GoPro footage reveals likely mistake made by pilot of Avalon Air Show aerobatics plane

GoPro footage has shed new light on the shocking Avalon Air show aerobatics plane crash during a public display.

An aerobatics plane that crashed in front of thousands of people at the Avalon International Air Show in March may have started a tricky manoeuvre too close to the ground, an investigation has found.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released its preliminary report on the crash that seriously injured pilot Glenn Collins and burnt a 95m scar along the ground.

The report said the Pitts S1-11X was part of the four aircraft Sky Aces Display team operated by Paul Bennet Airshows, on the first day of the popular event held at Avalon Airport near Geelong.

An on-board GoPro camera had helped inform the ATSB investigation, revealing that Mr Collins began a solo “triple avalanche” manoeuvre at an altitude of 100ft, which was much lower than what had occurred during training flights.

“The pilot had started this manoeuvre at approximately 200ft above ground level during previous training flights,” said ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell.

Footage from the camera then showed the aircraft reached a peak altitude of between 700 and 800ft before beginning a series of snap rolls, well below the pilot’s reported minimum altitude for the stunt, of 1000ft.

“During the back half of the loop after the snap rolls, the pilot was unable to arrest the rate of descent before the aircraft impacted the ground,” said the report.

ATSB's video of Avalon International Air Show crash

Mr Mitchell said as the investigation continued, it would further review video recordings of the accident flight, and consider aircraft maintenance records and other components recovered from the accident site.

“The investigation is also reviewing display preparations, survivability factors, and the emergency response plan in place at the airport for the event,” said Mr Mitchell.

An engineering examination of the aircraft wreckage after the crash found no evidence of airframe issues before the accident, he added.

Glenn Collins was seriously injured when his aerobatic aircraft crashed during the Avalon Air Show in March 2025. Picture: Paul Bennet

The report also revealed that Avalon required the aerobatics team to complete a flight validation prior to the public display, which was done successfully.

“The event organiser validation report had not noted any concerns about the routine or the ability of those involved to successfully perform it on the day,” the report said.

Mr Collins had in excess of 2700 hours flying experience, and was also an avid skydiver, clocking up 83 jumps from aircraft.

He had performed aerobatic displays for 15 years in a variety of aircraft, and was crowned Australian intermediate champion in 1998.

In a post on a GoFundMe page set up to help with medical bills, Mr Collins said his recovery was “ongoing and uncertain” but he was thankful for the support of his family and friends.

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

“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.”

To date close to $84,000 had been raised, within striking distance of the $90,000 target.

The ATSB’s final report is expected to be released later this year.