Glenn Collins, critical after plane crashed during aerobatic performance at Avalon Airshow

SkyAces airman Glenn Collins, a champion pilot, remains in a critical condition after a crash during a four-plane aerobatic display.

A pilot who was critically injured when his plane crashed during an aerobatic performance at the Avalon International Airshow on Friday has been identified.

Glenn Collins was flying in the SkyAces Formation Aerobatic Team when he crashed in front of a crowd about 5.15pm.
Mr Collins, believed to be in his 50s, was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne with serious upper and lower body injuries.

On Saturday morning a spokeswoman for The Alfred confirmed the man remains in a “critical but stable” condition.

Glenn Collins is a champion pilot with reportedly more than 2700 hours’ flying experience and has done more than 80 skydives.

The single-seat biplane was performing an acrobatic manoeuvre before it crashed. Picture: NewsWire / David Caird

The champion pilot has more than 2700 hours’ flying experience and has done more than 80 skydives, according to the Paul Bennet Airshow website.

Mr Collins is a SkyAces pilot with the Paul Bennet Airshows team and was named Australian Sportsman champion in 1997.

In a statement, a Bennet Airshows spokesman said the Bennet family and airshow team were thinking of Mr Collins who remains in hospital with his family.

“We would like to acknowledge the extraordinary level of support from medical staff as well as messages of support received from here and around the world,” the statement read.

“Paul Bennet Airshows will not be performing at the Avalon Australian International Airshow but we hope the public continue to enjoy the world-class event.”

Glenn Collins was named Australian Sportsman champion in 1997.

Avalon Airshow organiser Justin Giddings said they cancelled the air show a few hours early on Friday following the crash, and would provide tickets on Saturday to people who purchased Ticketek tickets.

Mr Giddings said they were hoping to be respectful of the serious incident and were very fortunate it had not turned out to be a fatality.

“There’s a lot of people here (on Saturday) we’re expecting around 80,000 people,” he said.

“The flying display will commence at 12.30pm and will proceed until about 5.3pm to 6pm tonight.”

A plane has crashed during the Avalon Airshow on Friday. Picture: Paul Crock / AFP

Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said they began investigating soon after they were notified an aircraft taking part in a four-plane aerobatic display crashed.

“One of those planes has impacted the ground and seriously injured the pilot,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with that pilot, his family, friends and colleagues, and certainly wish him all the best in his recovery at a Melbourne hospital.”

Avalon Airshow organiser, AMDA Foundation, confirmed the event would continue from 8am on Saturday.

“The event will proceed on Saturday, the start of the flying display will be delayed,” Mr Giddings said.

“Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family, friends and team members.

“The incident occurred well away from the crowds in attendance and no member of the public was injured.

“The Avalon Australian International Airshow concluded the day’s activities to allow the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation team to have full and free access to the site.”

In a statement, Victoria Police the pilot had suffered serious injuries.

“The pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft sustained serious injuries,” the statement said.

“The incident occurred a significant distance away from spectators and there have been no reports of further injuries.”

Ambulance Victoria confirmed the pilot suffered upper and lower body injuries and an air ambulance had been dispatched.

Police say the pilot received serious injuries in the crash. Picture: Paul Crock / AFP

The single-seat biplane was performing acrobatic manoeuvres when it crashed, causing gasps within the crowd.

“Emergency services were called to reports the plane, which was conducting a demonstration during an air show, had lost control and crashed into the tarmac about 5.15pm,” a police spokesperson said.

A witness named Glenn told 3AW there were four plans when a single plane split off on its own and three others flew off in formation.

“The plane on its own was doing a loop and didn’t pull out of the loop in time and slammed into the ground,” he said.

Another man named Jeff told the station the pilot did a loop and he originally thought it was very close that time.

But on the second loop, 60 seconds later, he crashed into the ground.

“They got the pilot out of the plane, and did perform CPR,” Jeff told 3AW.

A witness reported on X the Paul Bennet aerobatic plane crashed doing a loop too close to the ground.

Another person commented on X the pilot was saved by the fact the plane was almost on its belly when it met the ground.

The circumstances of the crash are yet to be confirmed.

Hundreds of people have wished Mr Collins well and offered support to his airshow team on social media saying their heart sank when they saw the crash.

Royal Newcastle Aero Club president Trevor Wimmer offered the pilot and his team their best wishes and thoughts.

“We are keeping our fingers crossed for a speedy recovery with the best possible outcome,” he said.

“I’ve seen your awesome show many times and my heart sank when I saw the incident today,” one person wrote.

“I wish Glen all the very best with the recovery and send my heartfelt support to Glen’s family and the team.”

“I have loved watching you guys fly for years and appreciate the effort and skill you put into your flying displays. Best wishes for a speedy recovery Glenn,” another person said.

“My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by this terrible accident, and special prayers go to Glenn”.

Originally published as Glenn Collins, critical after plane crashed during aerobatic performance at Avalon Airshow