Two Planes Collided At Military Air Show Rehearsal In France

In a dramatic incident on Tuesday, two jets from the French Air Force’s elite aerobatic team, the Patrouille de France, collided midair during a stunt rehearsal near Saint-Dizier, eastern France. The collision occurred during a coordinated maneuver involving seven aircraft and resulted in a fiery crash. Fortunately, three pilots and one passenger were able to eject and parachute to safety.

The accident, which took place around 3:40 p.m. local time, sent the two jets spiraling toward the ground, with video footage showing the pilots quickly ejecting from their aircraft before they crashed. The jets exploded upon impact—one crashing into a silo, the other landing in a nearby marshy area.

While the three pilots and their passenger sustained minor injuries, no fatalities were reported on the ground, and the injured were quickly treated. The collision has raised questions about the cause of the crash, though the precise reason remains unclear.

The Patrouille de France, renowned for their spectacular aerobatic displays, was performing its routine training in preparation for upcoming performances, including the famous Bastille Day flyover. The team, established in 1953, is one of the most prestigious aerobatic units in the world. Although such accidents are rare for the unit, the incident highlights the risks involved in precision aerobatic flying.

The French Air and Space Force’s investigation into the incident is ongoing, and for now, the pilots’ quick reactions in ejecting from their planes have undoubtedly helped prevent a much worse outcome.