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OUDTSHOORN NEWS - James O'Connell, who died in yesterday's airplane accident at the West Coast Airshow, was TFASA's Chief Flight Instructor in Oudtshoorn.
According to a statement released by the organisers of the air show O'Connell was a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa. He piloted the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during yesterdays display in Saldanha.
"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 see performing at air shows for many years.
The manoeuvres were being executed as part of the official air show program, witnessed by thousands of spectators."
According to the statement eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft appeared to be under control during most of the display. However, during one of the final manoeuvres, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive before making contact with the ground. The air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the event in real-time said:
"He went into the dirty configuration, he rolled the aircraft- the dirty configuration is when the undercarriage is extended- he turned the aircraft, the undercarriage was up.
"Mr. O'Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala, Mark 1. Photo: supplied
"On coming out of it, one could clearly see that he was losing height. He went out towards 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 some were given medical attention."
The event's emergency response plan was activated instantly. First responders were on scene within moments, and the area was immediately secured to ensure the safety of all attendees.
No spectators were injured during the incident. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) have been notified immediately, and a full investigation is currently underway.
"At this stage, no further details can be confirmed until the investigation is concluded. The organisers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. O'Connell's family, friends, and aviation colleagues."
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