This is the terrifying moment a fighter pilot lost control of his jet, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic crash at an air show.

Heart-stopping footage shows the Spanish Air Force EF-18 Hornet flying at a very low altitude towards the beach before executing a sharp roll mid-air.

The pilot managed to recover and climb out safely moments later during the air festival in Gijon, Spain, on Sunday, July 27.

Reports indicate the pilot spotted a flock of birds in his flight path, forcing him to perform an evasive manoeuvre in line with standard safety protocols.

Authorities said in a statement: 'Our aviators are trained to react in milliseconds to any unforeseen event. In this case, the pilot acted with exemplary speed and professionalism, avoiding a possible collision without compromising the exhibition.

'Safety is, and will continue to be, our top priority at every air show. Thank you to all attendees for your enthusiasm and trust. Let's keep flying together.'

Bird strikes can cause serious damage to aircraft engines, potentially triggering fires and affecting an aircraft's ability to land safely.

Last year, a Jeju Air plane crash in South Korea became the country's worst aviation disaster, killing at least 179 people onboard, with only two survivors.

Flight records show the plane departed Bangkok, Thailand, at 2:29 am before attempting to land at 8:59 am on December 29 in the Jeonnam region of South Korea.

Lee Jeong-hyun, the chief of the Muan Fire Department, stated that a bird strike or adverse weather conditions could have contributed to the crash.