PILOT James O'Connell has been described as an aviation legend with over 36 years of flying experience, including 25 dedicated to experimental flight testing, and his unique experience in arctic and Antarctic operations set him apart.
Condolences poured in following the tragic death of O'Connell on board an Impala Mark 1, a vintage military aircraft, during the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha at the weekend.
The South African Civil Aviation (CAA) and police are investigating.
The CAA said its Authority Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) was looking into the incident with preliminary findings to be released publicly in 30 days.
According to organisers, O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1.
“It was especially a huge moment because the Impala has not been seen performing at airshows for many years. The manoeuvres were being executed as part of the official airshow program, witnessed by thousands of spectators,” airshow organisers said.
Eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft appeared to be under control during most of the display. However, during one of the final manoeuvres, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive before making contact with the ground.
“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,” said airshow commentator Brian Emmenis.
The CAA said the AIID was working with the event safety officers to collate preliminary information.
Police confirmed an inquest had been registered after O’Connell was declared dead on the scene.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation. Saldanha police responded to a complaint (Saturday) afternoon. Upon arrival at an air strip they found the body of a man, believed to be the pilot of an aircraft,” police spokesperson, Joseph Swartbooi said.
The South African Air Force Museum paid tribute to O’Connell.
“RIP to a legend and condolences to his family and friends. Pilot James O'Connell, an aviation legend with over 36 years of flying experience, including 25 dedicated to experimental flight testing. James is set to deliver an unparalleled display of skill. With 4000+ hours on Rotary Wing and 1600+ hours on Fixed Wing aircraft, his achievements include leading testing for the South African Air Force A109 LUH helicopter and spearheading the Oryx helicopter upgrade.
"But that's not all, James's unique experience in arctic and Antarctic operations sets him apart. A retired senior officer of the South African Air Force, he advises on flight test matters and holds esteemed positions in aviation associations. Presently, James serve(d) as the Chief Flight Instructor for the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA).”
Cape Times