WEST COAST AIRSHOW ACCIDENT REPORT – 22 March 2025 – Saldanha Bay Airfield
Date: 22 March 2025
Location: Saldanha Bay Airfield
By: Suné Stassen, Media & Marketing, West Coast Airshow
It is with profound sadness that the organisers of the West Coast Airshow confirm a fatal accident involving James O’Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa, when he piloted the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during today’s display in Saldanha.
Mr. O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1—a beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans – 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.
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. The following quote was provided by airshow commentator Brian Emmenis, who witnessed the event in real-time: “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.”
The event’s emergency response plan was activated instantly. First responders were on scene within moments, and the area was immediately secured to ensure the safety of all attendees. Thankfully, no spectators were injured during the incident. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) have been notified immediately, and a full investigation is currently underway.
At this stage, no further details can be confirmed until the investigation is concluded. The organisers extend their deepest condolences to Mr. O’Connell’s family, friends, and aviation colleagues. The organisers want to express their deep gratitude to their emergency teams and service providers for their swift and professional response, and we ask for privacy and understanding as the aviation community comes to terms with this tragic loss.
Further updates will be shared as official information becomes available.
For interviews please contact Brian Emmenis, the Airshow commentator:
For media inquiries, please contact West Coast Airshow Media & Marketing at
📩 media@westcoastairshow.co.za or call 📞 +27 84 623 2466