Horrifying footage shows fatal plane crash at Russian university prom air show (VIDEO)

The pilot of a small aircraft has been killed in an accident during an air show honoring students graduating from a local university in the city of Tambov, Russia.

On Friday at around 20:30 local time, horrified students from the Tambov State University looked on as the small plane, which was putting on a show for their graduation ball, spun out of control and fell into a marshland.

The pilot was pronounced dead at the scene, though no other victims were reported. According to preliminary information, the pilot was a 49-year-old native of Tambov.

“According to preliminary information, the pilot apparently lost control and the plane crashed to the ground, falling in marshland,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement to Interfax.

“The Bristell NG-5 [aircraft] was completely destroyed and the pilot was killed.”

An investigation is underway into the cause of the crash and who, if anyone, should be held responsible.