Plane crashes into the ocean in entrance of shocked spectators at air present
A plane crashed into the sea in front of horrified spectators at a French air show today, according to local reports.
A rescue operation is currently underway for the pilot, whose fate is unknown, after the incident at the Patrouille de France, Le Figaro has reported.
A shocking video shared on social media shows the aircraft crashing into the sea off the coast of Le Lavandou, near Saint Tropez in Southeastern France.
The plane appears to land in the middle of several boats – which just avoid being hit.
A plane crashed into the sea in front of horrified spectators at a French air show today, according to local report
A shocking video shared on social media appears to show the aircraft crashing into the sea in the middle of several boats – which just avoid being hit
Firefighters are currently at the scene and the show has been stopped while the search for the pilot continues
Firefighters are currently at the scene and the show has been stopped while the search for the pilot continues, the local port authority has confirmed.
A spokesperson for the district of Var where the crashed occurred said: ‘Rescue operations to find the pilot are currently being coordinated by the Mediterranean Regional Operational Surveillance and Rescue Centre (CROSS).
‘Resources from the Var Departmental Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime Gendarmerie are deployed in the area.’
It is believed that the pilot did not come out of the aircraft in the crash that happened shortly before 5pm local time.
The plane involved has been reported to be a private Fouga Magister aircraft that was used in the French air force from 1964 to 1980.
The Patrouille de France is a public aircraft display that was organised to mark the 80th anniversary of the Provence Landings during World War II.
The show had only just started when the incident occurred and the plane involved in the crash was the second to go past, Le Figaro has reported.
This is a breaking news story – more to follow
