A "highly skilled" pilot who died after crashing during an aerobatics display has been named locally as David Jenkins.
Mr Jenkins was flying an Edge 360 plane over the Old Buckenham Airfield, near Attleborough, Norfolk, at about 2.40pm when the tragedy unfolded.
The pilot, in his 50s, was a member of the Wildcat Aerobatic Team based at the airfield.
A friend, who did not wish to be named, said: "He was the best bloke I knew. He was highly skilled and knew exactly what he was doing."
According to his profile on the team's website, two-time British advanced aerobatic champion Mr Jenkins began flying as a teenager. After a career in fibre optics, he earnt his licence as a private pilot and flew for 15 years before beginning aerobatics.
Simon Garrett, a pilot who flew out of the airfield this morning, said he only found out about the news when he returned this evening after being diverted elsewhere.
He said: "We were due to land back here but were diverted because of this emergency.
"We didn't know anybody had died until now.
"It is a terrible tragedy and very unusual because the teams involved are highly skilled.
"I knew the gentleman involved and he was very experienced."
A Norfolk Police spokesman said: "Officers attended along with colleagues from Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service to find wreckage near to the airfield. Sadly the pilot of the aircraft died at the scene."
It is understood Mr Jenkins' next of kin has been informed.
An area of the airfield has been cordoned off and the seal is expected to remain in place overnight.
The investigation will be handed over to the Air Accident Investigation Branch and a file prepared for the coroner.
Additional reporting by Press Association
