Chilling video: Pilot killed in plane crash during air show in South Africa
A pilot was killed when the plane lost control mid-air and then crashed during an air show in South Africa.
The crash happened at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha on Saturday.
FATAL PLANE CRASH: A SOUTH AFRICA Air Force Impala (Retired) crashed today at the Saldanha Air Show after the pilot stated he was having mechanical issues and tried to land the plane.
A second plane accident in South Africa today, that of a Beechcraft Bonanza, is under… pic.twitter.com/it7MKF6oO1
— ✝️ Dr Margaret Aranda Ferrante, MD PhD FACFEI ♿️ (@TheRebelPatient) March 22, 2025
According to Sky News, spectators at the air show witnessed the aircraft performing aerobatic maneuvers before suddenly losing altitude and going into a steep dive. The video footage shows the plane spinning uncontrollably before slamming into the ground, followed by an explosion that sent thick smoke billowing into the sky.
The aircraft involved was an Impala MKII.
The organisers of the West Coast Air Show confirmed that the pilot was James O’Connell, a highly experienced and well-respected test pilot from South Africa.
In a statement, they expressed deep sorrow over the tragic accident, adding that there was no indication that O’Connell attempted to eject from the aircraft before the crash.
Tragic crash of 1970s light combat aircraft Impala ZU-IMP today at Saldanha Airshow in #SouthAfrica. I attended the show, due to low ceiling only very limited flights. Had inspected the plane this morning, but had left when it happened. Pilot died 😭 #aircrash #avgeek pic.twitter.com/pExY9qt33M
— Andreas Spaeth (@SpaethFlies) March 22, 2025
The cause of the accident remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses at the air show reported that the aircraft appeared to be in control for most of the flight. However, during one of the final manoeuvres, it suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep descent, crashing moments later.
The crash occurred within the designated flying zone, with no other injuries reported.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force’s accident unit are investigating the incident.
