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Wildlife Experts Die in Namib Desert Plane Crash
7 Mar
Summary
- Two British wildlife researchers died instantly in a light aircraft crash.
- The crash occurred shortly after take-off in the Namib Desert.
- They were studying Oryx antelopes as part of a Royal Veterinary College project.
Professor Alan Wilson, 62, and former airline pilot Neil Oakman, 63, died instantly when their light aircraft crashed in the Namib Desert on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. The Groppo-Trail aircraft, belonging to Professor Wilson, reportedly stalled or lost power shortly after taking off from the Gobabeb airstrip.
The pair had been in Namibia since February 25, 2026, researching the national animal, the Oryx antelope, for the Royal Veterinary College. They had spent over a week at the Gobabeb Research Station with fellow researcher John Lowe.
Mr. Lowe raised the alarm when the two did not return after two hours and discovered the wreckage. Professor Wilson was a leading biomechanics expert and appeared in BBC documentaries. Mr. Oakman was an experienced pilot and a former Hurricane display pilot.
The investigation into the precise cause of the crash is ongoing, with initial research suggesting a stall or loss of power. Their work involved developing advanced tracking collars and cameras for studying wildlife motion. The Gobabeb Training & Research Centre expressed deep shock and sadness over the tragic accident.
