An airshow in northern Spain turned into a heart-stopping spectacle over the weekend when a Spanish Air Force EF-18 Hornet came dangerously close to crashing into a crowded beach. The incident occurred during the Gijon Air Festival at San Lorenzo Bay in the Asturias region on Sunday. Videos of the dramatic moment have flooded social media, capturing the jet flying at a dangerously low altitude before performing a sudden, sharp manoeuvre that caused shock and panic among the spectators.
As seen in the viral footage, the EF-18 Hornet descended rapidly while heading straight towards the beach, only to suddenly roll right in a maneuver that appeared chaotic and uncontrolled. Spectators watched in disbelief, many of them recording the moment on their phones as black smoke emerged from the aircraft, leading many to believe a crash was imminent. However, the pilot managed to stabilize the aircraft mid-air and quickly ascended, narrowly avoiding a disaster.
The scene caused alarm not just because of the sudden movement of the aircraft, but because of how close it came to the beach, where thousands had gathered to watch the airshow. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the jet returned safely. In the aftermath, the Spanish Air Force issued a statement to calm public concern and to explain what had transpired in those intense seconds.
Bird Strike: The Invisible Threat in the Sky
Following the near-crash incident, the Spanish Air Force took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify what caused the unexpected maneuver. According to their statement, the pilot detected a flock of birds in the aircraft’s path while flying at a low altitude as part of the show routine. In aviation, a bird strike is a dangerous event that occurs when birds collide with aircraft, often resulting in severe damage to engines, windshields, or control surfaces.
The Spanish Air Force emphasized that the pilot responded according to protocol by performing an evasive maneuver to avoid a potential collision. The official statement read, “Many of you have been asking us, so in this thread, we’ll tell you what happened during the Gijon air festival. As you have seen, one of our F-18 fighters performed an evasive manoeuvre upon detecting a flock of birds in its path. This action is part of the standard protocol to preserve both the pilot’s safety and the public’s security.”
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Bird strikes are not a rare occurrence in aviation and are especially common during takeoff and landing when aircraft fly at lower altitudes—precisely the kind of maneuver being performed by the EF-18 Hornet during the airshow. A direct hit from birds, especially large ones or flocks, can lead to catastrophic engine failure or loss of control. The pilot’s decision to veer off-course in an instant, even at the risk of appearing erratic, likely saved not only his own life but potentially hundreds of lives on the beach below.
A Spanish F18 nearly crashes during an airshow in Spain this weekend 😨
— Virginie Sigonney (@GinieSigonney) July 28, 2025
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🎥©️VISUAIR pic.twitter.com/RN3kKWdk9C
The Air Force further added, “Our aviators are trained to react in milliseconds to any unforeseen event. In this case, the pilot acted with exemplary speed and professionalism, avoiding a possible collision without compromising the exhibition. Safety is, and will continue to be, our top priority at every air show. Thank you to all attendees for your enthusiasm and trust.”
The Pilot’s Swift Action Averted a Potential Tragedy
The professionalism and composure displayed by the EF-18 Hornet pilot has drawn admiration from both aviation experts and the general public. Although the maneuver may have looked reckless to the untrained eye, it was a split-second decision that demonstrated the high level of training military pilots undergo. Airshow routines are precisely choreographed, and any deviation from the routine can lead to confusion, or worse, tragedy. Yet in this case, the deviation was necessary and calculated.
The sudden descent and smoke seen in the video sparked immediate fears of a mechanical failure or loss of control. In reality, it was the result of the aircraft rolling right to avoid the birds and immediately pulling up to regain altitude. The black smoke, often associated with engine distress, could also be attributed to rapid changes in throttle or control adjustments made during the maneuver.
Airshows, while thrilling, are inherently risky due to the nature of aerial stunts and low-altitude flying. The presence of a large crowd adds another layer of responsibility on the pilots and organizers. Even a minor miscalculation can have devastating consequences. That’s why the pilot’s decision to perform the evasive action rather than staying on a rigid flight path is being hailed as life-saving.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as both terrifying and awe-inspiring. “It looked like the plane was going to crash right into us,” said one local resident. “People were screaming and ducking, and then suddenly the jet pulled up like a rocket. It was so close. I still can’t believe it didn’t crash.”
Another spectator added, “You don’t expect to see something like that. It was the most intense moment I’ve ever witnessed at an airshow. The pilot is a hero.”
A Reminder of Airshow Risks and Aviation Safety
This incident, while ending without casualties, has renewed discussions around airshow safety, especially in populated areas. Airshows are designed to entertain and inspire, but the risks involved are real. The history of air displays is dotted with unfortunate accidents, some of which have resulted in significant loss of life. Authorities in Spain and other countries consistently review safety protocols, enforce strict no-fly zones over crowds, and conduct rigorous checks before such events.
It’s worth noting that this was not the first time in recent months that a Spanish military aircraft faced bird strike complications. Just last month, the canopy of a Spanish EF2000 jet shattered during another airshow after a direct bird strike. These repeated encounters emphasize how nature’s smallest elements—like birds—can pose some of the biggest threats to aircraft safety.
Bird strikes remain a major concern for both civil and military aviation worldwide. In response, airports and airbases have installed bird detection radar, trained wildlife control teams, and employed deterrent strategies to keep birds away from flight paths. Still, when airshows occur in open coastal or rural areas—like San Lorenzo Bay—such threats become harder to predict and eliminate.
Military pilots are trained extensively to prepare for such threats. Simulations of bird strikes, engine failures, and other emergencies are part of their routine drills. The pilot in Gijon followed this training with precision, showing why such preparedness is essential, even for public displays.
Public reactions have largely praised the pilot and the Air Force. However, the event has also stirred calls for further safety evaluations and perhaps reconsideration of airshow layouts in populated regions. Some have questioned whether the beach location allowed too little margin for error, given the presence of a large civilian audience directly in the flight path.
Despite the moment of panic, the incident ended with a sense of relief and a deepened respect for the pilots who take to the skies not just to entertain, but to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism. The Spanish Air Force has reiterated its commitment to learning from such experiences and improving safety wherever possible.
While the spectacle at Gijon Air Festival will long be remembered for its near-tragic climax, it will also stand as a testament to the skills of modern aviators and the risks they face even in controlled environments. The roar of the EF-18 Hornet may have caused a few hearts to stop—but thanks to a trained pilot and quick thinking, it did not cause lives to be lost.