Pilot who crashed at Avalon International Airshow recovering from spinal injuriesBy Mikaela OrtolanTopic:Accidents and Emergency Incidents35m ago35 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:37amLoading...In short:Glenn Collins says he sustained spinal damage after the plane he was flying crashed at the Avalon International Airshow. The plane was coming out of a loop when it hit the ground on the first day of the show in March.Mr Collins has been receiving treatment in Melbourne but will be moved to Sydney to be closer to home. abc.net.au/news/avalon-international-airshow-pilot-crash-glenn-collins-recovery/105252778Link copiedShareShare articleThe pilot of a plane which crashed at the Avalon International Airshow in Victoria earlier this year has spoken about his life-altering injuries since the accident.Glenn Collins, an experienced pilot from stunt flight company, Paul Bennet Airshows, was performing in a four-plane stunt demonstration when his aircraft crashed a few hundred metres from spectators in March.He's now given an update from hospital on his condition, five weeks after the crash."Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage," he said."While I can move my legs — which I'm incredibly grateful for — I don't yet have full feeling in my legs or waist. Ongoing rehabilitation will be key, and I'm giving it my all."Mr Collins was taken to hospital in a critical condition and has since undergone several surgeries.Glenn Collins has been receiving treatment in Melbourne. (GoFundMe)"Recovery is ongoing and still uncertain in many ways, though I'm thankful for every step forward," he said.After spending the past five weeks in Melbourne receiving treatment, he said he will now be transferred to Sydney to be closer to family.The plane was coming out of a loop when it hit the ground. (AFP: Paul Crock)Future still uncertain, Mr Collins saysIn a post on a fundraising page, Paul Bennet said Mr Collins has "thrilled audiences across Australia with his flying for many years at airshows"."His dedication to aviation has no doubt inspired thousands," Mr Bennet said.Mr Collins is based in the Hunter region in New South Wales and has more than 2,700 hours flying experience, according to a biography on the Paul Bennet Airshows website.Mr Collins is an experienced pilot from stunt flight company, Paul Bennet Airshows. (GoFundMe)He expressed his appreciation for the outpouring of support he has received from the public following the crash."It's been truly humbling and has lifted me up during some of the toughest moments," Mr Collins said."Knowing so many people are in my corner means more than I can say."In the post online, Mr Collin thanked the pyrotechnic team who acted quickly on the day of the crash to get him out of the wreckage.Mr Collins was pulled out of the wreckage and taken to hospital in a critical condition. (AAP Image: Michael Currie)He also thanked the healthcare professionals, his team and his family."This road I'm on is one many have travelled before — waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries," he said."While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love."The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) launched an investigation following the crash.Posted 35m ago35 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:37amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesTrump says Albanese a 'friend of mine' and has 'no idea' who Dutton isLIVE'Laughable policies': Voters explain what went wrong for CoalitionTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows A young coupleFirst Canada, then Australia: Trump is toxic for conservatives everywhereAAnalysis by Alan KohlerPhoto shows man with a bald head and glasses faces a man with blond hairLiberal senator slams leadership contender Angus TaylorTopic:Liberal Party of AustraliaPhoto shows Hollie Hughes dstopThe message to the Coalition is clear: This is not John Howard's AustraliaPAnalysis by Patricia KarvelasPhoto shows Anthony Albanese holds up his hands to calm the crowd.Popular nowTrump says Albanese a 'friend of mine' and he has 'no idea' who Dutton isLIVELiberal senator Linda Reynolds slams party after loss, highlights woman problemTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Former Liberal Senator and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds speaks about the Liberals 2025 federal election defeatLiberal senator slams leadership contender Angus TaylorTopic:Liberal Party of AustraliaPhoto shows Hollie Hughes dstopRelated topicsAccidents and Emergency IncidentsGeelongMelbourneMuswellbrookNewcastleTop StoriesTrump says Albanese a 'friend of mine' and has 'no idea' who Dutton isTopic:Australian Federal Elections'Laughable policies': Voters explain what went wrong for CoalitionTopic:ElectionsFirst Canada, then Australia: Trump is toxic for conservatives everywhereAAnalysis by Alan KohlerLiberal senator slams leadership contender Angus TaylorTopic:Liberal Party of AustraliaThe message to the Coalition is clear: This is not John Howard's AustraliaPAnalysis by Patricia KarvelasJust InAshley Youth Detention Centre closure delayed again, to 2028BREAKING18m ago18 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:53amTrump announces 100 per cent tariffs on movies made outside of AmericaTopic:Film Industry27m ago27 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:45amPilot who crashed at Avalon Airshow says he suffered spinal damageTopic:Accidents and Emergency Incidents35m ago35 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:37amHow DNA matchmaking of rams and ewes could 'droughtproof sheep'Topic:Sheep Farming36m ago36 minutes agoMon 5 May 2025 at 1:35amMore Just InBack to top