Glenn Collins, a veteran pilot and member of the Paul Bennet Airshows' Sky Aces aerobatics team, remains in a critical but stable condition following a harrowing crash during an aerobatic display at the Avalon Airshow on Friday, March 28, 2025. The incident occurred around 5:15 PM, drawing the attention of tens of thousands of spectators who watched in horror as Collins attempted a solo aerobatic maneuver and lost control of his orange Wolf Pitts Pro aircraft, which is capable of reaching speeds of up to 414 km/h.
Witnesses reported that Collins was performing a loop when the aircraft plummeted to the ground, skidding along the tarmac and causing a minor grass fire. Emergency services were quick to respond, reaching the scene within minutes to assist the injured pilot. Collins was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne, where he was treated for serious upper and lower body injuries.
As of Saturday morning, March 29, 2025, a hospital spokesperson confirmed that Collins remains in a critical but stable condition. His extensive flying experience includes over 2,700 hours in the air and a distinguished career as an aerobatics champion, having been named the New South Wales and Australian Sportsman champion in 1997, and the Victorian Advanced champion in 1999.
The Avalon Airshow, the largest event of its kind in Australia, temporarily suspended activities following the crash, with organizers announcing the event would reopen at 8 AM on Saturday, though the flying displays were delayed until after midday. Justin Giddings, the airshow organizer, expressed gratitude for the rapid response of emergency services and emphasized that the incident occurred a significant distance away from the crowd, ensuring no other injuries were reported.
In a statement, Paul Bennet Airshows expressed their concern for Collins and his family, acknowledging the overwhelming support received from the public and medical staff. "The Bennet family and the Paul Bennet Airshows team are thinking of Glenn Collins, who remains in hospital, and his family at this time," the statement read. They also confirmed that the team would not perform at the airshow for the remainder of the weekend.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as shocking, with one spectator recalling, "The crowd was really quiet and people were just standing there waiting to hear the [pilot's] condition. There was a round of applause when they said that he is alive." Another witness noted that the plane had been flying lower than expected before crashing, adding, "It happened so quickly we didn’t know how to react." The aircraft's wreckage was moved to a hangar at Avalon for further investigation.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an investigation into the crash, collecting data from the aircraft's black box, air traffic control recordings, and eyewitness accounts. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated, "Our thoughts are with that pilot, his family, friends and colleagues, and certainly wish him all the best in his recovery at a Melbourne hospital." He urged anyone with video footage of the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The crash led to the diversion of a Jetstar flight from Sydney to Avalon, which was redirected to Melbourne's Tullamarine airport due to the incident. Despite the disruption, the airshow resumed activities on Saturday, with attendees receiving free general admission passes for Sunday in compensation for the cancellation of Friday's events.
As the aviation community rallies around Collins, messages of support have flooded social media. A friend described him as an "amazing pilot" and highlighted the tight-knit nature of the aviation community that is now united in hope for Collins' recovery. Many have expressed their disbelief at the incident, with one user commenting, "Watching the rest of the team circle above while the incident played out on the ground, unable to land... it was one of the hardest things I've ever witnessed."
Collins, who has also completed over 80 skydives, is well-regarded within the aviation community, and many are hopeful for his full recovery. As investigations continue, the airshow organizers remain focused on ensuring the safety of all participants and spectators in future events.
The Avalon Airshow, which showcases a variety of aircraft and aerial displays, is scheduled to continue until March 30, 2025. The community remains optimistic, with many attendees expressing their excitement for the remaining events while keeping Collins in their thoughts.
