A serious crash at the Avalon International Airshow in Victoria has left experienced NSW stunt pilot Glenn Collins in a critical but stable condition, following a dramatic accident during an aerobatic display on Friday afternoon.
Mr Collins, a member of Paul Bennet Airshows’ Sky Aces stunt team, was performing a routine in a Pitts Special aircraft around 5:15pm when the crash occurred just a few hundred metres from spectators. He was the sole occupant of the plane.
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The aircraft was one of four participating in the display. According to the company, Glenn Collins is “one of our long-time Sky Aces pilots,” with more than 2,700 flight hours.
"The pilot is in a serious but stable condition and has been transferred to hospital for treatment," Paul Bennet Airshows said in a statement.
"Our team and families appreciate the well-wishes and support."
Witnesses Recall Shocking Moments
Spectators at the airshow described the crash as sudden and deeply alarming. Shaun Lenehan, who was watching from the crowd, said:
"Everyone stopped straight away and they rolled the fire trucks out and they kind of put a pause on everything straight away."
"It looked like it could have been a fatal crash by the way it had hit the ground and disintegrated. He was pulling out of a dive so he was going quite fast."
Andrew Pearce, another witness, said:
"He didn't just nosedive, like he kind of hit his belly. The cockpit was intact where he was but the wings were, like I don't know if they were detached from the plane, but they were like crumpled in front of the plane."
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Airshow Temporarily Halted, Resumes Saturday
Following the incident, the Avalon Airshow was closed early on Friday but resumed operations by Saturday morning. Organisers confirmed that general admission tickets would be provided for Sunday to those who left early due to the crash.
Avalon CEO Justin Giddings clarified that Mr Collins was the only person injured in the crash and praised the swift response by emergency crews:
"The incident occurred well away from the crowds in attendance and no member of the public was injured."
"Fortunately (Glenn Collins) survived and thoughts are with his family and friends and teammates at this really difficult time."
ATSB Launches Full Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said that while the initial examination of the site was complete, further analysis of the wreckage would continue in a secure hangar.
"That is all very important for us in recreating what's occurred here," Mr Mitchell said.
Several recording devices have been recovered, including footage from bystanders. Mr Mitchell urged anyone with additional recordings to submit them to the ATSB to aid in the investigation.
Paul Bennet Airshows Withdraws From Remainder of Event
In a Saturday morning update, Paul Bennet Airshows confirmed it would not be performing for the remainder of the Avalon Airshow.
"The Bennett family and the Paul Bennet Airshows team are thinking of Glenn Collins, who remains in hospital, and his family at this time."
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Mr Collins and his loved ones. The Avalon Airshow will proceed with updated safety protocols in place, and organisers reaffirm their commitment to prioritising the safety of participants and spectators alike.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
