STUNT PLANE PILOT KILLED BY VULTURE THAT SMASHED THROUGH COCKPIT

• Olivier Masurel was killed yesterday as he flew back to an airport in Madrid
• A vulture crashed through the windscreen of his cockpit
• His plane was alight as it crashed on Sunday  

A champion stunt pilot has died in Spain after a vulture smashed through the windscreen into his cockpit.

Olivier Masurel was killed yesterday as he returned to an airport in Madrid after taking part in an airshow in San Javier in the south-east province of Murcia.

The Spanish-French national was crowned Spanish Unlimited Aerobatic Flight Champion last July and was one of the three pilots that represented Spain at the 31st FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Poland in August 2022.

The San Javier Airshow, where Olivier had demonstrated his skills shortly before meeting his untimely death aged just 42, said in a statement alongside a photo of him doing a thumbs-up: 'We are heartbroken by the news of the fatal accident Olivier Masurel, an acrobatic pilot who participated in the air festival, suffered.

'A vulture smashed into his cockpit and he died.

'The accident happened after the festival finished a few minutes before he returned to his destination.'

'We accompany his family and friends in this sad loss.

'Flying has been Olivier's passion and this fatal accident has cost him his life. Fly high dear Olivier.'

A spokesperson for Matilla de los Canos aerodrome in Valladolid, pointing out he had been heading to Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid and not their aerodrome as was initially reported, said: 'We are deeply saddened by your loss Olivier.

'Much loved and respected by all, he had his second home here. Rest in peace Olivier.'

One of the spectators at the festival near La Manga golf resort, which was watched by hundreds of thousands of people including many British expats and holidaymakers, 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.'

English-speaking friend Jim Bourke, owner of US based Southeast Aero Services, said: 'My friend, I am sad that your number came up.

'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.

'But I'm thinking of all the great memories I have of you, and all the hilarious pictures we took together, and all the great meals we ate, and all the stories of our time together.

'For those who didn't know him, Olivier was witty and charming, with a strong work ethic and polite demeanour.

'He was of course a fantastic pilot, but he was so humble and giving that you would never hear a word about his talent from him.

'He was one of those people who just demanded excellence from himself and everyone who worked with him, but he always found a way to word advice and criticism in a supportive way.

'Olivier could tell you 'you have to do better' and mean it, but it wouldn't sting. A true coach.'

Yesterday's tragedy took place near Alcazar de San Juan in the central Spanish province of Ciudad Real. His plane caught fire as it hit the ground.

A spokesperson for a regional government emergency response coordination centre said: 'Firefighters from Alcazar de San Juan were mobilised yesterday afternoon following a light aircraft accident.

'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.'

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 Olivier piloted at the San Javier Air Show was an Extra 300 manufactured by the Extra Aircraft Company in Germany.

The Spanish Aeronautical Cultural Association honoured Masurel by calling him an 'audicious' and 'highly sought-after' exhibition pilot who was able to 'defy the limits of gravity.'

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2024-05-06T09:45:38Z dg43tfdfdgfd