A tragic accident occurred during the West Coast Airshow at Saldanha Airfield in South Africa’s Western Cape on Saturday, resulting in the death of a pilot. The aircraft involved was an Impala, carrying registration ZU-IMP.
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed the fatality, with South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) spokesperson Sisa Majola stating that investigators are gathering preliminary information alongside event safety officers.
The crash site has been secured, and the AIID will determine if a public update is necessary as the investigation progresses.
?Pilot dies in plane crash at West Coast Airshow in Saldanha???A pilot was killed when an aircraft crashed during the West Coast Airshow at the Saldanha Airfield in the Western Cape on Saturday.
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) confirmed one fatality.… pic.twitter.com/NHz4EX9Hua
— aircraftmaintenancengineer (@airmainengineer) March 22, 2025
Saldanha Airfield, West Coast, WC: aircraft crashes at airshow. pic.twitter.com/lfozOLS59N
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 22, 2025
In a separate incident, the AIID is also investigating another aircraft crash in Van Wyksdorp, Western Cape. A Beechcraft Bonanza (with registration ZS-FFG) went down during a private scenic flight from Mossel Bay Airfield, carrying one pilot and two passengers. No injuries were sustained but the aircraft received severe damage.
