Airshow pilot dead after crash

The pilot of a single seater jet died after his plane crashed into the sea during an air show today.

The pilot of a single seater jet died after his plane crashed into the sea during an air show today.

His body was been found less than 100m off the beach at Eastbourne where jet crashed this after noon, Sussex police said.

The jet was taking part in the three-day Eastbourne Airborne Show.

A coastguard spokesman said the body was brought ashore by the Eastbourne inshore lifeboat and was identified as that of the pilot.

The accident took place at 2.20pm near the town's Wash Tower, a local landmark.

The Civil Aviation Authority said the plane was a Delfin L29, a Czech Republic military jet.

Thousands of visitors to the free air show watched in horror as the plane hit the sea when it failed to pull out of a turn during an aerobatic display.