A pilot has sustained serious injuries in a plane crash during a demonstration at the Avalon International Airshow in Victoria.
The aerobatic display aircraft lost control while performing a maneuver and crashed onto the tarmac shortly after 5 PM, leaving spectators in shock.
Footage from the incident shows the aircraft crashing to the ground.
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The pilot, the sole occupant of the aircraft, has been transported to the hospital with serious but stable injuries.
According to police, the incident happened a considerable distance from the audience, with no additional injuries reported.
Gasps echoed through the crowd of thousands as the plane struck the ground.
As a result of the crash, the airshow has been suspended for the rest of the day while emergency services respond to the situation.
Organizers stated their intentions to resume the event the following morning, pending further confirmation.
“We are preparing to continue with the airshow tomorrow morning, subject to confirmation this evening,” said AMDA Foundation CEO Justin Giddings. “Our thoughts are with the pilot and his family, friends, and team members.”
Public transportation may be delayed due to the unexpected early conclusion of the event, noted a spokesperson from the transport department.
“We ask attendees to be patient as tens of thousands attempt to leave simultaneously,” the spokesperson added. “It will take considerable time for everyone to depart, and delays are unavoidable.”
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an investigation and is urging any witnesses with video evidence to reach out via its witness form.
“The ATSB is deploying a team of transport safety investigators from Canberra, specializing in aircraft operations and maintenance,” a spokesperson shared.
Investigators will conduct various evidence-gathering activities, including examinations of the site and wreckage, as well as recovery of any aircraft components for further investigation at the ATSB’s technical facilities in Canberra.
They will also seek to interview involved parties and collect relevant recorded data, including flight tracking information, pilot and aircraft maintenance records, and weather details.
This six-day event stands as the largest international airshow and aerospace and defense exposition in the Southern Hemisphere.
Gates opened just hours prior to the incident, following several trade days earlier in the week.
The Airshow was scheduled to conclude on Sunday evening.
