Olivier Masurel, aerobatic champion, died after colliding with a vulture on return from the San Javier Air Festival
Olivier Masurel, a renowned aerobatic champion of Spanish-French origin, tragically lost his life in a fatal plane crash. The accident occurred on his return from the San Javier Air Festival, where he had given a breathtaking performance on his Extra EA-330SC aircraft.
While flying back to Matilla De Los Caños Airport (LETC), located in Valladolid, Castile and Leon, Masurel's plane collided with a vulture, causing significant damage to the aircraft's canopy. Despite his best efforts to regain control, the plane crashed near Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real. The aviation community mourns the loss of this talented and accomplished pilot.
Olivier Masurel (Credit: Solarpix)
On Sunday, May 5th, the aviation community lost one of its brightest stars, the celebrated aerobatic pilot Olivier Masurel. Masurel, a Spanish-French national, was known for his extraordinary skill in the cockpit and his dedication to the art of aerobatics. On that fateful day, Masurel had just finished performing his world-renowned aerobatic display on the Extra EA-330SC at the San Javier Air Festival, where he was a regular participant.
As he was returning home to Valladolid-Matilla De Los Caños Airport, only a few minutes away from his destination, tragedy struck. A vulture collided with his aircraft canopy, causing it to crash near Alcázar de San Juan, Ciudad Real. Despite his extensive experience, which included being named the Spanish unlimited aerobatic flight champion in July 2023, Masurel was unable to avoid the collision.
The loss of Masurel is a significant one for the aviation world. He was one of the most respected and recognized names in the international aerobatic community, and his talent and dedication had earned him much acclaim. His passing is a great loss not only to his family and friends but also to the aviation community as a whole. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire and motivate pilots for generations to come.
Olivier Masurel (Credit: Solarpix)
Olivier Masurel was a highly accomplished French aerobatics champion and coach of the Advanced team in 2013. He was born of Spanish-French origin and had a remarkable career in the field of aerobatics. Masurel was an internationally renowned aerobatics competitor, winning the FAI World Aerobatic Team Championships in 2007, 2013, and 2017. He was also the FAI European Aerobatic Team Champion in 2012 and 2016.
In addition to these impressive achievements, Masurel was Vice-World Champion in all categories in 2011, the overall champion of France in 2012, and won the silver medal at the French championships in Moulins in 2013. He was also the French single-seater champion in 2015 at Épernay.
Masurel was a true professional and was respected in the field of aerobatics worldwide. He was part of the Spanish National Aerobatic team and represented Spain in the 31st World Aerobatic Flight Championship (FAI WAC 2022). Masurel's remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of aerobatics will be remembered for years to come.
