The crash happened at the West Coast Air Show in Saldanha, a town about 70 miles north of Cape Town, on Saturday.
Another fatal plane crash at Saldanha Bay Airshowin Cape Town.
The aircraft then fell out of sight behind some buildings as it came lower and lower.
Seconds later, a massive explosion could be seen over the tops of the structures it fell behind.
Black smoke rose into the air in a shocking plume.
Organisers of the West Coast Air Show said a fatal accident occurred involving the Impala Mark 1 aircraft.
It was piloted by highly respected South African test pilot James O’Connell.
According to Elowayne Gouws, the director of West Coast Medical Rescue, the pilot died on impact.
It burst into flames in front of more than 2,000 spectators, abruptly ending the event.
Tragic photos on social media show the jet just hours before it crashed.
The man who took the photo posted: ‘Heartbreaking afternoon.
‘I took these photos of this Impala aircraft just hours before it tragically crashed at the West Coast Air Show.
‘My deepest condolences to the pilot’s family. May he rest in peace.’
A statement posted on social media by the organisers of the show read: ‘It is with profound sadness that the organisers of the West Coast Airshow confirm a fatal accident involving James O’Connell, a highly skilled and respected test pilot from South Africa.
‘Mr O’Connell was performing a routine display intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the Impala Mark 1 – a beloved warbird with deep historical significance for many South Africans.
