‘Highly Skilled' Air Show Pilot Dies After His Plane Crashes in Front of Live Audience: 'Went Straight Into the Ground'
A pilot was killed after his plane crashed in front of a live audience during an air show in South Africa.
James O'Connell was performing at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha in front of thousands of spectators on Saturday, March 22, when the crash occurred, according to a statement from air show officials.
'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, when he piloted the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during today's display in Saldanha,' the statement began.
'Despite the aircraft appearing stable through most of the performance, a sudden loss of altitude during the final [maneuver] led to a devastating crash," the statement continued.
Emergency services responded immediately and no spectators were injured, per the official statement.
Air show officials also shared that show commentator Brian Emmenis — who 'witnessed the incident up close' — said, '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.'
Related: Video Shows Navy Fighter Jet Crashing Nose-First into San Diego Harbor After Pilots Had to Eject
A full investigation by Airshow South Africa (ASSA) and The Civil Aviation Authority is now underway, per show officials.
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Footage of the incident captured by spectators shows the plane rotating upside down mid-air and righting itself as it descended towards land. However, the plane did not appear to slow down as it approached the landing and ultimately disappeared in the distance, followed by an explosion of fire and a dark cloud of smoke. Members of the crowd can be heard yelling in shock.
Air show officials additionally noted that O'Connell's performance was intended to be "especially a huge moment," as the plane — which they noted was a "beloved war bird with deep historical significance for many South Africans" — had not been flown at an air show in many years.
PEOPLE reached out to ASSA, The Civil Aviation Authority and local police for comment on Sunday, March 23, but did not receive an immediate response.
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