The aviation community is mourning the loss of decorated test pilot James O’Connell, who was killed in a catastrophic crash during the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, 112 km (70 miles) north of Cape Town. The tragic accident occurred on Saturday afternoon, when the 68-year-old Italian-made Impala Mark 1 aircraft, a retired South African Air Force (SAAF) jet, suffered a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep nose dive, crashing in a massive explosion.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene as the aircraft, piloted by O’Connell, 54, performed an inversion maneuver before plummeting to the ground. Video footage widely shared on social media captured the final moments of the plane, which appeared to struggle before crashing in a fiery explosion.
James O’Connell was a highly respected veteran pilot with a 36-year career in military and civilian aviation. He previously served in the South African Air Force for nearly three decades before joining the Test Flying Academy of South Africa (TFASA), where he worked as the chief flight instructor and head of the test pilot school. The TFASA confirmed that the Impala Mark 1 aircraft involved in the crash was part of their air show display fleet and had undergone thorough maintenance inspections prior to the event.
Veteran air show commentator Brian Emmenis, who had known O’Connell from his days as a test pilot, recalled their final conversation. “He was in a great frame of mind before the flight. As he taxied past me, I told him, ‘Have a good display, my friend.’ He replied with just one word: ‘Thanks.’” Emmenis, who was providing live commentary at the time, described the shock of watching the crash unfold in real time. “I noticed the aircraft was in a nose-down attitude, and it concerned me. I stopped talking and thought, ‘Wow, he’s low and diving too steeply.’ Moments later, I saw the explosion. I never heard the impact, but I saw the flames.”
What Went Wrong? Investigation Underway
An official investigation into the cause of the crash has been launched by South African aviation authorities. Experts have suggested that O’Connell was performing a “dirty configuration” maneuver, in which the landing gear is extended mid-flight.
“He turned the aircraft over while the undercarriage was down, which put additional drag on the plane,” Emmenis explained. “It’s unclear what went wrong, but he was a highly skilled pilot who would never attempt a maneuver beyond his ability.” Although mechanical failure has not been ruled out, Emmenis emphasized that the aircraft was in pristine condition, stating: “When the test flight school acquired the Impala, they completely stripped it down and checked for any faults. There was nothing wrong with it—it was absolutely perfect.”
The loss of O’Connell has sent shockwaves through the aviation community worldwide. Pilots and industry professionals from around the world have expressed their condolences, with the TFASA calling him a “true aviation legend”. West Coast Air Show organizer Clive Coetzee revealed the emotional impact on fellow pilots, noting that a young pilot scheduled to perform his first air show flight that same day withdrew from the event after witnessing the accident.
“The entire air show community is devastated,” Coetzee said. “James O’Connell was not just an exceptional pilot—he was a mentor and a friend to so many in aviation.” Emmenis summed up the feeling of loss in the aviation world: “Aviation is a small world. It’s a band of brothers, especially in air show flying. Only the best of the best are chosen to perform. James was one of them.” As the investigation continues, tributes continue to pour in for the respected pilot, mentor, and aviation pioneer who left an indelible mark on the industry.
