Airshow crash investigation finds pyrotechnics set-up delayed emergency response to pilot

An investigation has revealed that the stunt pilot who crashed at the Avalon Airshow had to wait for emergency assistance after crashing amidst fuel boxes and pyrotechnics.

An Avalon Airshow stunt pilot who crashed to the ground in front of shocked spectators waited 10 minutes for paramedics to reach him because he crashed among pyrotechnics and boxes of fuel.

A preliminary report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau into the crash shows the first ambulance reached the crash site at 5.31pm, about 10 minutes after Glenn Collins’ plane plummeted.

The report – which does not include final findings or analysis – also highlights how an on-board GoPro camera is aiding in the investigation.

Mr Collins miraculously survived the crash that saw his Pitts-type aircraft, which was part of the Sky Aces formation aerobatics team, slam into the earth leaving a 95-metre “ground scar”.

The plane came down in an area where multiple pyrotechnics were set up, and boxes of fuel set aside for a “wall of fire” planned for later that evening.

The location of the crash hindered initial rescue efforts, delaying emergency services from reaching Mr Collins.

An ATSB graphic shows where the plane crashed next to a pyrotechnics display. Picture: ATSB

The airshow’s emergency response plans and actions will also be reviewed by the ATSB as part of the ongoing investigation, with it revealed pyrotechnicians were the first on scene to assist the pilot.

Investigator in charge Angus Baxter said first responders couldn’t take the most direct route to get to the seriously injured pilot.

“As pyrotechnicians were attending to the pilot, they were unable to safely guide the aviation rescue firefighting service through the pyrotechnicians’ area, which increased their response times,” he said.

The plane’s impact left a 95m ground scar on the earth. Picture: David Caird

The pyrotechnicians reported that the canopy of the aircraft was hard to open and there was no “obvious mechanism or external signage” to assist with opening it.

The report also said a GoPro was located inside the cockpit, allowing investigators to view Collins’ gauges during the flight.

Reviewing training tapes and comparing them to footage on the GoPro have helped with some initial discoveries – namely, that Mr Collins appeared to start the manoeuvre 100 feet lower than intended, and that he started the “triple avalanche” trick somewhere between 700 and 800 feet, rather than at the expected 800 feet.

On-board GoPro footage showing Glenn Collins begin the Triple Avalanche lower than in practice videos. Picture: ATSB

Mr Baxter said they were looking at all video of the day to help determine what occurred, with no evidence of the plane being defective before takeoff apparent.

“We can determine any of the key elements of the flight path, such as the position and the nose attitude of the aircraft throughout the manoeuvre,” he said.

“We examined the wreckage and we found no evidence of pre-impact defects and the flight controls were all intact and connected.

“We’ve also identified the flight instruments and have recovered those as part of the on-site investigation, and we will be attempting to download any data that might be on those.”

Avalon crash pilot Glenn Collins is on the mend. Picture: Facebook

Mr Collins was quickly rushed to hospital following the crash, suffering injuries to his lower body and spine.

The pilot spoke publicly for the first time in May, detailing his recovery.

“While I can move my legs – which I’m incredibly grateful for – I don’t yet have full feeling in my legs or waist,” he said. “Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I’m giving it my all.”

Originally published as Airshow crash investigation finds pyrotechnics set-up delayed emergency response to pilot