times Live.
No spectators were injured in the crash, and safety barriers kept the crowd at a safe distance. However, many people were left shaken and heartbroken by what they saw.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airshow South Africa (ASSA), and the South African Air Force's accident unit have started a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials are working with event safety officers to collect all the necessary information.
Organisers and spectators alike remembered James O’Connell not only for his flying skills but also for what his performance represented — the return of a historic aircraft.
“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.”
As investigators look into the crash, the air show community and the nation mourn the loss of a talented pilot. Updates will be shared as more details become available.
