This is the moment when a fighter plane almost crashed into an enormous crowd at a popular Air Festival in Northern Spain.
A video shared on social networks shows a Spanish Air Force EF-18 Hornet jet edging within a few metres of crashing directly into spectators.
The Gijon Air Festival included a display that attracted tens of thousands to the San Lorenzo Beach.
Every year, almost 250,000 aviation enthusiasts travel to Asturias for the event.
Read more: Boeing settles lawsuit with Spain for 2008 plane crash in which 154 passengers and crew were killed
The supersonic jet briefly appeared to lose its control, leaving many people in a state of shock.
The aircraft will descend towards the ground after a puffing of black smoke.
The pilot quickly steers his plane up and away, just metres above the sand with thousands of terrified onlookers.
Experts argued whether or not the dramatic maneuver was deliberate.
In a press release released on X the Spanish Air Force attempted to clarify the situation.
READ MORE Briton 75 killed in horrific plane crash: Tributes pouring in for much loved glider driver
The tweet stated: “As you can see, our F-18 fighter performed an evasive maneuver when it detected a flock birds in its way.”
This is standard protocol for the safety of both the pilot and the public.
Our aviators have been trained to react within milliseconds in the event of an unexpected event.
“In this instance, the pilot acted quickly and professionally, avoiding an accident without compromising the exhibit.
Safety is and will remain our number one priority at all air shows. We thank all of the attendees for their enthusiasm and trust.
“Let’s continue flying together!”
Click here for more Spain News by The Olive Press.