A historic Fouga Magister aircraft crashed into the sea off Lavandou, Var, during an air show commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Provence Landings.

The crash occurred on Friday, August 16, just before 5 PM, shortly after the air show began.

The pilot, who was not part of the military, remains missing as the aircraft lacked an ejection seat.

Rescue operations are underway, coordinated by the CROSS Méditerranéen, with support from local fire services and the Maritime Gendarmerie.

Videos circulating on social media show the aircraft descending rapidly into the sea, but no nearby boats were hit.

The air show, featuring the Patrouille de France, was halted following the incident.

An investigation has been launched by the Toulon prosecutor's office to determine the cause of the crash.