Pilot killed in air show crash

An experienced pilot died on Sunday after the plane he built crashed during an air show in Adelaide.

Roger StokesRoger Stokes, 73, was performing a demonstration in front of a large crowd at the annual Classic Aircraft display when his replica Spitfire dipped below the horizon about 2:00pm (ACST).

The plane crashed into a fence on Frost Road in Salisbury, narrowly missing a busy soccer pitch and nearby homes.

Hundreds of spectators were at the event and many saw the plane go down.

“I saw it disappear behind the trees and I thought he is too low to pull out,” one witness said.

“I thought it must have crashed.”

The Air Transport Safety Bureau will investigate the cause of the crash.

Police said they would remain at the scene throughout Sunday night and prepare a report for the Coroner.

Emergency Services blocked the roads around the scene and police have encouraged witnesses to contact 131 444.

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