Kevin Whyman, 39, was killed when his Folland Gnat aircraft crashed during an aerial display at the CarFest event at Oulton Park on 1 August.
Ch Supt Philip Jones also told the hearing there had been a risk of explosions from ejector seat debris.
Mr Whyman's body was recovered the next day when the site had been made safe.
Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg released Mr Whyman's body for burial as he adjourned the inquest.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is carrying out an investigation.
A pilot was killed after his aircraft broke into "multiple pieces" when it fell from the sky at an event in Cheshire, an inquest has heard.