Avalon Airshow crash pilot finally leaves hospital but says his life will be ‘very different’, as a paraplegic
Almost eight months after a horrifying plane crash at Victoria’s Avalon Airshow, stunt pilot Glenn Collins is finally leaving hospital and going home — but says his life has changed forever.
Almost eight months after a horrifying plane crash at Victoria’s Avalon Airshow, stunt pilot Glenn Collins is finally leaving hospital rehabilitation and going home — but says his life has been changed forever by his injuries.
Collins said on Monday he was “full of fear, trepidation and excitement”, as he finally went home to “begin the biggest rehab of my life” and “reintegrate” back into society.
The sky ace crashed to the ground during a performance at the Avalon Airshow in March.
Analysing Herald Sun images and video of the horror crash, Australian Society of Air Safety Investigators past president John Guselli estimated the aircraft was travelling at a speed of more than 185km/h when it hit the ground.
Collins said while he had been “classed as a full paraplegic” after the accident he was “very lucky” to be able to say that was not exactly the case.
“The recent surgery, plus the one a few weeks’ prior to it, put me back to non-weight bearing on my left leg. It’ll stay that way at least until the six week review, most likely longer,” Collins posted on Paul Bennet Airshows social media sites.
“Prior to that, I was getting around (for short distances) walking on crutches. I’d even managed a few very shaky steps with no walking aides. It’s going to be a very long road, however, I still think walking without crutches is achievable for me. That’s one of my goals and I’ll keep working towards it.
“There’s so many people to thank. From the very start, the pyrotechnic team that extracted me from the plane, all the doctors, specialists, physiotherapists, O/Ts (occupational therapists) and nurses that have taken care of me, all of the people that have shown me overwhelming support, whether it be through kind messages, hospital visits, or phone calls. This, combined with the family support, made this journey so much easier for me. I really don’t know where I’d be without it, so thank you again.”
Collins said the crash had turned his family’s life “upside down”, with loved ones working tirelessly to be by his side whenever possible.
“They made trips down to see me a priority. I’m so grateful for everything they’ve done for me during my time in hospital and rehabilitation,” he said.
“My wife — I struggle to find the words appropriate to describe her. She has shown so much courage, determination and love to help me and the whole family through this journey. From taking me to appointments, doing paperwork and keeping the family up to date, through to some very ‘shitty’ jobs, and a whole heap more in between. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without her and I’m forever grateful.”
Going home after almost eight months in hospitals and in rehabilitation was “bloody awesome”, he said, adding “you do not fully recover from a spinal cord injury”.
“Whether you’re in a wheelchair permanently, or manage to learn to walk again, or anything in between, there’s so much more to it,” Collins said.
“Especially if you’ve had other injuries and complications along the way. Which most have. We tend to get a long list of different specialists that we now rely on.
“Also the daily routines that can take a couple of hours or more that most of us have to endure.
“The point is, there is so much about a spinal injury that most people are ignorant of - I was definitely one of those prior to my accident.
“So, the new normal at home will forever be a very different life than prior to the accident.”
Originally published as Avalon Airshow crash pilot finally leaves hospital but says his life will be ‘very different’, as a paraplegic
Police open fire after man allegedly fires crossbow at them in Eltham
