By Lynnette Johns, Sam Clark, Andrew Ingram and Ian Williams
At first no one realised the seriousness of test pilot Dave Stock's predicament.
Just before noon yesterday thousands of spectators at the bi-annual Overberg Air Show at Bredasdorp had seen Stock take off in the valuable English Electric Lightning supersonic jet, one of four owned by Mike Beachy Head of Thunder City.
But after a few manoeuvres the jet appeared to be in trouble, and Stock flew to a holding area. Air force firetrucks rushed to the runway anticipating a crash landing.
Thousands of spectators watched as the jet flew east and many assumed Stock was releasing fuel to reduce the risk of fire when coming in to crash land.
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The commentator announced Stock was having difficulties and the fire trucks were a precaution.
A few minutes later the commentator again announced the arrangements were precautionary. By then Stock was in serious trouble and was trying to eject. He tried three times. Then came his chilling last message: "I have ejector seat failure." The fatal crash followed.
Spectator Lance McIntosh said many people had not realised Stock was in serious difficulties.
"He circled wide, and was approaching the runway when I saw the jet diving and spiralling before it hit the ground."
Seconds later spectators felt a thud, and a huge fire ball was seen kilometres away, followed by plumes of smoke. The crowd went silent and some people were treated for shock.
Air force Oryx helicopters were dispatched to extinguish the flames, which spread to the veld.
Initially it was thought Stock had successfully ejected and an announcement was made to switch off cellphones as they were jamming the networks, which in turn was hampering the rescue party.
But then word spread of his desperate final message.
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