Tributes have poured in from the scientific community after a British wildlife expert from the Royal Veterinary College was killed during a research trip. Professor Alan Wilson, aged 62, died instantly when the light aircraft he was in nose-dived into the desert shortly after take-off. His companion, former airline pilot Neil Oakman, 63, was also killed in the incident, which occurred in Namibia.
The plane is found at the Gobabeb airstrip
The pair were researching Namibia’s national animal, the Oryx antelope, and capturing data from animal collars on the trip where the incident occurred. They were located at the Gobabeb Research Station in the Namib-Naukluft National Park, and had been staying there since Feb. 25. Wilson’s research was focused on the anatomical, mechanical and physiological limits to locomotor performance in many different types of species. He also pioneered novel GPS and motion tracking technologies for studying wild animals in their natural environment.
After two hours, their fellow researcher, John Lowe, became concerned when Wilson and Oakman did not return as planned. When he went to search for them, he discovered the wreckage of the Groppo-Trail light aircraft that Oakman had been flying.
It is believed that the aircraft stalled or lost power upon take off, leading to the tragic accident. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
The legacy of Professor Alan Wilson and Neil Oakman
Wilson studied Veterinary Medicine and an intercalated BSc in Physiology at Glasgow University, graduating in 1987. He then went on to obtain a PhD at Bristol University, studying the mechanical basis of tendon injury in the Anatomy Department. Later, he would proceed to work as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate and then as a lecturer.
He moved to the Royal Veterinary College in London in 1996, where he held the position of Professor of Locomotor Biomechanics until his death. He was also a Director of the Company of Biologists, a charitable organisation committed to supporting and inspiring the biological community.
The Royal Veterinary College paid tribute to Wilson after the incident in Namibia, stating:
“A member of the Royal Veterinary College community for more than 30 years, Alan was a world-leading researcher in biomechanics whose work transformed our understanding of locomotion in animals and humans.”
“This is an enormous loss, and one that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Our thoughts are with Alan’s family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
The pilot of the aircraft, Neil Oakman, was experienced in aviation, and had trained commercial pilots for Ryanair. He was also a Hurricane display pilot at the former RAF Duxford, Cambridgeshire. He was known as someone who was deeply passionate about flying and his research work. His death is seen as a massive loss to those who knew him and worked with him.
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