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The stunt pilot who crashed at Avalon Airshow in March says he is on the road to recovery from spinal injuries.
Paul Bennet Airshows pilot Glenn Collins, whose Pitts Special stunt plane crashed into the ground during an aerobatic display at around 5:15pm on 28 March, has told supporters his recovery is “ongoing and still uncertain in many ways” after his surgeries.
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In an update on crowdfunding site GoFundMe, where employer Paul Bennet Airshows set up a campaign on Collins’ behalf, the pilot said the outpouring of support has been “truly humbling and has lifted [him] up during some of the toughest moments”.
“After five weeks in Melbourne, I’ve now been transferred to Sydney – closer to home and family, which is a huge comfort,” he wrote.
“I’ve been lucky to be in the care of amazing medical teams in both cities. Their skill, compassion, and dedication have been nothing short of extraordinary. Most of my general injuries are healing well, but I do have spinal damage.
“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.”
At time of writing, the GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $68,000 of its $75,000 goal, with funds to go to his medical and rehabilitation expenses, as well as to support his loved ones during his recovery; any left over will be donated to charity.
Collins thanked not only donors but also the pyrotechnic team who acted “quickly and bravely” to remove him from the wreckage, his healthcare professionals, and the Paul Bennet Airshows team.
“To my beautiful children, grandson, and extended family – your strength gives me strength every day. Mum and Dad, thank-you for being by my side throughout this journey – you’ve been incredible,” he added.
“And most of all, to my wife. I truly could not do this without her. She brings out a strength in me I didn’t know I had. Always there, always strong – she is the most remarkable person I’ve ever known. Even the nurses want to keep her!
“This road I’m on is one many have travelled before – waking up to a new reality after life-changing injuries. While my future is still uncertain, I remain hopeful and grounded in gratitude, surrounded by care and love.”
Collins is a hugely experienced aerobatics pilot who, according to the Paul Bennet Airshow website, has clocked more than 2,700 flying hours.
He has flown competition aerobatics to an advanced level, including becoming NSW and Australian Sportsman champion in 1997, Australian Intermediate champion in 1998 and Victorian Advanced champion in 1999.
His experience also includes skywriting, parachute displays and flying warbirds such as the Wirraway, Tiger Moth and Trojan.
