Latest news with #WestCoastAirShow
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Friend recalls final moments of South African pilot before air show crash
Spectators have shared their shock and horror as they watched a decorated South African Air Force pilot crash to his death at a local air show, while they recalled his final moments. James O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the weekend. According to organisers, Mr O'Connell was performing a "routine display" on a retired military aircraft when it "experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive". An investigation into the accident is currently underway as tributes pour in for the seasoned former Air Force pilot. Mr O'Connell's crash was captured by numerous videos and images which have since been shared widely on social media. In one, the 68-year-old aircraft, an Impala Mark 1, can be seen flying upside-down before returning to its original position and then nose-diving to the ground. A huge cloud of smoke and fire can then be seen as it crashes to the ground, while gasps of shock can be heard from the watching crowd. Air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who was present at the show and provided running commentary on Mr O'Connell's performance, can then be heard urging the stunned crowd to "stay calm and remain where you are". Speaking to the BBC two days after the horrific crash, Mr Emmenis shared his final exchange with the decorated pilot. Mr Emmenis said he had known Mr O'Connell from the latter's time as a test pilot at the South African Air Force. According to him, Mr O'Connell worked at the Air Force for nearly three decades before moving to the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), where he worked as chief flight instructor and was head of the test pilot school. The academy confirmed the Impala was one of its display aircraft. "James O'Connell was an incredible test pilot... a very popular guy [and] a thorough professional but also a great friend and good guy to work with," he told the BBC on Monday. Mr Emmenis said the pair spoke about Mr O'Connell's upcoming performance before he took off. Mr O'Connell at this point was "in a good frame of mind", he noted. "As he taxied past... my words [to him] were: 'Have a good [display] my friend' and he [replied]: 'Thanks'." Athol Fugard: Death of a great South African playwright Even in his final seconds of life, first gay imam pushed boundaries Mr Emmenis later explained in a statement released by West Coast Air Show organisers that Mr O'Connell had gone into a "dirty configuration" – described as a move where the undercarriage is extended - where he turned the aircraft over and "the undercarriage was down". "But when he turned, I could see that the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude and that concerned me. I stopped talking and I looked because I thought: 'Wow, he's low and diving down to the ground' and sadly, that's exactly what happened. And I waited and suddenly saw the flame, I never heard the impact, I was too far away but I saw this huge [flame]." The seasoned commentator described the shock and devastation felt across the aviation industry at the news of Mr O'Connell's death. "South Africa is devastated. In fact, not only South Africa - I've been getting calls from all over [the world]. Aviation is a small world and it's a band of brothers …especially [in] air show flying because usually it's the best of the best that get chosen to go do these displays." While it is too early to speculate on what exactly went wrong, he reasoned that as a "highly qualified test pilot", Mr O'Connell would not have attempted anything he didn't think he could manage. "I don't think anybody would do a manoeuvre like that if you didn't know what it's about," he said. Clive Coetzee, organiser of the West Coast Air Show, said that he was "deeply saddened by the event" and spoke of the shocking effect it had, not only on attendees, but other participants. Among them was a young pilot who was set to do his first show that same day but pulled out when he witnessed Mr O'Connell's crash. And while Mr Coetzee only met Mr O'Connell on the day of the fateful accident, he described him as a "funny guy" and "very nice" based on their final chat. Both men declined to comment on the Impala's track record, but Mr Emmenis said: "It was kept in immaculate condition and when the test flight school took it, they stripped it down and checked for any faults. So there was nothing wrong with it, it was absolutely perfect." The Impala is a retired Air Force aircraft that first took to the skies in 1957. Leading tributes for Mr O'Connell was the TFASA, which described him as a "true aviation legend" with 36 years flying experience. The expelled envoy at the heart of the latest US-South Africa row Ghosts of apartheid haunt South Africa as compensation anger brews US cuts send South Africa's HIV treatment 'off a cliff' Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
West Coast Air Show: Final moments of South African pilot James O'Connell before crash
Spectators have shared their shock and horror as they watched a decorated South African Air Force pilot crash to his death at a local air show, while they recalled his final O'Connell died after the plane he was flying crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show held in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town, over the to organisers, Mr O'Connell was performing a "routine display" on a retired military aircraft when it "experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive".An investigation into the accident is currently underway as tributes pour in for the seasoned former Air Force pilot. Mr O'Connell's crash was captured by numerous videos and images which have since been shared widely on social one, the 68-year-old aircraft, an Impala Mark 1, can be seen flying upside-down before returning to its original position and then nose-diving to the ground.A huge cloud of smoke and fire can then be seen as it crashes to the ground, while gasps of shock can be heard from the watching show commentator Brian Emmenis, who was present at the show and provided running commentary on Mr O'Connell's performance, can then be heard urging the stunned crowd to "stay calm and remain where you are".Speaking to the BBC two days after the horrific crash, Mr Emmenis shared his final exchange with the decorated Emmenis said he had known Mr O'Connell from the latter's time as a test pilot at the South African Air Force. According to him, Mr O'Connell worked at the Air Force for nearly three decades before moving to the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), where he worked as chief flight instructor and was head of the test pilot school. The academy confirmed the Impala was one of its display aircraft."James O'Connell was an incredible test pilot... a very popular guy [and] a thorough professional but also a great friend and good guy to work with," he told the BBC on Emmenis said the pair spoke about Mr O'Connell's upcoming performance before he took off. Mr O'Connell at this point was "in a good frame of mind", he noted."As he taxied past... my words [to him] were: 'Have a good [display] my friend' and he [replied]: 'Thanks'." Mr Emmenis later explained in a statement released by West Coast Air Show organisers that Mr O'Connell had gone into a "dirty configuration" – described as a move where the undercarriage is extended - where he turned the aircraft over and "the undercarriage was down"."But when he turned, I could see that the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude and that concerned me. I stopped talking and I looked because I thought: 'Wow, he's low and diving down to the ground' and sadly, that's exactly what happened. And I waited and suddenly saw the flame, I never heard the impact, I was too far away but I saw this huge [flame]."The seasoned commentator described the shock and devastation felt across the aviation industry at the news of Mr O'Connell's death. "South Africa is devastated. In fact, not only South Africa - I've been getting calls from all over [the world]. Aviation is a small world and it's a band of brothers …especially [in] air show flying because usually it's the best of the best that get chosen to go do these displays." While it is too early to speculate on what exactly went wrong, he reasoned that as a "highly qualified test pilot", Mr O'Connell would not have attempted anything he didn't think he could manage."I don't think anybody would do a manoeuvre like that if you didn't know what it's about," he Coetzee, organiser of the West Coast Air Show, said that he was "deeply saddened by the event" and spoke of the shocking effect it had, not only on attendees, but other them was a young pilot who was set to do his first show that same day but pulled out when he witnessed Mr O'Connell's while Mr Coetzee only met Mr O'Connell on the day of the fateful accident, he described him as a "funny guy" and "very nice" based on their final men declined to comment on the Impala's track record, but Mr Emmenis said: "It was kept in immaculate condition and when the test flight school took it, they stripped it down and checked for any faults. So there was nothing wrong with it, it was absolutely perfect."The Impala is a retired Air Force aircraft that first took to the skies in 1957. Leading tributes for Mr O'Connell was the TFASA, which described him as a "true aviation legend" with 36 years flying experience. Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Pilot Dies in Tragic Crash at South African Air Show
A pilot has tragically lost his life after his plane spiralled out of control and crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa. The incident occurred on Saturday, approximately 70 miles (110 km) north of Cape Town. Eyewitnesses and video footage captured the horrifying moment as the aircraft spun uncontrollably mid-air before plummeting to the ground. The crash occurred while the pilot, identified as James O'Connell, was performing a routine display. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, the organisers of the West Coast Air Show confirmed the fatality, expressing their deep sorrow. "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," the statement read. O'Connell, who was well-known in the aviation community, had been performing a display meant to showcase the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, a historic warplane that holds significant sentimental value for many South Africans. The aircraft's appearance at air shows had been a rare and much-anticipated event, adding to the poignancy of the moment. The display was part of the official air show programme, with thousands of spectators in attendance. While the plane appeared to be under control throughout most of the manoeuvres, eyewitnesses reported that it suddenly lost altitude during one of the final moves, entering a steep dive before crashing. The air show organisers and the aviation community are mourning the loss of O'Connell, who was known for his professionalism and skill in the cockpit.
Russia Today
24-03-2025
- General
- Russia Today
Pilot dies in air show plane crash (VIDEO)
A test pilot has died after his aircraft crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, on Saturday. James O'Connell was piloting an Impala Mark 1 to demonstrate its capabilities to thousands of spectators. During one of the final maneuvers of O'Connell's performance, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive before crashing into a grassy area. 'He was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground. There was no sign of any attempt to eject,' air show commentator Brian Emmenis said. Emergency services arrived within minutes and found the wreckage engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, O'Connell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported among spectators or event staff. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force's accident unit have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. READ MORE: Deadly cyclone hits African nation (VIDEO) The West Coast Air Show referred to O'Connell as a highly decorated, retired South African Air Force officer with more than 36 years of aviation experience. According to the event organizers, he accumulated over 4,000 flight hours in helicopters and an additional 1,600 hours in fixed-wing aircraft. .mediaplayer { min-height: 150px; } .jwplayer .jw-controls .jw-controlbar .jw-icon-cc { display: none; } .media__video_noscript { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; right: 0; bottom: 0; height: 100%; width: 100%; } .full_transcript_text { display: block; }
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘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. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 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. Read the original article on People
