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Date:
March 28, 2025
Time:
Approximately 17:15 LT
Type of Aircraft:
Wolf Pitts S-1-11X
Owner/Operator:
Paul Bennet Airshows Pty Ltd
Registration:
VH-PVX
MSN:
UB001
Year of Manufacture:
2010
Engine Model:
Lycoming AEIO-540 SER
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 1
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Destroyed
Location:
Avalon Airport (AVV/YMAV), Avalon, VIC – Australia
Phase:
Manoeuvring (Airshow/Display)
Nature:
Demo/Airshow/Display
Departure Airport:
Avalon Airport, VIC (AVV/YMAV)
Destination Airport:
Avalon Airport, VIC (AVV/YMAV)
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media, or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
A Wolf Pitts S-1-11X aerobatic aircraft, operated by Paul Bennet Airshows Pty Ltd, crashed during a demonstration flight at the Avalon Australian International Airshow. The incident occurred on the first public day of the event, approximately 300 meters from spectators.
Witnesses reported the aircraft was exiting a loop maneuver when it struck the tarmac belly-first. The impact caused the wings to crumple, leaving the cockpit intact but resulting in life-threatening injuries to the pilot, a man in his 50s. Emergency crews, including Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Services, responded within minutes. The pilot was airlifted to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital in critical condition.
The crash prompted the immediate suspension of the airshow’s program. Spectators described a somber mood as crowds were evacuated, with announcements updating the pilot’s condition. Members of the Paul Bennet Airshows team, including the pilot’s 19-year-old son Jett Bennet, remained airborne until emergency crews secured the site.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) deployed investigators to examine flight data, maintenance records, and witness footage. Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell emphasized the importance of public video submissions to reconstruct the sequence of events.
This incident highlights the inherent risks of aerobatic displays and the critical role of rapid emergency response in mitigating fatalities.
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.