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.
Olivier Masurel has died aged 42 in Spain
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.
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.
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, 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.”
Pal 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.”
A spokesman 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 Javier piloted at the San Javier Air Show was an Extra 300 manufactured by the Extra Aircraft Company in Germany.
The Spanish Aeronautical Cultura Association honoured Masurel, a Spanish-French national, by calling him an “audicious” and “highly sought-after” exhibition pilot who was able to “defy the limits of gravity.”
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