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Sad Day For South African Aviation

Sad Day For South African Aviation

Author: Ryan Nelson
Date: 2013-10-18
What started out as a fairly routine air show on Saturday the 14th at Secunda Airport, Mpumalanga, turned into a dramatic scene that unfolded in a matter of seconds. Glen Dell, one of South Africa's most respected and well known aerobatic pilots, was putting his Red Bull Extra 300 light aerobatic aircraft though its paces when, as he entered a controlled spin, the engine stalled and cut out for reasons still unknown. Glen attempted to recover from the five-turn spin but failed to do so due to the lack of sufficient altitude. The aircraft impacted the ground at near horizontal attitude and slid across the grass for about 50m before coming to rest. There was no movement from the cockpit as fire engines were scrambled to the scene of the accident. Eyewitnesses say that the fire crew seemed ill prepared, took a considerable amount of time to arrive at the crash site and didn't appear to know what they were doing. Eyewitnesses also stated that the fire crew only reacted with more haste once fire erupted from the engine compartment. Glen Dell was rushed to hospital to be treated for multiple burn wounds across his entire body from the blaze. Tragically he passed away later that day due to his injuries.

Glen Dell was a South African commercial airline trainer and aerobatics pilot who started flying at the age of 16. In 2007, he qualified to race in the Red Bull Air Race World Series season. At the sixth Advanced World Aerobatic Championships (AWAC) in 2004, Dell finished first overall and became the first South African to win the Advanced World Aerobatic Championships. He won the gold medal for first place overall. He also won a further gold medal, a silver medal and a bronze medal in various programs that were flown.

South Africa has lost one of its finest, Glen Dell will be sorely missed by the Aviation community. From a personal point of view I was honored to talk with him on multiple occasions as well as see him perform many breath-taking displays. He was a role model, an inspiration and a childhood hero for many others and me. Rest in Peace Glen Dell, may you spread your wings as you soar through heaven...