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Pilot dies during air show crash in South Africa, chilling video goes viral

The South African Civil Aviation Authority and the South African Air Force’s accident unit are investigating the incident.

The viral footage captures the plane spinning in mid-air before crashing to the ground (Image source: @SpaethFlies/X)

A pilot lost his life when his plane crashed at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, on Saturday. The Impala MKII was piloted by a seasoned air force veteran. Sky News reported that though he attempted to eject, the pilot did not survive.

The crash occurred within the designated flying zone, and no other casualty was reported. The South African Civil Aviation Authority and the South African Air Force’s accident unit are investigating the incident, the report said.

A viral video has captured the plane spinning in mid-air before crashing to the ground. Sharing the video on X, a Germany-based aviation journalist wrote, “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.”

Watch here:

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

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In a statement posted on social media, the event’s organisers identified the pilot as James O’Connell. “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.

The statement further said that O’Connell was performing a routine display to showcase the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, a cherished warbird with significant historical meaning for many South Africans. The manoeuvres were part of the official air show programme and were observed by thousands of spectators.

During one of the final manoeuvres, the plane suddenly lost altitude, entered a steep dive, and crashed into the ground.