‘In good spirits’: Friend and colleague opens up on condition of Avalon Airshow crash pilot

Paul Bennet of Paul Bennet Airshows provides the first update on pilot Glenn Collins following his terrifying crash at the Avalon Airshow.

The man behind Bennet Airshows has spoken for the first time on the terrifying plane crash at the Avalon Australian International Airshow that saw one of his pilots plummet from the sky in front of horrified onlookers.

Veteran pilot and keen skydiver, Glenn Collins was performing a stunt on the first public day of the airshow when his aircraft nosedived into the ground.

He was immediately rushed to the Alfred hospital and very little has been known about his welfare since.

Team leader Paul Bennet opened up on the condition of his mate and colleague for the first time on Thursday.

Mr Bennet said his mate had needed multiple surgeries, but was doing well considering, and thanked both the hospital staff and public for their encouragement.

“Glenn is recovering in hospital after having undergone several successful surgeries on his back and legs,” he said. “But he is in good spirits.

“We’d like to acknowledge the extraordinary level of support from medical staff and we are thankful for the continued outpouring of support and well wishes from the aviation community and general public.”

Pilot Glenn Collins signing autographs after an earlier airshow. Picture: Supplied

Mr Bennet, who has over 7000 display-related flying hours, couldn’t say too much about the crash since it was under investigation, but admitted it was a difficult stunt that had led to the accident.

“This was a tragic incident that happened during a complex manoeuvre and air safety investigators are continuing their investigation,” he said.

A GoFundMe has been set up by the Bennet Airshow team to help support Mr Collins and his family in what is going to be a “long recovery” with any left over funds set to go to charity.

“Glenn is more than a pilot, he’s a father and a friend, and so, Glenn’s family and the Paul Bennet Airshows team are launching this GoFundMe to rally the aviation community, fans, and friends to support his recovery,” it reads.

“All funds raised will go directly toward Glenn’s medical expenses, rehabilitation, and support for his loved ones while he recovers.”

Crashed Pilot Glennn Collins and Paul Bennet chat at an earlier airshow. Picture: Supplied,

The accident has had a devastating impact on the team and others in the close knit industry Mr Bennet said, and they were getting back into performing in honour of their fallen mate.

“It’s been a difficult time for all of us as we rally around Glenn and his family and we are looking forward to taking to the skies in Mudgee, with Glenn in our thoughts,” he said.

“The aviation community is very connected and supportive and we are all there for each other and for Glenn and his family.”

They intend to pay tribute to Mr Collins with a special display when they take to the skies in Mudgee on April 27.

“During the SkyAces display at the Wings, Wheels and Wine show in Mudgee my team and I will be displaying a giant love heart formed in the sky in honour of Glenn,” he said.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau are conducting the investigation with it currently still in the “evidence collection” phase.

“A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation,” they said.