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Plane crashes during Avalon Australian International Airshow

Champion aviator Glenn Collins’s plane nosedived during an aerobatic routine, leaving him fighting for life with critical upper and lower body injuries.

A plane has crashed in front of shocked onlookers on the first public day of the Avalon Australian International Airshow on Friday afternoon.

Champion aviator Glenn Collins has been identified as the pilot whose plane nosedived during the aerobatic routine, leaving him fighting for his life with critical upper and lower body injuries.

Glenn Collin. Picture: Facebook
Glenn Collin. Picture: Facebook

A statement from Avalon Airshow confirmed that the event will continue from 8am Saturday, but the start of the flying display will be “delayed”.

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

Mr Collins, in his 50s, is a veteran member of Paul Bennet Airshows team, who performed the fateful acrobatic aircraft routine on Friday.

Paul Bennet Airshows confirmed in a statement that Mr Collins was transported to in Alfred Hospital in Melbourne following the crash

“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,” the statement said.

On Saturday morning the Alfred Hospital said Mr Collins was still in a critical but stable condition.

Mr Collins is a competitive aerobatic pilot and was awarded the 1997 NSW and Australian Sportsman championship by the Australian Aerobatic Club.

“Glenn Collins has in excess of 2700hrs total flying experience in aircraft,” read a statement from the Paul Bennet Airshows official website.

“Glenn also likes to jump from aircraft with 83 skydives to his name.”

Ambulance Victoria confirmed the air ambulance on duty flew the pilot to The Alfred hospital where he is being treated for serious upper and lower body injuries.

The aircraft seconds before it crashed into the tarmac. Picture: David Caird
The aircraft seconds before it crashed into the tarmac. Picture: David Caird

“Paramedics responded to an aircraft incident in Avalon around 5:35pm,” AV said in a statement.

“There is one patient with upper and lower body injuries, in a serious condition.

Victoria Police confirmed the pilot was the only person in the plane.

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

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

The Avalon Australian International Airshow said it was working with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in conducting an investigation.

Chief executive Justin Giddings the event was concluded to allow the investigation team access to the site.

“The aircraft was conducting and aerobatic manoeuvre and hit the ground,” Mr Giddings said.

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

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

The plane formed part of Sky Aces Formation Aerobatics Team piloted by Paul Bennet, Glenn Graham, Jesse Jury and Glenn Collins.

The Avalon Airshow website describes the show as up to four aircraft performing an “array of dazzling formation aerobatics in very close proximity.”

Shocked onlookers were watching the display when the plane crashed into the field, reportedly being told over the loud speaker the pilot was still alive.

One witness spoke of their relief at being told the pilot had survived.

“When they told us he was alive everyone started clapping and carrying on - it was really good to hear,” they said.

Another attendee said they didn’t realise what was going on until they heard a “loud bang”.

“It started flying low and people realised it was going to hit the ground,” they said.

“There were hundreds of people watching. There were parents and kids everywhere.”

Emergency crews treat the pilot at the scene. Picture: David Caird
Emergency crews treat the pilot at the scene. Picture: David Caird

Witnesses took to social media saying they saw the plane do a loop before plummeting into the ground.

“Just saw an aerobatic plane go down at the Avalon airshow. Prayers to the pilot” one person wrote on X.

Avalon airport was closed following the incident, with flights being diverted to Tullamarine due to the wreckage.

A group of more than 80 travellers were left stranded by the closure with a Jetstar flight to Sydney being cancelled.

“Following a crash at the Avalon Airshow, the airport has been closed. We are awaiting an update from airport authorities and we thank you for your understanding and patience,” Jetstar told customers.

One attendee described the mood as “sombre” as a convoy of buses and taxis took people away from the suspended event.

“We saw the air ambulance fly above us. It feels a bit eerie and quiet now,” they said.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/plane-crashes-during-avalon-australian-international-airshow/news-story/7a068f5c33ea7fcebf3d50bf2f5ce566