|
|
|
|
|
4 April 2025
|
Veteran retired South African Air Force test pilot tragically dies after fatal Impala crash, Saldanha
|
|
Experienced test pilot, James O’Connell, was killed at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha on Saturday, 22 March 2025, when the Impala Mk I aircraft he was piloting crashed during a display. Air show organisers said in a statement following the accident that O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mk I, an ex-South African Air Force jet trainer with historical significance for many South Africans. “It was especially a huge moment because the Impala has not been seen performing at air shows for many years. The manoeuvres were being executed as part of the official air show programme, witnessed by thousands of spectators,” the organisers said.
Eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft (registration ZU-IMP) 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. O’Connell, the sole occupant on board the two-seater, died instantly.
According to air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the event in real-time, “He went into the dirty configuration, 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.”
First responders were on scene within moments, and the area was immediately secured. No spectators were injured during the incident. The air show was halted immediately following the incident.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) have been notified, and a full investigation is currently underway. “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 safety officers to collate all of the preliminary information that forms part of the investigation where a report will be issued in 30 days from the day of the accident,” said CAA spokesperson Sisa Majola.
West Coast Air Show organisers extended their condolences to O’Connell’s family, friends, and aviation colleagues. Tributes poured in from others, with the South African Air Force Museum labelling him “an aviation legend” with over 36 years of flying experience, including 25 dedicated to experimental flight testing.
O’Connell had logged over 4 000 hours on rotary-wing aircraft and over 1 600 hours on fixed-wing aircraft by the time of his death. O’Connell’s expertise was instrumental in testing the South African Air Force A109 LUH helicopter and he worked on the Oryx helicopter upgrade during his time in the South African Air Force.
He was serving as the Chief Flight Instructor at the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), joining the TFASA in 2014.
Message from the South African Air Force
The South African Air Force mourns the loss of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James O’Connell, a veteran Experimental Test Pilot who tragically lost his life during an air show accident on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha Airfield.
Renowned for his exceptional skill, dedication and passion for Flight Testing, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell was a pivotal figure in advancing South Africa’s aviation capabilities, particularly in the field of flight testing.
The accident, allegedly occurred during a routine demonstration flight of a privately owned Impala Mk I aircraft at the West Coast air show. Despite the swift response of emergency services, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell’s distinguished career spanned over 28 years in the South African Air Force. He graduated as a test pilot from the prestigious Empire Test Pilots' School in the United Kingdom in 1996 and served in the South African Air Force until December 2013. He also received the Pro Patria medal, the 10-year Good Service medal, the 20-year Service medal and the General Service medal. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the development and enhancement of critical air and weapon systems.
He was the project Test Pilot for the Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter, where he deployed to Italy, ultimately ensuring that the helicopters meet the SA Air Force’s operational and contractual requirements. After the tour, he served as the project Test Pilot for the Oryx Medium Transport Helicopter mid-life upgrade. He was appointed as the Chief Test Pilot of the Test Flight and Development Centre where he also assisted with flight testing of the Rooivalk Attack Helicopter.
His exemplary service was recognised multiple times at Air Force Base Overberg with the John Bishop Flight Tester of the Year Award, honouring his exceptional flight test skills and technical expertise.
Colonel Mark Gomez, Officer Commanding of Air Force Base Overberg, the home of flight testing in the SA Air Force, paid tribute, stating, “Lieutenant Colonel O’Connell was an exceptional aviator and flight tester. His contributions to the SA Air Force will be remembered for years to come, and his loss leaves a profound void in the flight test community.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell leaves behind a legacy of principle-centred, uncompromising flight test conduct, innovation, and unwavering service to the operational line. The South African Air Force extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Ansie, and their three sons, James, Christiaan and Daniël, who sacrificed a lot to support Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell during his SA Air Force career. Our hearts also go out to family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
A memorial service for Lieutenant Colonel O’Connell will be held on Monday, 7 April 2025, at 15h00 in the TFASA hanger, Oudtshoorn Airfield.”
Information by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kobus Meyer (Chief Test Pilot) and Lieutenant Colonel Barend Bezuidenhout (Chief Test Engineer); Air Force Base Overberg and photo supplied by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kobus Meyer.
Understanding the factors behind the fatal crash of pilot James O'Connell
In light of the tragic death of experienced pilot James O'Connell, who crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, aviation expert Dr. Guy Leitch has provided important insights into the critical factors that contributed to the fatal incident.
O'Connell, a decorated South African Air Force pilot, was performing a routine display on a retired military aircraft when it suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive. Tragically, he did not survive the crash.
Dr Leitch explained that while well-designed and certified aircraft are generally safe, the real danger arises from performing manoeuvres at low altitudes.
Leitch explained the key concept here is that any well-designed aircraft, approved and certified by authorities, is safe when operated correctly. “If a manoeuvre is initiated at 5 000 feet above the ground, there is ample room to recover if something goes wrong. Test flights are typically conducted at very high altitudes to ensure that pilots have enough space for recovery in case of issues.”
He stated that the minimum altitude for an air show manoeuvre depends on how well the pilot has been able to safely demonstrate the aircraft.
Some pilots even have a so-called 'zero-rating' which means they can do low level aerobatics down to the ground.
James O'Connell, the pilot in question, was highly experienced — an instructor who had flown many different types of jets and helicopters.
Despite his expertise, aviation is unforgiving and even a small mistake at low altitude leaves little room for recovery.
As Leitch explained, when the plane got too slow and stalled during a roll, it ran out of airspace, and at such low altitudes, there’s no margin for error. “Fast jets, especially, lose altitude rapidly if something goes wrong.”
Leitch shared that, while watching the tragic scene unfold, he, like any other experienced aviation expert, immediately noticed that the speed was too low. “The pilot started the manoeuvre too slowly and was running out of speed as he came out of the manoeuvre, which contributed to the tragic outcome. In this particular case, the manoeuvre went wrong at around 300 to 500 feet of altitude. The nose of the aircraft dropped, and it began to descend."
He explained that the pilot appears to have started the manoeuvre too slowly and was running out of speed as he came out of it, contributing to the aircraft’s loss of control.”
This tragic incident brings to mind many other examples such as South Africa's Red Bull air race pilot Glen Dell, who also died during an air show. “One of the key questions is the minimum altitude for performing such manoeuvres. Should it be set at 500 or 1,000 feet above the ground? The minimum altitude, in simple terms, is the safety margin — the lowest altitude at which a pilot can safely manoeuvre the aircraft,” Leitch said.
Linden Burns, Managing Director of Talking Planes, explained the next steps in the investigation process, emphasising that he was not present on the fatal day and would not speculate on what the cause is.
Burns clarified that air accident investigations are thorough and can take months, or even years, to complete.
The investigators will examine various factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, the pilot's training, weather conditions, and decisions made by the air show director.
Burns concluded that a preliminary report is typically published within 30 days, but the final investigation report, detailing the exact cause of the accident, could take up to a year to complete.
Spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), said SACAA ensures pilots maintain necessary skills by requiring them to meet recent and currency standards, undergo proficiency checks, medical tests, and flight assessments.
He said display pilots, such as those flying the Impala, also undergo a validation process and are subject to mentoring to ensure safety and proficiency.
Majola added that pilots face specific challenges during display flying, including strict adherence to flight sequences and safety standards monitored by a Flight Display Director (FDD) and Safety Officer (FDSO) and said If a pilot fails to meet these standards, they are not permitted to participate.
Majola explained SACAA’s regulatory standards for display pilots are rigorous, with validation flights and oversight by experienced examiners before any event.
He highlighted that South Africa’s Air Show standards are recognized globally, ranking among the best, according to international airshow councils and acknowledged that while these measures reduce risks, there is no system that can entirely eliminate the potential for accidents, which must be carefully managed, including environmental factors.
"In light of recent incidents, SACAA’s existing training frameworks are deemed sufficient, though continuous improvement in safety standards remains a priority," Majola said.
Fly high, James O’Connell.
You and the Impala will forever remain heroes in our skies. ~ West Coast Air Show
Source: Defence Web, South African Defence Force, Cape Argus
Eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft (registration ZU-IMP) 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. O’Connell, the sole occupant on board the two-seater, died instantly.
According to air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the event in real-time, “He went into the dirty configuration, 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.”
First responders were on scene within moments, and the area was immediately secured. No spectators were injured during the incident. The air show was halted immediately following the incident.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) have been notified, and a full investigation is currently underway. “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 safety officers to collate all of the preliminary information that forms part of the investigation where a report will be issued in 30 days from the day of the accident,” said CAA spokesperson Sisa Majola.
West Coast Air Show organisers extended their condolences to O’Connell’s family, friends, and aviation colleagues. Tributes poured in from others, with the South African Air Force Museum labelling him “an aviation legend” with over 36 years of flying experience, including 25 dedicated to experimental flight testing.
O’Connell had logged over 4 000 hours on rotary-wing aircraft and over 1 600 hours on fixed-wing aircraft by the time of his death. O’Connell’s expertise was instrumental in testing the South African Air Force A109 LUH helicopter and he worked on the Oryx helicopter upgrade during his time in the South African Air Force.
He was serving as the Chief Flight Instructor at the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), joining the TFASA in 2014.
Message from the South African Air Force
The South African Air Force mourns the loss of Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) James O’Connell, a veteran Experimental Test Pilot who tragically lost his life during an air show accident on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha Airfield.
Renowned for his exceptional skill, dedication and passion for Flight Testing, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell was a pivotal figure in advancing South Africa’s aviation capabilities, particularly in the field of flight testing.
The accident, allegedly occurred during a routine demonstration flight of a privately owned Impala Mk I aircraft at the West Coast air show. Despite the swift response of emergency services, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell succumbed to his injuries.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell’s distinguished career spanned over 28 years in the South African Air Force. He graduated as a test pilot from the prestigious Empire Test Pilots' School in the United Kingdom in 1996 and served in the South African Air Force until December 2013. He also received the Pro Patria medal, the 10-year Good Service medal, the 20-year Service medal and the General Service medal. During his tenure, he played a vital role in the development and enhancement of critical air and weapon systems.
He was the project Test Pilot for the Agusta A109 Light Utility Helicopter, where he deployed to Italy, ultimately ensuring that the helicopters meet the SA Air Force’s operational and contractual requirements. After the tour, he served as the project Test Pilot for the Oryx Medium Transport Helicopter mid-life upgrade. He was appointed as the Chief Test Pilot of the Test Flight and Development Centre where he also assisted with flight testing of the Rooivalk Attack Helicopter.
His exemplary service was recognised multiple times at Air Force Base Overberg with the John Bishop Flight Tester of the Year Award, honouring his exceptional flight test skills and technical expertise.
Colonel Mark Gomez, Officer Commanding of Air Force Base Overberg, the home of flight testing in the SA Air Force, paid tribute, stating, “Lieutenant Colonel O’Connell was an exceptional aviator and flight tester. His contributions to the SA Air Force will be remembered for years to come, and his loss leaves a profound void in the flight test community.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell leaves behind a legacy of principle-centred, uncompromising flight test conduct, innovation, and unwavering service to the operational line. The South African Air Force extends its deepest condolences to his wife, Ansie, and their three sons, James, Christiaan and Daniël, who sacrificed a lot to support Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) O’Connell during his SA Air Force career. Our hearts also go out to family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
A memorial service for Lieutenant Colonel O’Connell will be held on Monday, 7 April 2025, at 15h00 in the TFASA hanger, Oudtshoorn Airfield.”
Information by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kobus Meyer (Chief Test Pilot) and Lieutenant Colonel Barend Bezuidenhout (Chief Test Engineer); Air Force Base Overberg and photo supplied by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kobus Meyer.
Understanding the factors behind the fatal crash of pilot James O'Connell
In light of the tragic death of experienced pilot James O'Connell, who crashed during a performance at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, aviation expert Dr. Guy Leitch has provided important insights into the critical factors that contributed to the fatal incident.
O'Connell, a decorated South African Air Force pilot, was performing a routine display on a retired military aircraft when it suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive. Tragically, he did not survive the crash.
Dr Leitch explained that while well-designed and certified aircraft are generally safe, the real danger arises from performing manoeuvres at low altitudes.
Leitch explained the key concept here is that any well-designed aircraft, approved and certified by authorities, is safe when operated correctly. “If a manoeuvre is initiated at 5 000 feet above the ground, there is ample room to recover if something goes wrong. Test flights are typically conducted at very high altitudes to ensure that pilots have enough space for recovery in case of issues.”
He stated that the minimum altitude for an air show manoeuvre depends on how well the pilot has been able to safely demonstrate the aircraft.
Some pilots even have a so-called 'zero-rating' which means they can do low level aerobatics down to the ground.
James O'Connell, the pilot in question, was highly experienced — an instructor who had flown many different types of jets and helicopters.
Despite his expertise, aviation is unforgiving and even a small mistake at low altitude leaves little room for recovery.
As Leitch explained, when the plane got too slow and stalled during a roll, it ran out of airspace, and at such low altitudes, there’s no margin for error. “Fast jets, especially, lose altitude rapidly if something goes wrong.”
Leitch shared that, while watching the tragic scene unfold, he, like any other experienced aviation expert, immediately noticed that the speed was too low. “The pilot started the manoeuvre too slowly and was running out of speed as he came out of the manoeuvre, which contributed to the tragic outcome. In this particular case, the manoeuvre went wrong at around 300 to 500 feet of altitude. The nose of the aircraft dropped, and it began to descend."
He explained that the pilot appears to have started the manoeuvre too slowly and was running out of speed as he came out of it, contributing to the aircraft’s loss of control.”
This tragic incident brings to mind many other examples such as South Africa's Red Bull air race pilot Glen Dell, who also died during an air show. “One of the key questions is the minimum altitude for performing such manoeuvres. Should it be set at 500 or 1,000 feet above the ground? The minimum altitude, in simple terms, is the safety margin — the lowest altitude at which a pilot can safely manoeuvre the aircraft,” Leitch said.
Linden Burns, Managing Director of Talking Planes, explained the next steps in the investigation process, emphasising that he was not present on the fatal day and would not speculate on what the cause is.
Burns clarified that air accident investigations are thorough and can take months, or even years, to complete.
The investigators will examine various factors, including the aircraft’s maintenance history, the pilot's training, weather conditions, and decisions made by the air show director.
Burns concluded that a preliminary report is typically published within 30 days, but the final investigation report, detailing the exact cause of the accident, could take up to a year to complete.
Spokesperson for the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), said SACAA ensures pilots maintain necessary skills by requiring them to meet recent and currency standards, undergo proficiency checks, medical tests, and flight assessments.
He said display pilots, such as those flying the Impala, also undergo a validation process and are subject to mentoring to ensure safety and proficiency.
Majola added that pilots face specific challenges during display flying, including strict adherence to flight sequences and safety standards monitored by a Flight Display Director (FDD) and Safety Officer (FDSO) and said If a pilot fails to meet these standards, they are not permitted to participate.
Majola explained SACAA’s regulatory standards for display pilots are rigorous, with validation flights and oversight by experienced examiners before any event.
He highlighted that South Africa’s Air Show standards are recognized globally, ranking among the best, according to international airshow councils and acknowledged that while these measures reduce risks, there is no system that can entirely eliminate the potential for accidents, which must be carefully managed, including environmental factors.
"In light of recent incidents, SACAA’s existing training frameworks are deemed sufficient, though continuous improvement in safety standards remains a priority," Majola said.
Fly high, James O’Connell.
You and the Impala will forever remain heroes in our skies. ~ West Coast Air Show
Source: Defence Web, South African Defence Force, Cape Argus
