Latest news with #PaulBennetAirshows
7NEWS
09-07-2025
- General
- 7NEWS
Cockpit GoPro camera crucial as investigators probe Australian International Airshow accident
A tiny camera could hold clues to what happened when a pilot was seriously injured during an air show manoeuvre gone wrong. In a preliminary report into the crash released on Wednesday, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said video footage of the accident from an onboard GoPro camera was aiding its investigation. The single-seat Pitts S1‑11X aircraft was performing a series of daring loops and aerobatic tricks known as a 'triple avalanche' alongside three other planes at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Victoria in March when it crashed. The ATSB has released a preliminary report into a crash at Avalon Airport. The plane crashed west of the runway, opposite public viewing areas and grandstands, creating a 95m ground scar and debris trail before coming to rest upright. It hit a grassy area where multiple live pyrotechnics had been set up to be detonated later as part of the show. The pilot, part of the Sky Aces display team, was seriously injured but was provided first aid before being transported by helicopter to hospital. Pyrotechnicians working nearby were the first to arrive at the wreckage, helping the pilot out of the aircraft despite difficulties opening the cockpit canopy. First responders reported smelling fuel and observing it leaking from the aircraft, the bureau said. Investigators later transported the aircraft wreckage to a secure hangar at the airport and found 'no evidence of any control or airframe issues before the accident'. Airframe refers to the mechanical structure of the plane. Evidence gathered as part of the investigation included footage from a forward‑facing GoPro camera from the cockpit that showed the pilot was unable to stop the rapid rate of descent before the plane hit the ground. It also showed he had started performing the loops some 30 metres above ground, reaching a peak height of 210-250m, where he started his 'snap rolls'. The report said the pilot began the aerobatic manoeuvres at a higher altitude in previous training flights. Photos from the preliminary report show the orange aircraft substantially mangled. Glenn Collins, an experienced pilot from stunt flight company Paul Bennet Airshows, said he sustained spinal damage in the accident and would require multiple surgeries. fundraiser has been set up to help cover Collins' medical expenses.
Perth Now
09-07-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Video crucial as investigators probe air show accident
A tiny camera could hold clues to what happened when a pilot was seriously injured during an air show manoeuvre gone wrong. In a preliminary report into the crash released on Wednesday, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau said video footage of the accident from an onboard GoPro camera was aiding its investigation. The single-seat Pitts S1‑11X aircraft was performing a series of daring loops and aerobatic tricks known as a "triple avalanche" alongside three other planes at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport in Melbourne in March when it crashed. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released a preliminary report into a crash at Avalon Airport. The plane crashed west of the runway, opposite public viewing areas and grandstands, creating a 95m ground scar and debris trail before coming to rest upright. It hit a grassy area where multiple live pyrotechnics had been set up to be detonated later as part of the show. The pilot, part of the Sky Aces display team, was seriously injured but was provided first aid before being transported by helicopter to hospital. Pyrotechnicians working nearby were the first to arrive at the wreckage, helping the pilot out of the aircraft despite difficulties opening the cockpit canopy. First responders reported smelling fuel and observing it leaking from the aircraft, the bureau said. Investigators later transported the aircraft wreckage to a secure hangar at the airport and found "no evidence of any control or airframe issues before the accident". Airframe refers to the mechanical structure of the plane. Evidence gathered as part of the investigation included footage from a forward‑facing GoPro camera from the cockpit that showed the pilot was unable to stop the rapid rate of descent before the plane hit the ground. It also showed he had started performing the loops some 30 metres above ground, reaching a peak height of 210-250m, where he started his "snap rolls". The report said the pilot began the aerobatic manoeuvres at a higher altitude in previous training flights. Photos from the preliminary report show the orange aircraft substantially mangled. Glen Collins, an experienced pilot from stunt flight company Paul Bennet Airshows, said he sustained spinal damage in the accident and would require multiple surgeries. A fundraiser has been set up to help cover Mr Collins' medical expenses.
Herald Sun
28-05-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
Avalon Airshow crash pilot Glenn Collins posts recovery update
Don't miss out on the headlines from Victoria. Followed categories will be added to My News. Looking remarkably well for someone who hit the ground at more than 185km/h just a few months ago, Glenn Collins can be seen sitting in a wheelchair with a cast on his left leg, a bandaged left arm, surrounded by family. His employer, Paul Bennet Airshows, which shared the update on Facebook, said witnessing Mr Collins rehabilitation had been an inspiration. 'Glenn's recovery continues to progress positively, supported by a dedicated team of health professionals committed to his care,' they wrote. 'His strength and determination continue to inspire all who know him. 'Glenn and his family extend their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming generosity, kind messages, and ongoing support.' The Paul Bennet team also went on to thank those who had supported Mr Collins through the online fundraiser they had set up to support Mr Collins and his family during the recovery. 'Your encouragement provides tremendous strength and is deeply appreciated,' they wrote. 'An incredible $80,000 has been raised so far toward Glenn's GoFundMe. Thank you again to all who have contributed.' The pilot, from NSW, was performing a stunt involving four planes, when the accident happened while he was coming out of a loop in front of stunned onlookers. He spent five weeks in hospital before being able to move back closer to home and family. In a post earlier this month Mr Collins detailed the injuries he sustained, including damage to his spine. 'Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage,' he wrote on Facebook. 'While I can move my legs — which I'm incredibly grateful for — I don't yet have full feeling in my legs or waist. 'Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I'm giving it my all.' Want to score NBA Melbourne tickets? This is your best chance
News.com.au
05-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Nothing short of extraordinary': Pilot Glenn Collins gives update after horror Avalon Airshow crash
A pilot who was critically injured in a horror crash at the Avalon International Airshow says he is 'giving his all' as he continues his recovery. Glenn Collins, a pilot from the Paul Bennet Airshows, was performing a four-plane stunt with the SkyAces Formation Aerobics Team at the event between Geelong and Melbourne on March 28 when his plane, the Pitts Special, crashed in front of a crowd. Mr Collins, the sole occupant of the plane, suffered critical injuries to his upper and lower body as a result of the crash, and underwent several surgeries. Giving an update on his condition five weeks after the horror crash, the pilot said it was a 'great comfort' to be closer to home and his family after being transferred from Melbourne to Sydney. 'Recovery is ongoing and still uncertain in many ways, though I'm thankful for every step forward,' he wrote online. The pilot said while most of his 'general' injuries were healing well, he had also suffered spinal damage. 'I've been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both (Melbourne and Sydney). Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary,' he said. 'While I can move my legs – which I'm incredibly grateful for – I don't yet have full feeling in my legs or waist,' he said, 'Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I'm giving it my all.' Mr Collins thanked his wife, family and the medical professionals who aided in his recovery, as well as those at the Avalon Airshow who 'acted so quickly and bravely to get me out of the wreckage'. 'This road I'm on is one many have travelled before – waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries,' he said. 'While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love.'
Perth Now
05-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
‘Giving my all': Pilot speaks after horror crash
A pilot who was critically injured in a horror crash at the Avalon International Airshow says he is 'giving his all' as he continues his recovery. Glenn Collins, a pilot from the Paul Bennet Airshows, was performing a four-plane stunt with the SkyAces Formation Aerobics Team at the event between Geelong and Melbourne on March 28 when his plane, the Pitts Special, crashed in front of a crowd. Pilot Glenn Collins' plane crashed at the Avalon Airshow in March. NewsWire / David Caird Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Collins, the sole occupant of the plane, suffered critical injuries to his upper and lower body as a result of the crash, and underwent several surgeries. Giving an update on his condition five weeks after the horror crash, the pilot said it was a 'great comfort' to be closer to home and his family after being transferred from Melbourne to Sydney. 'Recovery is ongoing and still uncertain in many ways, though I'm thankful for every step forward,' he wrote online. He was the sole occupant of the plane, and was critically injured during the crash,. Credit: Supplied The pilot said while most of his 'general' injuries were healing well, he had also suffered spinal damage. 'I've been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both (Melbourne and Sydney). Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary,' he said. 'While I can move my legs – which I'm incredibly grateful for – I don't yet have full feeling in my legs or waist,' he said, 'Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I'm giving it my all.' The pilot has returned to Sydney for further treatment. NewsWire / David Caird Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Collins thanked his wife, family and the medical professionals who aided in his recovery, as well as those at the Avalon Airshow who 'acted so quickly and bravely to get me out of the wreckage'. 'This road I'm on is one many have travelled before – waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries,' he said. 'While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love.'
