A PILOT has tragically died after his plane spiralled out of control and exploded in a fireball crash at an air show.

A frightening video captures the moment when a plane began to nosedive towards the ground, followed by a massive explosion in front of shocked spectators over the weekend.

The crash happened at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, a town about 70 miles north of Cape Town.

Elowayne Gouws, the head of West Coast Medical Rescue, reported that the aircraft’s remains were quickly consumed by fire within a mere two minutes, prompting rescuers to swiftly respond to the location.

Heartbroken organisers of the South African aerial display named James O’Connell as the “highly-skilled” pilot who died.

Through a post on social media, the organizers of the West Coast Airshow expressed deep sorrow as they confirmed a tragic incident involving James O’Connell.

“Mr O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 – a beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans.

“Eyewitness accounts report that the aircraft appeared to be under control during most of the display.

“However, during one of the final manoeuvres, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of altitude and entered a steep dive before making contact with the ground.”

Organisers said there was no sign the pilot made any attempt to eject as the plane started to crash land.

No other injuries were reported despite a large crowd gathering for the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha.

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force’s accident unit are investigating the incident.

SACCA head of communication Sisa Majola told national news site Times Live: “There is one confirmed fatality, a pilot on board an Impala aircraft.

Further updates will be shared when more information is available, organisers of the show said.