Preliminary report into fatal plane crash in Saldanha to be issued after 30 days - SACAA

JOHANNESBURG - The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has arrived at Saldanha Airport to start examining the circumstances that led to a fatal aircraft accident.

The airshow kicked off at the Saldanha Airport on Friday, but Saturday's proceedings ended abruptly when the Impala Mark 1 aircraft crashed and burst into flames.

The pilot, James O'Connel, was declared dead on the scene.

SACAA spokesperson, Sisa Majola, said a preliminary report would be issued after 30 days.

"I can confirm that the Accident and Incident Investigations Division has arrived at the site of the accident in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape. They are working with the event's safety officers to collate all of that preliminary investigation that forms part of the investigation."

Organisers and attendees of the airshow have sent condolences to the family and friends of the pilot who died in the crash.