Cape Town – A tragic accident occurred at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha on Saturday when an Impala jet crashed and burst into flames in front of over 2,000 spectators, cutting the event short.
The pilot died on impact, according to Elowayne Gouws, director of West Coast Medical Rescue, IOL reported.
The air show, which began on Friday, March 21, faced challenges in confirming the daily lineup due to unpredictable coastal weather, including sea fog and sudden wind gusts.
Tragic Aircraft Crash at West Coast Airshow in Saldanha Bay
A heartbreaking incident occurred today, March 22, 2025, at the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha Bay, Western Cape, where an Impala jet crashed during a live demonstration.Eyewitnesses report that the aircraft spun… pic.twitter.com/Dsp6hO1W7f
— BCD NEWS (@BCDNEWS01234567) March 22, 2025
Organisers, led by Rickus Erasmus and Air Show South Africa (ASSA), adjusted the flight program throughout the day based on weather conditions and safety considerations.
“There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala aircraft (Registration: ZU-IMP). The AIID is working with the event safety officers to collate preliminary information,” said South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACCA) head of communication Sisa Majola, according to Times Live.
Tragic crash of 1970s light combat aircraft Impala ZU-IMP today at Saldanha Airshow in #SouthAfrica. I attended the show, due to low ceiling only very limited flights. Had inspected the plane this morning, but had left when it happened. Pilot died 😭 #aircrash #avgeek pic.twitter.com/pExY9qt33M
— Andreas Spaeth (@SpaethFlies) March 22, 2025
Authorities have secured the crash site while awaiting the investigation team. The Aviation Investigations and Incident Directorate (AIID) will provide public updates if necessary, he said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: X/@SAPoliceService
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
