Latest news with #PaulBennetAirshows'
9 News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 9 News
Pilot speaks after suffering 'life-changing' injuries in airshow crash
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here Experienced pilot Glenn Collins was performing a multi-plane stunt when his aircraft crashed just a few hundred metres from crowds in Victoria on March 28. Collins was left with spinal damage but said he is now "healing well" after spending over a month in hospital, he shared in a message on Facebook. Pilot Glenn Collins shared an update on his long recovery with a photo alongside his wife. (Facebook/Paul Bennet Airshows) "Recovery is ongoing and still uncertain in many ways, though I'm thankful for every step forward," he said in a long message posted to Paul Bennet Airshows' Facebook page. "After five weeks in Melbourne, I've now been transferred to Sydney – closer to home and family, which is a huge comfort." Collins said that he can still move his legs despite the spinal injury but he hasn't regained full feeling in his legs or waist yet. He will continue rehabilitation said he remains positive about his long recovery. "There are so many people I'd like to thank. To the pyrotechnic team who acted so quickly and bravely to get me out of the wreckage – thank you for your courage," Collins added. "To the healthcare professionals who continue to care for me with such skill and kindness – your dedication is deeply appreciated." Collins went on to thank his children, grandson, extended family and his wife. Collins crashed during a demonstration flight at Avalon International Airshow in Victoria (9News) He described his wife as the "most remarkable person I've ever known". "This road I'm on is one many have travelled before - waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries," Collins added. "While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love." Collins' accident played out in front of thousands at Australia's biggest airshow at Avalon Airport, when a performance involving four aerobatic planes took a terrifying turn. Collins, a member of the Paul Bennet Airshows team with decades of experience, is also champion of multiple competitions. The experienced pilot was left with life-altering injuries. (Paul Bennets Airshows) He has more than 2700 hours of flying experience and has previously won aerobatics competitions throughout his career, according to a biography on the Paul Bennet Airshows website. Paul Bennet Airshows said in a statement following the crash that it will "no longer be performing at the Avalon Australian International Airshow but we hope the public continue to enjoy the world class event". Victoria Plane Crash plane accident Australia Melbourne national CONTACT US
Sydney Morning Herald
05-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘I'm giving it my all': Avalon Airshow crash pilot details long road to recovery
A pilot who spectacularly crashed at the Avalon Airshow, horrifying spectators, says his life has been changed forever by his injuries – but the community's support has given him strength. Experienced pilot Glenn Collins suffered critical injuries after his plane crashed to the ground while performing an aerial demonstration at the Avalon Australian International Airshow on March 28. Collins spoke for the first time on Monday about his recovery, thanking those who came to his rescue and the public for an 'incredible outpouring of support'. 'First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support, kind messages, generous donations, and love I've received,' Collins said in an update posted via the Paul Bennet Airshows' Facebook page. 'It's been truly humbling and has lifted me up during some of the toughest moments. Knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can say.' Collins said his recovery was ongoing and his future remained uncertain. After receiving medical care in Melbourne for several weeks, Collins has since been transferred closer to home in Sydney. 'I've been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary,' Collins wrote. 'Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage. 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.'
The Age
05-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
‘I'm giving it my all': Avalon Airshow crash pilot details long road to recovery
A pilot who spectacularly crashed at the Avalon Airshow, horrifying spectators, says his life has been changed forever by his injuries – but the community's support has given him strength. Experienced pilot Glenn Collins suffered critical injuries after his plane crashed to the ground while performing an aerial demonstration at the Avalon Australian International Airshow on March 28. Collins spoke for the first time on Monday about his recovery, thanking those who came to his rescue and the public for an 'incredible outpouring of support'. 'First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support, kind messages, generous donations, and love I've received,' Collins said in an update posted via the Paul Bennet Airshows' Facebook page. 'It's been truly humbling and has lifted me up during some of the toughest moments. Knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can say.' Collins said his recovery was ongoing and his future remained uncertain. After receiving medical care in Melbourne for several weeks, Collins has since been transferred closer to home in Sydney. 'I've been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary,' Collins wrote. 'Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage. 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.'
Perth Now
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Airshow pilot reveals spinal damage in aerobatic crash
A champion pilot remains without full feeling in his lower body more than five weeks after crashing in front of tens of thousands of spectators. Sky Aces pilot Glenn Collins suffered was seriously injured after losing control of his plane and plunging into the ground while attempting an aerobatic manoeuvre at the Avalon Airshow on March 28. Tens of thousands of horrified spectators watched on as his aircraft dropped and skidded along the ground. The mangled wreck of the orange Wolf Pitts Pro plane, capable of travelling at a top speed of 414km/h, came to a stop near the tarmac and sparked a small grass fire. The experienced pilot on Monday provided an update on his condition and detailed the long road to recovery in a message acknowledging the generous donations to a fundraiser in his name. "Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage," Mr Collins said in an update on a GoFundMe page. "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." The pilot has been transferred closer to home and family in Sydney after spending five weeks in Melbourne. He thanked the pyrotechnic team who rushed to his rescue on the day, health professionals for their care and longtime friend Paul Bennet and the airshow team for their support. "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." Mr Collins is a long-time member of Paul Bennet Airshows' Sky Aces aerobatics team that has performed across the globe. He has more than 2700 hours of flying experience and is an aerobatics champion. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is leading the investigation and has collected recordings from the aircraft's black box, air traffic control, members of the public and a Garmin device and phone inside the plane. Its commissioner believes it is the first crash at the Avalon Airshow, which is billed as the biggest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The GoFundMe has raised more than $67,000 for medical expenses, rehabilitation and support for Mr Collins' loved ones while he recovers.
