A shocking incident unfolded at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria on Friday, where a pilot is now fighting for his life after his plane crashed during a routine aerobatic display.
The crowd of thousands watched in disbelief as the aircraft plummeted to the ground while performing a maneuver at about 5:15 PM.
A Terrifying Moment for Onlookers
The crash occurred while the Sky Aces Formation Aerobatic Team was performing, and the audience was left in stunned silence after seeing one of the planes fail to pull up during a loop.
Eyewitness Matthew from Melbourne recalled the horrifying moment, describing how the orange plane didn’t pull out of its loop and instead spiraled directly into the ground.
“I had a bad feeling before we arrived, and then it happened,” Matthew shared.
He mentioned that the crowd had been eagerly anticipating the performance by a father-son duo, but the mood quickly shifted after the crash.
“It was eerie. Everyone went completely silent,” Matthew added.
While other planes were performing separate stunts, the one that crashed was off to the side, completing a solo loop.
If the pilot had been just a few meters higher, Matthew believes he could have safely completed the maneuver.
Emergency Response and Pilot’s Condition
Two emergency vehicles quickly rushed to the scene, and paramedics arrived shortly after 5:30 PM.
An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed that the pilot, a man in his 50s, had suffered serious upper and lower body injuries.
He was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in critical condition.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of other injuries, as the crash occurred a significant distance from the spectators.
Airshow Suspended as Investigation Begins
In response to the incident, the airshow organizers decided to halt the day’s activities.
Justin Giddings, CEO of the Avalon Airshow’s organizer, AMDA Foundation, expressed support for the pilot and his team.
“Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family, friends, and colleagues,” Giddings said. He also confirmed that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau would be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Despite the tragic event, preparations are underway to resume the airshow the following morning, pending confirmation from authorities.
As the investigation continues, the airshow community remains hopeful for the pilot’s recovery, with all eyes on the forthcoming inquiry into the accident’s circumstances.