Messages of condolences have been pouring in following the tragic death of veteran South African pilot James O’Connell, who was killed in an aircraft crash at the West Coast Airshow in Saldanha Bay on Saturday.

Widely shared videos on social media captured the heart-stopping moment when the Impala MK 1 ascended, spun mid-air, and then plunged into the ground, bursting into flames upon impact. Thousands of spectators watched in horror as the aircraft, which had been performing a routine demonstration of the plane’s capabilities, lost altitude and crashed.

A loss to South African aviation

O’Connell, a highly respected test pilot with over 36 years of flying experience—including 25 years as an experimental test pilot—was performing a carefully choreographed display when tragedy struck. He was the Chief Flight Instructor at the Test Flying Academy of South Africa and had a deep-rooted passion for aviation.

“It is with profound sadness that the organisers of the West Coast Airshow confirm the fatal accident involving James O’Connell,” the organisers of the West Coast Airshow said in a statement.

Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft appeared stable for most of the performance but suddenly lost altitude in its final manoeuvres. Airshow commentator Brian Emmenis described the fateful moment: “He was in a serious deep dive and went straight into the ground. There was no sign of any attempt to eject. The crowd remained behind the barriers, totally stunned.”

Emergency services responded immediately, but O’Connell was pronounced dead at the scene. No one on the ground was injured.

Investigation underway 

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has launched an investigation into the crash. Its Accident and Incident Investigations Division will compile a report, expected to be published within 30 days of the accident.

SACAA spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed that the site has been secured pending further analysis. “A preliminary report will be published on the SACAA website 30 days from the day of the accident,” he said.

Race row erupts after pilot’s death 

In the wake of the tragedy, a social media firestorm erupted after conservative politician Dan Roodt falsely claimed that the pilot was a black individual appointed on racial grounds. His now-deleted tweet sparked widespread backlash, with prominent South Africans, including Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane and former swimming champion Roland Schoeman, condemning his remarks as racist and inflammatory.

Maimane stated: “You rushed to assume that the pilot was Black, that he was incompetent, and appointed because of affirmative action. Those three assertions made in public were malicious and mendacious.”

Schoeman also criticised Roodt, saying, “You posted something vile about a dead pilot without knowing the facts. No apology. No retraction. Just a silent delete. Moral cowardice dressed up as conviction is still cowardice.”

Public reaction was swift, with many social media users calling for accountability. Some urged the South African Human Rights Commission to take legal action against Roodt for spreading racially divisive misinformation.

The state of the South African Air Force

O’Connell’s tragic death comes at a time when South Africa’s aviation sector, particularly its military wing, faces mounting challenges. According to a recent New24 investigation, the South African Air Force (SAAF) is in a dire state, with only six out of more than 330 aircraft currently operational. This includes one helicopter, two fighter jets, and three jet trainers.

Three years ago, in response to a question from the DA’s Kobus Marais,  then-defence minister Thandi Modise revealed in Parliament that 330 aircraft had been grounded due to financial constraints, leaving the SAAF with little to no combat readiness. Today, the situation has worsened.

“The SANDF has deteriorated to such an extent it cannot defend the country,” said Kobus Marais, a recently retired member of Parliament who was the DA’s shadow defence minister. “Major equipment is not working. There is no air force and no navy.”

South Africa’s reliance on outdated equipment and a severe lack of funding have crippled the country’s military aviation capabilities. The Rooivalk attack helicopters, once a source of national pride, have been grounded due to a lack of maintenance for the last two years. Meanwhile, the Oryx helicopter fleet of 39 helicopters, which played a critical role in peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012, is now mostly inoperative. None of the 39 helicopters have been in service for the last two years. 

The impact of these failures was painfully evident in recent combat operations in the DRC, where South African troops had to rely on foreign air support. Defence analyst Helmoed-Römer Heitman emphasised the gravity of the situation: “No matter how good you are [as a soldier], without air support you are buggered.”

A wake-up call for South African aviation?

O’Connell’s death highlights not just the dangers of high-performance flying but also the broader challenges facing South African aviation. His loss is a tragic reminder of the risks pilots take, but it also raises pressing questions about the state of the country’s air force and aviation industry.

As investigations continue into the cause of the crash, many in the aviation community hope this tragedy will serve as a wake-up call for greater investment in aviation safety, military readiness, and the preservation of South Africa’s proud flying heritage.

Emma@explain.co.za |  + posts

Emma is a freshly graduated Journalist from Stellenbosch University, who also holds an Honours in history. She joined the explain team, eager to provide thorough and truthful information and connect with her generation.