A renowned stunt pilot has died after a vulture smashed his cockpit windscreen in a terrifying mid-air collision.
Olivier Masurel, a 42-year-old Spanish-French national, was killed yesterday while returning to an airport in Madrid, Spain after participating in an airshow in San Javier. The charred wreckage of the plane was later shared by firefighters after it ignited into flames as it crashed.
A spokesperson from a regional government emergency response coordination centre confirmed the incident, stating: "Firefighters from Alcazar de San Juan responded to a light aircraft accident yesterday. The pilot, the sole occupant, perished as the aircraft caught fire upon impact beside the CM-3012 road."
The San Javier Airshow released a photo of Oliver and said in a statement: “We are heartbroken by the news of the fatal accident Olivier Masurel, an aerobatic 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.”
The charred ruins of Olivier's plane (SOLARPIX.COM)
The plane was engulfed in flames as it crashed (SOLARPIX.COM)Just last July, Olivier was crowned the Spanish Unlimited Aerobatic Flight Champion and was one of the three pilots who represented Spain at the 31st FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Poland in August 2022. A spokesperson from Matilla de los Canos Aerodrome in Valladolid clarified that Olivier had been en route to Cuatro Vientos Airport in Madrid, not their aerodrome as initially reported. They said: "We mourn your passing, Olivier. Much loved and respected by all, he had his second home here. Rest in peace, Olivier.”
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An attendee at the festival, who was among the hundreds of spectators, including many British holidaymakers, shared their sadness at the loss. They said: "We're experiencing a roller coaster of emotions at the moment. Just a few hours ago we were thrilled by the pilots' acrobatics during the festival, and now we have a lump in our throats after hearing this tragic news. Unknowingly, we were privileged to witness Olivier's final performance before he embarked on his highest journey. May he rest in peace."
The aircraft Olivier piloted was by the Extra Aircraft Company in Germany. (SOLARPIX.COM)One of Olivier's friends, Jim Bourke, owner of US-based Southeast Aero Services, reflected on the memories he shared with Olivier. He said: "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."
The organisers of the air show had praised Olivier's performances before his death, commending it for being "amazing". One organiser said: "Olivier put on an absolutely stunning solo show over the past three days with his incredible aerial manoeuvres, captivating 400,000 spectators."
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