Crash at an Air Show in Saldanha, near Cape Town, South Africa

[Mainly28s]

Apparently there was a crash at an air show earlier today. An Atlas Impala (a license-built copy of the Aermacchi MB-326) operated by a private individual in SAAF colours. A slow roll to port while flying low and slow. Gear and flaps down. He did not manage to pull up and impacted the ground.

The pilot, James O'Connell, unfortunately didn't make it. He kept the plane away from the spectators, though.

 

[Snautzer01]

Darn. Darn and Darn.

 

[JOVE23]

RIP Mr. O'Connell.

 

[Airframes]

 

[Mainly28s]

From the SAAF Museum's page (amended slightly):

Pilot James O'Connell, was an aviation legend with over 36 years of flying experience, including 25 dedicated to experimental flight testing. With 4000+ hours on Rotary Wing and 1600+ hours on Fixed Wing aircraft, his achievements included leading testing for the South African Air Force A109 LUH helicopter and spearheading the Oryx helicopter upgrade.

James's unique experience in arctic and Antarctic operations set him apart. A retired senior officer of the South African Air Force, he advised on flight test matters and held esteemed positions in aviation associations. Most recently, James served as the Chief Flight Instructor for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA). #tfasa

 

[Gnomey]

Real shame to hear.

RIP.

 

[dcasey33]