James O’Connell: Test pilot dies in fiery Impala Mark 1 crash at West Coast Airshow in South Africa

A “highly skilled and respected” test pilot has died after a his aircraft nose dived and exploded at an airshow in South Africa.

West Coast Airshow, which took place in Saldanha, around 112 kilometres north of Cape Town, confirmed the tragic accident on Saturday, announcing James O’Connell’s death.

“Today, during the official flying display, a fatal accident occurred involving the Impala Mark 1 aircraft, piloted by highly respected South African test pilot James O’Connell,” West Coast Airshow said in a statement.

“Despite the aircraft appearing stable through most of the performance, a sudden loss of altitude during the final manoeuvre led to a devastating crash. Emergency services responded immediately. Thankfully, no spectators were injured.”

Spectators watched on in horror as they saw the aircraft fly behind a row of aircraft hangers before a large explosion was seen.

Onlookers screamed as a voice over the loudspeaker asked them to “stay calm”.

“He went into the dirty configuration, he rolled the aircraft… he was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground,” airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the incident up close said.

“There was no sign of any attempt to eject. The crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned.”

A full investigation by ASSA and the Civil Aviation Authority is now underway.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with James’ family, loved ones, and everyone affected by this very tragic event,” an airshow spokesperson said.