SALDANHA BAY – A decorated Air Force pilot lost his life in a fatal crash during a solo aerobatic performance at the West Coast Airshow, South Africa, on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The aircraft, believed to be an Impala Mk II, went down at approximately 3 p.m., erupting into flames upon impact.
Video footage shared on social media captured the jet ascending, spinning mid-air, and plummeting before crashing near the Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the pilot was pronounced dead at the scene.
“The Impala jet hit the ground, and the pilot died on impact,” said Elowayne Gouws, director of West Coast Medical Rescue. “We found the wreckage engulfed in flames upon arrival.”
The West Coast Airshow, held over two days from March 21-22, drew thousands of spectators despite challenging weather conditions. Attendees noted that the low cloud cover initially led many to believe the event had been canceled.
“The clouds were too low, and we were told the event was off,” said Nolitha Adams, a spectator. “The pilot who died took off shortly after 2 p.m., and moments later, his aircraft went down. It was shocking.”
Witnesses reported seeing no sign of an ejection attempt before the crash. The pilot, a highly experienced Air Force veteran with nearly four decades of flight expertise, was performing the third scheduled display of the day.
Authorities have secured the crash site for an investigation led by the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID), along with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force accident unit.
“The AIID will provide a public update if necessary,” the agency stated. “A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website within 30 days.”
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that law enforcement is also involved.
“Saldanha police responded to a complaint this afternoon,” Swartbooi said. “Upon arrival at the airstrip, officers found the body of a man believed to be the pilot. He was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.”
Event organizers have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
