Avalon Airshow crash pilot thanks public for ‘incredible support’

A pilot who crashed while performing aerobatic stunts at Avalon Airshow has thanked the public for “an incredible outpouring of support” as he revealed his future is still “uncertain” in the wake of the horror crash.

A pilot who crashed at Avalon Airshow has thanked the community for “an incredible outpouring of support” as he revealed he had been transferred to Sydney.

Glenn Collins said his recovery was ongoing and “still uncertain in many ways” but he was “thankful for every step forward”.

The pilot, from NSW, was performing a stunt involving four planes — with Paul Bennet Airshows — when the accident happened while he was coming out of a loop in front of stunned onlookers.

He has spent five weeks in hospital but said it was a “huge comfort” to be closer to home and family.

Glenn Collins the pilot involved in the Avalon air show crash, posts update on Paul Bennet airshows facebook page. Source: Facebook/Paul Bennet Airshows

“Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage,” he wrote on Facebook.

“While I can move my legs — which I’m incredibly grateful for — I don’t yet have full feeling in my legs or waist.

“Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I’m giving it my all.”

Mr Collins said he had been in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities which was “nothing short of extraordinary”.

“This road I’m on is one many have travelled before — waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries,” he said.

“While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in graititude, surrounded by care and love.”

Pilot Glenn Collins.

Glenn Collins is an experienced pilot. Picture: Paul Bennet Airshows

Read the full statement

“Hi everyone,

Thank you so much for your patience — it’s taken a little while, but I finally feel well enough to share this update myself.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of support, kind messages, generous donations, and love I’ve received. It’s been truly humbling and has lifted me up during some of the toughest moments. Knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can say.

Paul Bennett and the stunt team fly in close formation before the crash. Picture: David Caird

Glenn Collins performs a loop before the crash. Picture: David Caird

Recovery is ongoing and still uncertain in many ways, though I’m thankful for every step forward. After five weeks in Melbourne, I’ve now been transferred to Sydney — closer to home and family, which is a huge comfort.

I’ve been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary. Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage. While I can move my legs — which I’m incredibly grateful for — I don’t yet have full feeling in my legs or waist. Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I’m giving it my all.

There are so many people I’d like to thank.

To the pyrotechnic team who acted so quickly and bravely to get me out of the wreckage, thank you for your courage.

To the healthcare professionals who continue to care for me with such skill and kindness — your dedication is deeply appreciated.

To Paul Bennet and the entire PBA team—your support has meant the world.

Glenn Collins’ plane crashes during the Avalon Airshow. Picture: David Caird

The single-seat biplane was seen performing a manoeuvre before it crashed. Picture: David Caird

To my beautiful children, grandson, and extended family — your strength gives me strength every day.

Mum and Dad, thank you for being by my side throughout this journey — you’ve been incredible.

And most of all, to my wife. I truly could not do this without her. She brings out a strength in me I didn’t know I had. Always there, always strong — she is the most remarkable person I’ve ever known. Even the nurses want to keep her!

This road I’m on is one many have travelled before — waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries. While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love.

With heartfelt thanks”

Originally published as Avalon Airshow crash pilot thanks public for ‘incredible support’