A shocking moment unfolded at the Avalon Airshow in Victoria on Friday, when a pilot’s plane tragically crashed in front of thousands of onlookers during an aerobatic performance.
The incident occurred at around 5:15 p.m., as the Sky Aces Formation Aerobatic Team was performing a routine in the skies.
As one of the planes attempted a loop maneuver, it plummeted to the ground in a devastating crash.
A Nation Holds Its Breath as Emergency Services Respond
Immediately after the crash, the crowd fell silent in disbelief.
Airshow organizers quickly reassured the stunned audience over the loudspeaker, announcing that the pilot had survived, which was met with a wave of relief and applause.
However, emergency services confirmed that the pilot sustained serious injuries and was promptly airlifted to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities have not released further details about his condition but confirmed that he remains in serious but stable condition.
Eyewitness Recalls the Horrific Moment of the Crash
Matthew, a Melbourne local who was in attendance, described the horrifying scene to Daily Mail Australia.
“The orange plane was doing a loop, and then it didn’t pull up,” he recalled. “It just went straight into the ground.”
He explained that, moments before the crash, he had expressed to a friend that he had a bad feeling about the show. “The crowd was so silent, it was eerie,” he added.
“Everyone was watching the other three planes, but the one that crashed was doing a separate maneuver.
If it had just cleared another couple of meters, he would have made it.”
Emergency Response at the Scene
Emergency responders were quick to arrive at the scene, with two vehicles rushing to the crash site.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics were dispatched at approximately 5:35 p.m.
“The pilot sustained upper and lower body injuries and is in serious condition,” an Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said.
“An air ambulance was sent to the scene.” Victoria Police also responded to the incident, with authorities confirming that the crash occurred well away from the spectator area, preventing any further injuries.
However, the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Airshow Cancelled After Tragic Incident
Following the incident, the remaining flights for the day were canceled, leaving the crowd in shock.
Investigations are underway to determine the circumstances that led to the crash.
Despite the tragedy, the quick response from emergency services and the positive news about the pilot’s survival offer some comfort to the audience and all those involved.