A plane has crashed during the Avalon Australian International Airshow, leaving the pilot with serious injuries. The incident occurred on March 28, 2025, at approximately 5:15 PM local time, as the aircraft was performing acrobatic maneuvers before a large crowd at Avalon Airport, located about an hour’s drive south-west of Melbourne.
The aircraft, part of the Sky Aces Formation Aerobatic Team, lost control while executing a loop and crashed into the tarmac. Emergency services were quick to respond, with Ambulance Victoria confirming that the pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, sustained serious upper and lower body injuries. An air ambulance was dispatched to the scene, and the pilot was reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses described the moment of the crash as shocking. Spectator Geoff Crane, who traveled from Canberra to attend the show, recounted the scene: “I was sort of more watching the three, but the one that was by itself caught my eye. It was tumbling along the ground … dirt was being thrown up and it stopped very, very suddenly.” The crowd gasped as the plane hit the ground, and many were visibly shaken by the event.
Victoria Police confirmed that the incident occurred a significant distance away from spectators, and thankfully, there were no reports of additional injuries among the crowd. However, the atmosphere turned somber as thousands of attendees awaited news about the pilot’s condition.
“The incident occurred a significant distance away from spectators and there have been no reports of further injuries,” a police spokesperson stated. Despite the distance, the visual and auditory impact of the crash was profound, leading to a moment of silence among the crowd as they processed what had just occurred.
The Avalon Australian International Airshow is a major event in the aviation calendar, showcasing a variety of aerial displays and attracting approximately 250,000 spectators over its six-day run. The airshow is noted as the largest international airshow and aerospace and defense exposition in the Southern Hemisphere. It was set to conclude on Sunday evening, March 30, 2025.
Following the crash, all flying displays were immediately suspended, and the airshow was closed for the day. Transportation services were also affected, with V/Line, the regional train service, announcing that Avalon services were only operating in one direction due to the incident. A spokesperson for the transport department urged event patrons to remain patient as tens of thousands attempted to leave the venue simultaneously.
“We ask event patrons to remain patient as tens of thousands try to leave at the same time,” the spokesperson said. “It will take considerable time for everyone to depart the event site, unfortunately, delays are unavoidable.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has been notified of the incident and is expected to conduct an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash. Eyewitness accounts, including those from Crane, will likely play a significant role in the investigation.
Crane described the emotional response of the crowd, stating, “It was awful. They were telling us on the commentary that the team of four pilots are all family.” This sense of community among the pilots added to the emotional weight of the incident, as attendees expressed concern for the well-being of the pilot.
The Avalon Airshow had just opened its gates to the public earlier that day, following several trade days earlier in the week. The unexpected crash marred what was meant to be a thrilling day of aviation displays. “It was a very sad end to what was a thrilling day,” Crane remarked, reflecting on the abrupt shift from excitement to tragedy.
As the investigation unfolds, the airshow organizers and the aviation community are left grappling with the implications of this incident. The safety of aerial performances is always a top priority, and this crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in such high-stakes demonstrations.
In the wake of the crash, attendees expressed their hopes for the pilot’s recovery and shared their thoughts on the safety measures in place at airshows. Many called for a thorough review of safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While the airshow is an opportunity for aviation enthusiasts to witness incredible feats of skill and precision, the tragic events of March 28 remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of safety in all aspects of aviation.
As the dust settles on this tragic event, the aviation community and the public alike await further information regarding the pilot's condition and the findings of the ongoing investigation. For now, the airshow is left to reflect on the day's events and honor the dedication of those who take to the skies.
