Tributes have been pouring in for highly respected South African test pilot James O’Connell, who died on Saturday, March 22, 2025, after a dramatic crash at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha Bay. O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, an aircraft that had not graced the airshow circuit for many years.
According to an official statement from the event’s organizers, a sudden loss of altitude during O’Connell’s final maneuver led to the devastating crash. Eyewitnesses were taken aback as emergency services responded immediately to the scene. Fortunately, no spectators were injured in the incident, which left the crowd in shock.
Airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the tragedy unfold, provided a chilling account: “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. 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 medical attention was handed to the crowd.”
Video footage of the crash circulated widely on social media, reigniting discussions about airshow safety and the pressures on pilots during such high-stakes performances. Immediately following the incident, both Air Show South Africa (ASSA) and the Civil Aviation Authority launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
James O’Connell had a distinguished aviation career, accumulating 36 years of flight experience, 25 of which were dedicated to experimental flight testing. He had a successful record that included leading tests for the South African Air Force A109 LUH helicopter and spearheading the upgrade of the Oryx helicopter. Notably, he served as the Chief Flight Instructor for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA). At the time of the crash, he was highly regarded in the aviation community.
In a related report, the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority announced that they had arrived at Saldanha Airport to investigate the tragedy. The airshow festivities had commenced on Friday, March 21, 2025, and were abruptly halted the following day when the Impala Mark 1 crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff.
SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola stated that a preliminary report is expected to be issued 30 days from March 23. “I can confirm that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division has arrived at the site of the accident in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. They are working with the event’s safety officers to collate all of the preliminary investigation information that forms part of the investigation,” Majola said.
James O’Connell was known not only for his aviation skills but also for his warmth and dedication towards fellow aviators. Organizers and attendees of the airshow have expressed their condolences to O’Connell's family and friends. The crowd’s reaction following the crash illustrates the deep respect and admiration held for O’Connell, making it clear that his loss resonates deeply within the flying community.
The AIID is also tackling another incident, having begun investigations into a separate aircraft accident that took place in Van Wyksdorp in the Western Cape. In this case, a Beechcraft Bonanza, which was on a private scenic local flight from Mossel Bay airfield, reported an engine anomaly, necessitating a forced landing. Fortunately, the pilot and passengers were unharmed, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Authorities have assured that reports on both accidents will be made available to the public within a month. As the aviation community grieves the loss of one of its own, it remains hopeful that the ongoing investigations will lead to enhanced safety measures for future airshows, reducing the likelihood of such tragedies occurring again.
