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On March 22, 2025, a tragic accident at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, South Africa, claimed the life of esteemed test pilot James O’Connell. The incident occurred as O’Connell was demonstrating the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 aircraft, a display that had drawn thousands of spectators eager to witness the return of this historic warbird to the skies.
Eyewitnesses reported that the performance proceeded smoothly until one of the final maneuvers, during which the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and entered a steep dive, crashing into the ground and erupting into flames. Emergency services responded promptly, but O’Connell was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported among the attendees.
James O’Connell was a decorated, retired officer of the South African Air Force with over 36 years of flight experience, including more than 4,000 hours on rotary-wing aircraft and 1,600 hours on fixed-wing aircraft. South Africa
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force’s accident … have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
This incident has cast a somber shadow over the aviation community and the nation, as they mourn the loss of a highly respected pilot. The organizers of the West Coast Air Show extended their deepest condolences to O’Connell’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
