Two military jets collided midair in France during a stunt rehearsal on Tuesday. The aircraft crashed to the ground, erupting in a massive fireball. Dramatic video footage captured the intense moment.
Pilots Eject to Safety After Midair Collision
The collision forced three pilots and one passenger to eject. They parachuted to safety, according to the French Air and Space Force. The jets were part of a seven-aircraft formation. They were training with the Patrouille de France (PAF), a precision aerobatics unit. The accident occurred near an air base in Saint-Dizier at 3:40 p.m. local time.
Video Shows the Fatal Mistake in the Sky
A video of the incident shows the aircraft flying in coordinated movements, leaving colored smoke trails. Suddenly, two jets made contact. The collision sent them spiraling toward the ground. The footage reveals the crew ejecting just in time. Seconds later, the aircraft crashed and exploded in flames.
The French Air and Space Force confirmed the event in a post on X. They stated that all pilots survived. “The three pilots, including one passenger, were able to eject in time and are safe. There are no casualties to report at this stage in the crash zone,” the statement read.
Response from Officials and Emergency Teams
Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, confirmed the crash. Emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene. Lecornu wrote on X that the pilots suffered minor injuries and received medical attention. “Thanks to the emergency services mobilized, thoughts for our pilots of the Patrouille de France,” he stated.
Saint-Dizier Mayor Quentin Brière provided additional details. He noted that one jet struck a silo, while the other crashed into a marshy wooded area. Reports from Le Parisien, citing AFP, confirmed this information.
Investigators Seek Cause of the Collision
Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash. It remains unclear what led to the aircraft colliding.
The Alpha Jet is a two-seat aircraft designed for training and light attack missions. Dassault Aviation of France and Dornier of Germany developed the aircraft in the 1970s. The jets are often used for aerobatic displays and pilot training.
Patrouille de France: A Prestigious Aerobatic Team
Founded in 1953, the Patrouille de France is an elite aerobatic unit. The team is famous for its performances at Bastille Day parades and other national events. The unit consists of highly skilled fighter pilots. Despite the risks of aerobatic maneuvers, accidents are rare within the team.
Safety Concerns and Future Measures
The incident raises concerns about airshow safety and training exercises. Military officials will likely reassess safety protocols to prevent similar accidents. The quick response from emergency teams prevented further casualties.
The aviation world is watching closely as investigations continue. This accident highlights the dangers pilots face while executing high-risk maneuvers. More details will emerge as authorities analyze the events leading to the collision.
35,204 hits
