THIS was the moment a jet plane crashed into the sea in front of thousands of horrified spectators, killing its pilot.

The L-29 Delfin was half way through a daring aerobatics display when it failed to pull up from a manoeuvre and plunged beneath the waves off Eastbourne seafront yesterday afternoon.

Former Red Arrows pilot Ted Girdler, 62, failed to eject before it crashed, sending up a cloud of smoke and debris.

A stunned crowd of more than 40,000, including one of his two sons, watched in shocked silence as the plane disappeared without trace.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, including a police helicopter and lifeboat.

Off-duty lifeboatman Gary Mead was in his own boat when the plane crashed just yards away.

He dived into the sea and pulled the pilot to the surface.

Mr Mead, 29, said: "We were just out in the lifeboat enjoying the show and having a cup of coffee when the crash happened. The plane came down 200 yards away.

"We were so busy starting the engine to get over that there we didn't really appreciate what had happened.

"There was another safety boat that had hold of a parachute. We joined them and pulled the parachute in. We eventually recovered the body but there was no question of resuscitating him. He was obviously The body of Mr Girdler, who was married and from Broadstairs, Kent, was picked up by another lifeboat vessel which then returned to the shore.

Mr Mead said: "Al we did was what we are trained to do. At no point did we enter the water as there was so much fuel and it would have been dangerous.

"At the moment what we did hasn't really set in, although we will probably feel the shock in a few hours."

Eastbourne's packed beaches have now to be cleared of holidaymakers because of aviation fuel leaking into the sea.

Two people were taken to hospital suffering from the effects and a strong smell of fuel filled the area where just moments before families and aircraft enthusiasts had been enjoying the second day of Airbourne 2000.

Brian Reeves of Northampton, said: "The plane was in a loop but never pulled up. It seemed to try and turn but then it hit the sea.

"I can't believe it. It's a terrible shock."

Former RAF pilot Trevor Williams, from Hailsham, said: "I could see when he came in he was far too low and too close to the beach.

"There was nothing he could do, it was too late and then he was gone."

Another witness Amanda Glover, 21, from Heathfield, said: "Everyone was watching the display and it all seemed to be going well.

"Then it went down into a dive and just kept going. We were on the beach at the time and there was a bang and pieces went flying into the air.

"We didn't know what to do. Afterwards there was nothing, just silence."

Another onlooker Della Blackman, from Romford, said: "I can't even believe this has happened it is so terrible."

Eddie Willett of Redoubt Road, Eastbourne said: "It just dived in like an aerial bomb. At first I thought it was a joke and I thought he would get himself out of it. It smashed to pieces as soon as it hit the water."

Further flights were called off yesterday but organisers planned to continue with the final two days of the event today and tomorrow despite the accide nt.

Speaking at a press conference last night, Ron Cussons, leisure and tourism director for Eastbourne Borough Council, said: "Flying displays for the rest of the day have been cancelled. Investigations being handled by the Air Accident Investigation Branch are continuing.

"It was felt because of the number of people due, the airshow should continue."

Airborne organisers spent an hour clearing onlookers from the beach as fuel from the plane floated towards the shingle.

They warned onlookers and stewards alike not to touch any of the debris as it could be dangerous.

Coun Barbara Goodall, a member of Eastbourne council's tourism committee, said: "This is an absolute tragedy and it is the first time in eight or nine years of Airbourne that we have had an accident."

A council spokeswoman added later: "The council is deeply distressed for the family and that this accident could have happened to one of the brave pilots who spend their lives entertaining so many people.

"A book of condolences has been set up in the lifeguard stations on the seafront."

Police have also issued an appeal for video footage from any witnesses.