JUST PLANE TRAGIC

Tributes pour in for top test pilot after heartbreaking W. Coast Airshow crash

- BY OLUTHANDO KETEYI

WEST Coast Airshow organisers confirmed that a highly-skilled and respected test pilot James O’Connell died when he piloted the Impala Mark 1 aircraft during a display on Saturday in Saldanha Bay.

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.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Air Show South Africa (ASSA) were notified immediately, and a full investigation is currently underway.

At this stage, no further details can be confirmed until the investigation is concluded.