Red Bull Air Race champion Hannes Arch has been killed in a helicopter crash in his native Austria.
The 49-year-old Arch was flying a Robinson R66 when in crashed into a cliff near the Elberfelderstraße Hut in south central Austria on Thursday night.
Austrian television has reported it took rescuers three hours to hike into the crash site, but Arch had died on impact. His passenger survived the crash.
"We're shocked, sad and can't quite believe it: the world has lost a life-loving adventurer and great athlete," said an official statement from the Red Bull Air Race.
"The Red Bull family has to say its final goodbye to a wonderful person and close friend.
"Hannes was one-of-a kind: always searching for new challenges. His passion made him a role model for many, while his decisiveness enabled him to write sporting history and his determination turned him into a world champion.
"We salute this outstanding athlete and sadly say: Rest in Peace, Hannes. We'll sadly miss your warmth, your sense of humour and your almost limitless energy."
Arch was one of the most successful pilots in the history of the Red Bull Air Race series, having finished either first or runner-up in the last four championships. He won the championship in 2008, the first European to do so.
Arch was sitting in third place in the 2016 series, flying an Edge 540.