Latest news with #WestCoastAirshow
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Pilot killed, passenger injured in aircraft crash in Lanseria
The aircraft crashed within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. A pilot has been killed and a passenger injured in a light aircraft crash in Johannesburg. The accident occurred in Lanseria at about 10 am on Thursday. The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) is investigating the cause of the Cessna 210 crash. AIID spokesperson Sisa Majola said the aircraft departed from Lanseria International Airport (FALA) and crashed moments after takeoff. Crash Majola said the aircraft crashed within the perimeter of the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve. 'There were two on board the aircraft (pilot and passenger), with the pilot fatally injured. The passenger was seriously injured and airlifted to a hospital. 'AIID has dispatched investigators to the site. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days from the date of this accident,' Majola said. The AIID has extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the pilot and the injured passenger. ALSO READ: Creecy steps in to resolve dispute over Acsa baggage screening services Husband and wife killed Last month, the AIID launched an investigation into the cause of a light aircraft crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife. According to police, 39-year-old Quinton Steyn and his wife, 38-year-old Lizette Steyn, tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft crash near Botshabelo Airfield in Middelburg. The couple was reportedly travelling from Nelspruit to Middelburg, where they resided at the time of the crash. Light aircraft Majola confirmed the accident that involved a Rans Aircraft S10 Sakota (Registration ZS-WXE). 'The aircraft departed from Middleburg Airfield before crashing shortly after take-off within the boundary of the airfield. 'The pilot and passenger on board were declared dead by Emergency Services on arrival. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire,' said Majola. Majola said the site was secured on Sunday evening and guarded by the South African Police Service (Saps). The AIID extended its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. ALSO READ: Pilot tragically killed in crash at West Coast Airshow in Western Cape [VIDEO]
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
SA Civil Aviation probes cause of aircraft crash in Mpumalanga
According to the police, 39-year-old Quinton Steyn and his wife, 38-year-old Lizette Steyn, tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft crash. The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of a light aircraft crash that claimed the lives of a husband and wife. According to police, 39-year-old Quinton Steyn and his wife, 38-year-old Lizette Steyn, tragically lost their lives in a light aircraft crash near Botshabelo Airfield in Middelburg on Sunday. The couple was reportedly travelling from Nelspruit to Middelburg, where they resided at the time of the crash. ALSO READ: Pilot tragically killed in crash at West Coast Airshow in Western Cape [VIDEO] Aircraft crash SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed the accident that involved a Rans Aircraft S10 Sakota (Registration ZS-WXE). 'The aircraft departed from Middleburg Airfield before crashing shortly after take-off within the boundary of the airfield. The pilot and passenger on board were declared dead by Emergency Services on arrival. The aircraft was destroyed by the post-impact fire,' said Majola. Majola said the site was secured on Sunday evening and guarded by the South African Police Service (Saps) 'The AIID is on site this morning to collate evidence that will form part of a preliminary report that will be published on the SACAA website in 30 days. 'The AIID extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,' Majola said. Airshow crash In March, a pilot was killed when the aircraft crashed during the West Coast Airshow at the Saldanha Airfield in the Western Cape. Videos shared on social media show the plane ascending, spinning mid-air, descending rapidly before plummeting to the ground and bursting into flames. 'There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala Aircraft (Registration: ZU-IMP). The AIID is working with the event safety officers to collate preliminary information. 'The AIID will provide a public update from the scene, should this be deemed necessary. A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website 30 days from the day of the accident,' Majola said. ALSO READ: Court rules against ex-Civil Aviation Authority executive's 'false and malicious' claims
Fox News
24-03-2025
- General
- Fox News
Video shows 'highly skilled' pilot's final moments before fatal air show crash
A "highly skilled" pilot's final moments were captured on video before he died in a crash at an air show in South Africa over the weekend. The fatal incident involving James O'Connell unfolded Saturday at the Saldanha Bay Airfield outside of Cape Town. Footage showed a plane performing an aerial maneuver before crashing into the ground, generating a fireball and drawing screams from those in attendance. "It is with profound sadness that the organizers 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 event's organizers said in a statement. "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 – it was especially a huge moment because the Impala has not been seen performing at airshows for many years," they added. "The maneuvers were being executed as part of the official airshow program, witnessed by thousands of spectators." Video of the incident showed a cloud of black smoke rising up into the sky following the crash. "He rolled the aircraft... he turned the aircraft, the undercarriage was up. On coming out of it, one could clearly see that he was losing height," airshow commentator Brian Emmenis was quoted by the organizers as saying. "He went out toward the hangars – he was at that stage in a serious deep dive – and he went straight into the ground. There was no sign of an attempt to eject." "Emergency services responded immediately, the crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned, and medical attention was handed to the crowd," he added. No spectators were injured in the crash, and the South African Civil Aviation Authority and Air Show South Africa are now investigating. "The organizers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. O'Connell's family, friends and aviation colleagues," they added.
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.
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
