Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 07:36 pm
A small aerobatic plane crashed into the sea during an airshow off the southeastern coast of France on Friday, killing the pilot who could not get out, officials said. The incident occurred at Le Lavandou, just before the French Air Force’s elite acrobatic team was scheduled to perform.
The Aircraft: Fouga Magister
The aircraft involved in this unfortunate accident was a Fouga Magister-an airplane that was constructed during the post-World War II years, which had been in service to the French military for a long time as both a training jet and also as an aerobatics aircraft. Unluckily for the ill-fated occupant, Fouga Magister does not have an ejection seat-a utility, which could save the pilot from life-threatening situations with much difficulty.
Tragic Death of Pilot
The rescuers soon found the body of the leading pilot, 65, who unfortunately did not survive. The airshow was forthwith called off following what the military called “tragic circumstances Plane Crash.”
Recent Tragedies in French Aviation
It is the second tragedy within weeks; two French pilots died on Wednesday when two Rafale fighter jets collided in mid-air in eastern France. A third pilot managed to bail out safely after the crash over Colombey-les-Belles, a northeastern French town.