ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

World War Two Plane Crashes Into Sea Close To Shore On Busy Beach

World War Two Plane Crashes Into Sea Close To Shore On Busy Beach

The air show plane narrowly avoided crowds of people as it hit the water

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

Incredible footage has been shored online showing a World War Two era plane crashing into the sea close to the shore this weekend.

The aircraft fell out of the sky during a display at the Cocoa Beach Air Show in Florida yesterday (17 April), narrowly avoiding people playing in the water.

In the clip from the shocking incident, the plane can be seen passing by the beach, getting closer and closer to the water before eventually crashing.

Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident, with the pilot refusing many medical attention after getting out of the plane.

One of the videos shared online was filmed by Melanie Schrader.

Speaking to local media, she said it looked as though the pilot managed to pull the plane up to avoid hitting anyone below.

Storyful

She told Florida Today: "He was sputtering down the beach and I was like, 'oh he doesn't sound good' and I just started filming.

"It looked like (the pilot) pulled up at the last moment and avoided any spectators, there were loads of people on the water, and then I saw him on top of the plane.

"It looked like he was ok."

A spokesperson for the Cocoa Beach Air Show said the crash was due to a mechanical fault.

They said: "The TBM Avenger performing in the warbird parade had a mechanical issue and the pilot was able to bring the plane down close to the shore.

"Rescue personnel were immediately on scene and the pilot is ok."

Storyful

A statement from Valiant air command said that efforts were being made to recover the airplane.

It read: "Salvage efforts for our stricken TBM will continue through the night. We are planning to float her to the Port Canaveral harbor area and crane her out there.

"We are thankful that our pilot walked away unscathed from the incident.

"We are also thankful for all of your comments of support you have sent us this day."

Following the crash, people flooded the air show's Facebook page with praise for the pilot.

Commenting on a post about the crash, one user said: "That landing the pilot made was incredible though. Lots of talent in that emergency landing."

Another chimed in, writing: "That's one talented pilot to bring plane down safely. Glad everyone is safe!"

Featured Image Credit: Storyful

Topics: Crash, Beach, Airplane, Sea, Florida, US News, World War Two, Facebook