Moment 'plane crashes into the sea in front of air show spectators'

A plane has crashed into the sea in front of horrified spectators at an air show in France.

A rescue operation has been launched to locate the pilot following the crash at the Patrouille de France show, in southern France, according to local reports. It is understood the crash happened shortly before 5pm local time.

In a video uploaded xto X/Twitter by Maxime Govare, the plane could be seen flying above the water before it continued on a downward trajectory. Just seconds later, the aircraft crashed into the water.

"Crash of a plane of the Patrouille de France in Lavandou just now," he said. "Hoping that the pilot is unharmed."

Another clip, taken at a different angle showed the plane hit the water hard close to a harbour. The impact threw water high into the air.
The pilot was unable to eject, according to local outlet Le Figaro. Firefighters have since begun a search for the pilot.

Government officials for the state services in Var confirmed there had been a crash. A statement shared to X/Twitter read: "This Friday, August 16, 2024 around 5 p.m., during an air show off the coast of Lavandou, a civil aircraft of the Fouga magister type crashed into the sea.