Scottish Professor and Wildlife Expert Dies in Namibia Plane Crash

Tributes have poured in for Professor Alan Wilson, a distinguished Scottish professor and wildlife expert, who tragically died in a plane crash in Namibia on March 4, 2026. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from the Gobabeb Research Station, where he had been conducting research on the Oryx antelope. The pilot, Neil Oakman, also lost his life in the crash.

The pair had been in Namibia for a week, collaborating on wildlife research in the expansive Namib Desert. Concern arose when fellow researcher John Lowe reported their absence, leading to a search operation. Tragically, the wreckage was later discovered near the Gobabeb airstrip.

Professor Wilson, aged 62, was a prominent figure in the field of veterinary science, known for his expertise in the musculoskeletal systems of athletic animals. He served as the head of the Structure and Motion Laboratory at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in London. His contributions to the field also extended to popular media, where he lent his expertise to various BBC documentaries, including Big Cats and The Secret Life of Cats.

In a heartfelt statement, Professor Stuart Reid CBE, President & Principal of the RVC, expressed profound sadness over the loss. He remarked, “Alan has been part of the RVC for 30 years and throughout this time has not only endeared himself to colleagues, students, and the wider research community, but has forged an impressive career that has shaped our understanding of biomechanics and high-performance locomotion in both animals and humans.”

The University of Glasgow’s School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine also mourned the loss, stating, “It was with great sadness that we heard the news that Professor Alan Wilson died on Wednesday, March 4 in a light aircraft accident during a research flight in Namibia. Our thoughts are with Anna and the rest of Alan’s family, as well as his colleagues and friends.”

Professor Wilson was not only a respected academic but also an active member of the Glasgow University Hares & Hounds road and cross-country running club during his student days. In 2019, he returned to his alma mater to deliver the Weipers Lecture titled “From sprinting cheetah to walking wildebeest: studies of locomotion and physiology in Africa,” showcasing his passion and expertise in animal locomotion.

According to Senior Air Accident Investigator Judith Shomongula, the two men had arrived in Namibia on February 25, 2026 for their research project. They took off around 17:00 local time to search for collared antelope in the dunes when the accident occurred. By 19:00, concern for their safety prompted Lowe to initiate search efforts. The subsequent discovery of the crashed aircraft led to police involvement, with the bodies transported to the Walvis Bay police mortuary.

The aviation community and the academic world are left reeling from this devastating loss. Many have expressed their condolences, emphasizing the impact Professor Wilson had on wildlife research and the legacy he leaves behind. His contributions to understanding animal biomechanics and locomotion will continue to inspire future generations of researchers.