With Heavy Hearts: Standing with James O’Connell’s Family and Our Aviation Community
PRESS RELEASE
Date: 26 March 2025
By: Suné Stassen, Media & Marketing, West Coast Airshow
We are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and condolences we have received from all corners of South Africa and beyond, following the tragic accident during the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha this past weekend.
Our hearts are with James O’Connell’s wife, Ansie, and their three children during this unimaginable time. Many spectators and aviation fans have asked us to please share their condolences with the family. Messages of sympathy have been pouring in from across the globe – a true testament to the deep impact James had on the South African aviation community and everyone who had the privilege to work with him and see him fly.
We were so excited to finally welcome James to our humble West Coast Airshow this year, especially after our 2023 invitation couldn’t materialise. As many other airshows have never had the privilege to see him perform, we knew what an honour it was to host him. James was far more than a decorated pilot; he was an inspiration to so many, a true gentleman of the skies, a national icon.
The Impala Mk I also holds a special place in the hearts of many South Africans. This was the last remaining active Impala still flying — and it had not been seen performing at airshows in nearly four years. To witness James and the Impala in flight again was incredibly special — a moment many had been looking forward to for a long time.
The Marksmen Aerobatic Team truly lifted everyone’s spirits after many cold hours of waiting — a fitting introduction and lead-up to the moment everyone had been waiting for — the long-awaited aerobatic display with James O’Connell in the cockpit of the famous Impala. We are deeply sorry that the day ended in such tragedy.
In moments like these, the seamless coordination of a trusted team is critical. From safety officers and air bosses to emergency responders and broadcast personnel, every individual had a specific responsibility and role to play in ensuring pilots and public safety and delivering support where needed. Among them were the Saldanha Bay Municipality Fire and Rescue Team and Disaster Management, SA Air Force Fire Fighters, the teams from Dynamic Security, West Coast Medical Rescue, and renowned commentator Brian Emmenis and his team from Capital Sounds, who all worked closely together to help manage the crowd and assist in getting help to those affected. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved who acted swiftly and professionally under immense pressure. Each team member contributed with dedication and composure during one of the most heartbreaking moments in our airshow’s history.
We also want to sincerely thank all the other pilots and display teams who contributed to the excitement of the day with their incredible displays. Derek Lord in the Bosbok, André Van Zyl in his Gyrocopter, Michael Basson and his RC display team, Alewyn Burger who brought the Antonov An-2, and Grant Timms who remained on stand-by — your commitment, support, and professionalism, despite the logistical and weather-related challenges, helped keep the spirit of the airshow alive. We are deeply grateful to each of you.
A heartfelt thanks to all the spectators who braved the cold and uncertain conditions with us, hoping for clear skies and exciting aerobatic displays. Thank you also to all our volunteers, service providers, stall holders, vendors, exhibitors, the drone park team, and Wacky Rides personnel, who endured wet and very cold conditions since early Thursday in order to collectively provide our spectators and visitors with a wonderful and varied experience.
To our audience — and anyone in our extended community — who may be experiencing trauma, whether mild or severe, please know that help is available. We urge you to call 012 333 6000 and ask for MAYDAY. You will be connected to highly trained professionals who are ready to support you and your loved ones through this very difficult time.
We’ve also received several questions about why the organisers continued with the show and the protocols around cancellation. It is important to clarify that once the ceremonial opening parade has taken place, the event is officially handed over to ASSA (Air Show South Africa) and other aviation safety authorities. From that point forward, a team of experts — including experienced air bosses, safety officers, and pilots — continuously assess weather and flight conditions in real-time to determine whether displays may proceed safely.
As organisers, we were constantly monitoring weather conditions at the venue and across the country. Forecasts showed improvement for Saturday, and several weather windows were predicted. While low fog moved in and out unexpectedly, we remained hopeful — alongside ASSA and aviation safety experts — that displays could go ahead safely. Like everyone else, our team had invested deeply in this event since June last year, and we were committed to making it a success while prioritising safety at every step. At one point, a weather window opened and ASSA instructed us to clear the apron in preparation for flying, but conditions shifted again almost immediately. These are incredibly complex decisions, made minute by minute with guidance from aviation authorities.
Cancelling an airshow is not a simple procedure, as there is specific protocol to follow. Even when the flying programme is delayed or affected by weather, static displays and other ground activations ensure the show continues in some capacity. It’s also crucial to understand that favourable weather conditions are not only essential at the event venue, but also at departure locations across the country to allow participating pilots and their aircraft safe passage to the West Coast. For example, the Marksmen team was only able to safely leave Morningstar late on Saturday morning due to severe weather in that area. Several other aircraft and pilots were unfortunately unable to make their way to the event for the same reason.
This weekend was meant to be a celebration of flight, heritage, and community. We are heartbroken that it turned into a day of trauma and mourning. Yet, in our grief, we are united by the legacy of a man and a machine that brought joy, awe, and pride to all who watched them perform for many years.
Fly high, James O’Connell.
You and the Impala will forever remain heroes in our skies.
Thank you to all who are standing with us.
Issued on behalf of the West Coast Airshow Organisers
For trauma support, please call 021 333 6000 and ask for MAYDAY.
For media or public enquiries, please contact media@westcoastairshow.co.za