Saint-Dizier, France — A catastrophic midair collision occurred Tuesday afternoon when two Alpha jets belonging to the French Air and Space Force’s Patrouille de France aerobatics team crashed during a rehearsal. The dramatic accident was captured on video, showing the jets colliding and bursting into flames before crashing near the BA 113 air base at approximately 3:40 p.m. local time.
The jets, part of a seven-airplane formation, were practicing maneuvers that included coordinated turns and colored smoke trails. Tragically, during one such maneuver, two of the aircraft came into contact, leading to their fatal descent.
Miraculously, the three pilots and one passenger involved managed to eject safely from their doomed jets seconds before the collision was fatal. Parachuting to safety, they sustained only minor injuries, thanks to their quick reaction and the jets’ equipped safety measures.
France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and local officials swiftly responded to the situation. Sébastien Lecornu, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, confirmed via social media that the ejected individuals were slightly injured and had been promptly taken into the care of emergency services. He expressed his relief and gratitude toward the first responders for their efficiency and concern for the pilots’ well-being.
The crash sites presented a gruesome scene, with one jet meeting its end against a silo and the other in a marshy woodland area. The swift response by emergency crews ensured that the damage and potential for further injuries were minimized.
Local authorities, including Quentin Brière, the mayor of Saint-Dizier, quickly coordinated with emergency teams to address the crash impacts and begin investigations into the incident. During a statement, Brière sympathized with the pilots and stressed the importance of rigorous safety protocols during flight training and demonstrations.
The Alpha Jet model, integral to such high-risk demonstrations, was developed in the 1970s as a collaboration between France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Dornier GmbH. Known for its agility and adaptability in both light attack and training roles, the dual-seat aircraft is crucial for pilots training in intricate aerobatic and combat maneuvers.
Formed in 1953, Patrouille de France is one of the oldest and most prestigious aerobatic teams in the world, showcasing their skillful precision and coordination during national and international events, including the annual Bastille Day parade. Despite the rarity of such tragic accidents, the inherent risk associated with their dramatic and highly precise performance is ever-present.
This unfortunate incident brings to light the perils faced by aerobatic teams such as the Patrouille de France, reminding both military personnel and the public of the significant dangers involved in these spectacular aerial displays. The thorough investigation that follows will seek to understand the cause of the collision and further enhance safety measures for future aerial operations.
As the community and the nation come to terms with the shock of Tuesday’s crash, the resilience and professionalism of France’s armed forces’ pilots are saluted, even as the incident serves as a somber reminder of the risks they willingly undertake to maintain their skills at the highest level of performance.