Blood-covered pilot keeps calm and records video after massive bird hits aircraft. Watch

A pilot in Ecuador displayed exceptional composure after an enormous bird crashed through the windscreen into his cockpit and left him covered in blood after which he shot a video of the heart-stopping incident that left spectators in awe.

Squadron leader Ariel Valiente became an unexpected sensation when he recorded the ordeal in Vinces, located in the Los Ríos Province. The video quickly went viral.

The footage reveals the aftermath of the collision, with remnants of the bird and its talons hanging perilously above the pilot. Bloodstains cover Valiente's face and uniform but he remains unfazed and continues to steer the aircraft.

Authorities have not yet identified the species of the bird involved in the incident. Speculation has emerged suggesting that it may have been an Andean Condor, a big bird known for its vast wingspan, which can reach up to 10 feet.

Aviation authorities are investigating the circumstances of the accident to determine the altitude at which the aircraft was flying and the specific route it was following during the encounter. No official conclusions have been reached yet.
A flight instructor offered insight into this extraordinary calmness, telling DailyMail, "When in a stressful situation, pilots will revert to the first thing they learned. That's why initial training is so important."