The pilot died after his plane got out of control and crashed at a South African airshow.
The crash happened on Saturday at the West Coast Air Show in Sardanha, a town about 70 miles (110 km) north of Cape Town.
Video footage shows an airplane spinning through the air before it plunges to the ground.
In a statement shared on social media, the show's organizers named the pilot James O'Connell.
“It is deeply saddened that the West Coast Air Show organizers confirm a fatal accident involving James O'Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa,” the statement said.
“O'Connell was running a routine display aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1, a beloved Warbird of deep historical significance for many South Africans.
“The operation was being carried out as part of an official airshow programme witnessed by thousands of spectators.
“An eyewitness account reports that the aircraft appears to be under control over most of the display. However, in one of the final operations, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude and entered a sudden dive before making contact with the ground.”
Organizers said there were no indications that the pilot would try to discharge.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathy lie in James' family, our loved ones, and everyone affected by this very tragic event,” they added.
No other injuries have been reported.
Elowayne Gouws, director of West Coast Medical Rescue, told National News Site News 24 that the Medic had arrived at the scene within two minutes and “discovered the wreckage being engulfed in flames.”
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The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and the South African Air Force accident forces are investigating the incident.
“There's one fatality and a pilot on an Impala aircraft,” said Sacca director at Communications Sisa Majola at National News Site Times Live.
The authorities' accident and incident investigation department will work with event safety officials to “match preliminary information,” he added.
According to the show's organizers, further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
