THIS is the terrifying moment a plane corkscrews into the sea leaving the pilot feared dead.

Footage filmed by a witness from a nearby beach in Durban, South Africa, shows the moment the ZS-AEC Extra 300 aircraft plummets out of the sky on August 14.

It shows the plane climbing and then banking before plunging into the waves just metres from the shore.

Veteran pilot Andrew Blackwood-Murray, 61, was reportedly taking part in an airshow when the crash occurred.

Rescue teams were immediately alerted by beachgoers who saw the plane fall from the sky.

Parts of the wreckage have since been recovered, but the body of the pilot has not yet been found.

Authorities have confirmed that the search is now a recovery mission rather than a rescue, and it is widely believed that Blackwood-Murray did not survive the crash.

Officials have temporarily closed the beach to the public, urging residents and visitors to avoid the area while recovery operations remain underway.

Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Sisa Majola confirmed that the crash happened during the aircraft’s final display at the beachfront airshow shortly before 2pm.

Tributes have poured in for Blackwood-Murray, described as a world-class pilot and a true gentleman within the aviation community.

His wife Kyla paid an emotional tribute on Facebook, writing: “It was the call I have been dreading my whole life.

“But I always said I would rather he go doing the things he loves the most. I just didn’t realise he would have left so soon.

“He was my world. We did everything together and we had so many plans. We were going to grow old and be the most awesome geriatrics together.

“He has taken away the biggest piece of my soul and I don’t know how I am going to live without my wingman.

“He brought me more joy than I ever imagined possible. He was always there for me helping me become the best version of myself.

“I am beyond heartbroken.”

The search is ongoing.