Shock moment at airshow: Pilot fights for his life after crash
Victoria (Australia) - A dramatic accident overshadows the first public day of the Avalon Australian International Airshow in Victoria. A pilot was doing a loop when he suddenly lost control of his aerobatic airplane.
The incident occurred at around 5.15pm (local time) on Friday when the Pitts Special aerobatic plane crashed during a demonstration, ABC reports.
Eyewitnesses reported a moment of horror in the crowd as the plane crashed uncontrollably to the ground.
"The cockpit was intact where he (the pilot, editor's note) was, but the wings were ... I don't know if they were detached, but they were crumpled up in front of the plane," said a spectator, describing the dramatic scenes.
Within minutes, the event's emergency teams were on the scene to help the seriously injured pilot.
The man in his fifties was fighting for his life and was immediately flown to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. According to the police, the accident occurred some distance from the spectators and there were no other injuries.
The cause of the accident still needs to be clarified
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has already started an investigation. A group of experts will analyze flight records, maintenance logs and weather data to determine the exact cause of the accident .
The plane that crashed belonged to the Paul Bennet Airshows team, which is known for loops, rolls and dangerous head-to-head stunts. The victim was later identified as experienced pilot Glenn Collins, the Guardian reports.
The airshow has now reopened, but the Paul Bennet team has already announced that they will no longer be performing.
Collins is still in a critical but stable condition.