A CHAMPION stunt pilot died in Spain after a vulture crashed through his cockpit windscreen in a terrifying mid-air collision.
Olivier Masurel died yesterday when he returned to Madrid after participating in an air show in San Javier, in the southeast of the province of Murcia.
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The 42-year-old pilot was crowned Spanish Unlimited Aerobatic Flight Champion last July and represented Spain at the 31st FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Poland in August 2022.
The tragedy took place near Alcázar de San Juan, in the central Spanish province of Ciudad Real.
Olivier’s plane caught fire when it hit the ground, and images released by firefighters show the charred remains of the plane.
Since then, the talented aerobatic pilot has received numerous tributes.
The San Javier Air Show issued a statement along with a photo of him giving a thumbs up.
The organization said it was heartbroken by the news of the fatal accident and mourns his loss along with Olivier’s friends and family.
It said: “Flying has been Olivier’s passion and this fatal accident cost him his life. Fly high, dear Olivier.”
A spokesman for the Matilla de los Caños airfield in Valladolid, noting that he was heading to Cuatro Vientos airport in Madrid and not his airfield as initially reported, said: “We are deeply saddened by your loss, Olivier.
“Very loved and respected by everyone, he had his second home here. Rest in peace Olivier.”
One of the spectators at the festival near La Manga golf course, which was watched by hundreds of thousands of people, including many British expats and tourists, said: “We are feeling a rollercoaster of emotions at the moment.
“A few hours ago we were vibrating with excitement at the festival with the acrobatics of the pilots and now we have a lump in our throat after hearing this tragic news.
“Unknowingly, we have had the privilege of enjoying Olivier’s last show before his highest journey. May he rest in peace.”
Pal Jim Bourke, owner of US-based Southeast Aero Services, said: “My friend, I am sad that your number has come up.
“I hate this for you and everyone who loved you. I bet everyone who knew you is heartbroken, because there simply aren’t many people in the world as entertaining as you.
“But I’m thinking about all the wonderful memories I have of you, all the fun photos we took together, all the great meals we ate, and all the stories from our time together.
“For those who didn’t know him, Olivier was witty and charming, with a strong work ethic and polite demeanor.
“He was, of course, a fantastic driver, but he was so humble and generous that you never heard a word about his talent from him.
“He was one of those people who simply demanded excellence from himself and everyone who worked with him, but always found a way to express advice and criticism in a supportive way.
“Olivier could tell you ‘you have to do better’ and mean it, but it wouldn’t hurt. A true coach.”
A spokesperson for the regional government’s emergency response coordination center said: “Firefighters from Alcázar de San Juan were mobilized yesterday afternoon following a small plane crash.
“The plane caught fire after hitting the terrain next to the CM-3012 highway, causing the death of the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft.”
The organizers of the Olivier air show had just participated in what he called their displays “incredible.”
One said: “Olivier put on the most incredible solo show over the last three days with his crazy air show and wowed 400,000 people and a bird strike just after the show took his life.
Condolences to his family and friends. Thank you Olivier, we will miss you.”
The San Javier Air Show, which began on Friday and ended yesterday, featured more than 50 aircraft from various parts of Spain and Europe, including rare and historic aircraft that are not usually seen up close.
Festival organizers said before the event began that they wanted to establish it as a top European event.
The plane that Javier flew at the San Javier Air Show was an Extra 300 manufactured by the Extra Aircraft Company in Germany.
The Spanish Aeronautical Culture Association honored Masurel, of Spanish-French nationality, calling him an “auditory” and “highly valued” exhibition pilot who knew how to “defy the limits of gravity.”