Latest news with #WolfPittsPro
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.
The Guardian
29-03-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Airshow reopens after crash leaves pilot fighting for life in Melbourne hospital
Australia's biggest airshow will resume after a serious crash in front of tens of thousands of spectators left an experienced pilot fighting for life. The man aged in his 50s was attempting a solo aerobatic manoeuvre at the Avalon Airshow on Friday afternoon when he lost control. His aircraft crashed and skidded along the ground. He was airlifted to Melbourne's Alfred Hospital with serious injuries and was in a critical but stable condition on Saturday morning. Paul Bennet Airshows confirmed the pilot is a member of its Sky Aces aerobatics team. 'We confirm there has been an incident involving one of our long time Sky Aces pilots during (Friday's) aerobatic display at the Avalon Australian International Airshow,' the organisation said in a statement. 'Our thoughts are with his family and we are grateful for the emergency services who responded quickly. 'Our team and families appreciate the well-wishes and support.' Avalon Airshow reopened its doors at 8am on Saturday but the flying display was pushed back to a later start time. The show was abandoned late on Friday and tens of thousands of spectators sent home so the Australian Transport Safety Bureau could investigate what happened. The incident happened away from onlookers and no one else was injured. Andrew, a witness who did not give his surname, said the plane came down in a loop and could not recover. 'We're OK ... everyone was a bit stunned,' he said. The wreck of the orange plane – a Wolf Pitts Pro aircraft capable of travelling at a top speed of 414km/h – came to a stop near the tarmac and sparked a small grass fire. The circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be determined, Victoria police said. Australian Transport Safety Bureau officials will examine the site. They will also look at flight information, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, weather and other data. Anyone with video footage of the plane in the air or the crash has been urged to contact investigators. A Jetstar flight due to fly from Sydney to Avalon late on Friday was diverted to Melbourne's Tullamarine airport due to the crash.
