Pilot dies while broadcasting his jump on Facebook

London, Aug 28: A 28-year-old Italian wingsuit pilot died in the Alps while broadcasting his daring jump live on social networking site Facebook.

The incident took place near Kandersteg in Switzerland where the deceased, identified as Armin Schmieder, told his fans 'today you fly with me' before jumping off from the cliff, the Daily Mail reported on Sunday.

Images from the video, which was posted online showed the pilot getting ready with his wingsuit before pocketing his phone and taking off.

According to the video available, some moments later a shout was heard by online watchers. Followers watching the video immediately reacted with horror on Facebook.

It is presumed he plunged to the ground but police did not immediately make any comment about the incident.

It is the latest tragedy to hit the sport and comes just days after Alexander Polli, a well-known and daring wingsuit pilots, died after crashing into a tree during a flight.

Polli became popular after posting a video of himself flying through a small hole in a huge rock called the 'Roca Forad' in Montserrat, Spain.

Earlier this month, a British BASE jumper plunged to his death after jumping from the 'High Ultimate' peak near the Alpine village of Murren in central Switzerland.

IANS