An ATSB investigation into last year's airshow accident at Avalon has concluded the pilot commenced a high-energy aerobatic manoeuvre at half his usual entry height, leaving insufficient altitude to recover.
The Sky Aces formation aerobatics team, made up of four Pitts-type aircraft operated by Paul Bennet Airshows, was performing a display at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon Airport, Victoria, on 28 March 2025. One of the aircraft, a Wolf Pitts S1-11X flown by Glenn Collins, collided with the ground when exiting a loop at the conclusion of an attempted triple avalanche manoeuvre. The aircraft was substantially damaged and Collins was seriously injured.
The ATSB's final report found the triple avalanche, which comprises a loop with three snap rolls at the top, was commenced at around 100 ft above ground level rather than the 200 ft height used during previous flights. While the aircraft still climbed to 800 ft during the first half of the loop, the lower entry point resulted in a lower nose attitude during the snap rolls, limiting the aircraft's ability to climb further.
"The pilot finished the snap rolls still at around 800 ft, rather than having climbed above 1,000 ft as demonstrated in previous flights," ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said. "The pilot then commenced the second half of the loop with insufficient height to safely recover."
Mitchell noted that low-level aerobatics is a high-risk activity and that display pilots can reduce that risk by setting and adhering to minimums for various points during a manoeuvre, maintaining an exit strategy if below minimums, and regularly reviewing in-flight video recordings.
The ATSB also found a number of factors increased emergency response times, though these were not considered to have contributed to the severity of Collins' injuries. The display took place above a pyrotechnic detonation area where the aircraft came to rest, requiring Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service crews to assess and navigate the pyrotechnics before reaching the pilot. The ambulance service also required an escort to access the accident site.
In response, event organiser AMDA Foundation has announced it will redesign the pyrotechnic area to provide clearly identified emergency access routes, and will pre-position an ambulance alongside the ARFF service to reduce response times.
AMDA has also committed to adopt requirements similar to those introduced by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority, including minimum height requirements based on aircraft performance and mandatory gate parameters or check altitudes at all critical junctures of a manoeuvre. Australia currently has no regulatory minimum height requirement for aerobatic display pilots.
Additional safety measures announced by AMDA include specialist training for all emergency responders on opening aircraft canopies during site inductions, and the establishment of an Air Display Safety Forum to provide a shared platform for airshow operators, performers and regulators.
AMDA Foundation CEO Justin Giddings extended best wishes to Collins and his family, saying the organisation would continue to work with Paul Bennet Airshows in the hope Collins would return to Avalon next year.
"The ATSB report has given AMDA the opportunity to reflect and implement additional safety measures, above and beyond our requirements, to further ensure the safety of those participating in the event," Giddings said.
The next Avalon Australian International Airshow is scheduled for February 2027.
Read the full report here.