Champion stunt pilot killed after vulture smashes through windscreen and into cockpit in horror mid-air crash in Spain
A CHAMPION stunt pilot has died in Spain after a vulture smashed through the windscreen into his cockpit in a horror mid-air collision.
Olivier Masurel died yesterday on his way back to Madrid after taking part in an airshow in San Javier, in the south-east province of Murcia.
The 42-year-old was crowned Spanish Unlimited Aerobatic Flight Champion last July and represented Spain at the 31st FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Poland in August 2022.
Olivier, a Spanish-French national, was praised as an “audacious” and “highly sought-after” exhibition pilot who was able to “defy the limits of gravity.”
The tragedy took place near Alcazar de San Juan in the central Spanish province of Ciudad Real.
Olivier’s plane caught fire as it hit the ground, with pictures released by fire services showing the charred remains of the aircraft.
Firefighters from Alcazar de San Juan were called to the scene yesterday afternoon following reports of a light aircraft accident.
A spokesman for a regional government emergency response coordination centre said: “The plane caught fire after hitting the ground next to the CM-3012 road, causing the death of the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft.”
Tributes have since been pouring in for the talented stunt pilot.
The San Javier Airshow issued a statement alongside a photo of him doing a thumbs-up.
The organisation said it was heartbroken by the news of the fatal accident, and is mourning his loss together with Olivier’s friends and family.
It read: “Flying has been Olivier’s passion and this fatal accident has cost him his life. Fly high dear Olivier.”
A spokesman for Matilla de los Canos aerodrome in Valladolid pointed out he had been heading to Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid and not their aerodrome as was initially reported.
Meanwhile, a festival spectator said: “We’re feeling a roller coaster of emotions right now.
“A few hours ago we were vibrating with excitement at the festival with the pilots’ acrobatics and now we have a lump in our throats after hearing this tragic news.
“Unknowingly we’ve been privileged to enjoy Olivier’s last show before his highest journey. Rest in peace.”
Thank you Olivier, you will be missed
San Javier Air Show
Pal Jim Bourke, owner of US based Southeast Aero Services, described his mate as “witty, charming” and a “fantastic pilot”.
He said: “I hate this for you and for everyone who loved you. I bet everyone who knew you is heartbroken, because there just aren’t a lot of people in the world as entertaining as you.”
Organisers of the air show Olivier had just taken part in called his exhibitions “amazing.”
One said: “Olivier put on the most amazing solo show over the last three days with his crazy aeronautical show and wowed 400,000 people and a bird strike just after the show ended his life.
“Condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Olivier you will be missed.”
The San Javier Air Show, which started on Friday and finished yesterday, featured more than 50 aircraft from several parts of Spain and Europe including rare and historic planes not commonly seen close up.
Festival organisers said before the event began they wanted to establish it as a premier European event.
The aircraft Javier piloted at the San Javier Air Show was an Extra 300 manufactured by the Extra Aircraft Company in Germany.