Dramatic moment as low-flying gyrocopter crashes into sea near shocked beach sunbathers and swimmers – officials say it was ‘only a coincidence that it didn’t end in tragedy’

A gyrocopter was spotted flying low over a beach in Italy before crashing into the sea in front of horrified sunbathers.

The two-seater plane was spotted flying dangerously close to the ground on Thursday over the coastline of Marina di Minturno in Italy’s Latina province.

Video of the terrifying event shows the gyrocopter getting closer to the water, near a beach packed with people.

A few seconds later we saw the plane crash into the ocean and hit the ground with a huge splash.

The pilot miraculously escaped unharmed in the crash, although Italian politician Francesco Emilio Borrelli warned that it was “only a coincidence that it did not turn into a tragedy”.

Video of the terrifying ordeal showed the gyrocopter coming closer to the water, close to a beach packed with people

Seconds later it was seen crashing into the ocean and hitting the ground with a huge splash.

Alleanza deputy Verdi Sinistra said: ‘We must investigate the incident that occurred at Marina di Minturno, because it was pure chance that it did not end in tragedy.

‘I have asked for clarification on the reasons for the plane’s sudden landing on the ground. Was it the result of a mechanical failure or pilot error? Is this normal for flights at such low altitudes, so close to busy places such as seaside resorts?’

He added that gyrocopters and paragliders have become a “constant” sight in Minturno, “especially at low altitude and above the heads of bathers”.

The politician also called for “strict controls… on the safety of those who operate them and the people on board, with careful checks on flight codes and on the pilots’ possession of the necessary documents.”