The Spanish Air Force released a statement saying that the wild maneuver was due to the dang seagulls.
Many of you have been asking us what happened during the Gijón air festival. As you can see, our F-18 pilot detected a flock of birds in its trajectory. This action is part of the standard protocol to preserve both the pilot’s safety and the public’s security. Our pilots are trained to react immediately to any unforeseen event.
In this case, the pilot acted with speed and skill, avoiding a possible impact without compromising the exhibition.
I’m sure that’s an air show that none of them will forget!
That's always been the standard maneuver upon spotting a flock of seagulls.
Go inverted 20 feet off the deck.