A tragic incident brought the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha Bay to a halt on Saturday, 22 March 2025, after a pilot died when his aircraft crashed during an aerial display.
Saldanha Airshow incident: Here’s everything we know
The pilot, who has not yet been officially named, was flying an Impala Mk1 jet when the aircraft descended uncontrollably and exploded on impact.
West Coast Medical Rescue director Elowayne Gouws told News24 the crash occurred shortly after 15:00.
“The Impala jet hit the ground. The pilot died on impact. West Coast Medical Rescue arrived within two minutes and found the wreckage engulfed in flames,” Gouws told the media.
Footage shared on social media captured the moment the aircraft spun mid-air before plunging to the ground and erupting into flames. The video, taken by a spectator at the event, has since been widely circulated.
As of now, the organisers of the West Coast Air Show have not released an official statement regarding the crash or its implications on the remainder of the event.
The aircraft involved in the incident is believed to be an Impala Mk1, a jet that was historically used by the South African Air Force.
The Impala Mk1 is a single-seat jet trainer developed from the Aermacchi MB-326 and used extensively from the 1960s through to the early 2000s.
It is known for its agility and was often employed in training and light attack roles.
Though retired from active military use, several units are still flown by private aviation enthusiasts and featured in air shows for their historic value and performance capabilities.
The West Coast Air Show, hosted at the Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport, is an annual two-day event that showcases a range of aircraft and aerobatic displays.
Scheduled for 21 and 22 March 2025, this year’s edition featured both civilian and historic military aircraft, drawing crowds from across the Western Cape.
The incident has cast a sombre tone over what was meant to be a celebration of aviation. Emergency personnel and law enforcement remain on site.
As this is a developing story, further details regarding the cause of the crash are expected in due course.