Pilots eject safely after deadly aerobatic jets crash in France

On Tuesday afternoon, two jets from the French Air and Space Force were involved in a mid-air collision during a training exercise in eastern France. This incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. local time near Air Base 113 in Saint-Dizier, where the Patrouille de France, the French Air Force's precision aerobatic team, was conducting their rehearsal maneuvers. The aircraft involved were Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jets, known for their aerobatic capabilities. Eyewitnesses reported seeing six jets flying in close formation at low altitude, releasing smoke in the colors of the French flag when one jet collided with another, leading to a catastrophic outcome. All three occupants onboard the two aircraft—two pilots and one passenger—successfully ejected from the planes just seconds before the impact. Fortunately, they were found conscious after landing amidst the debris. The two pilots and the passenger sustained minor injuries, with one of the pilots suffering from multiple fractures, and all were taken to the hospital for medical treatment. The collision has drawn significant media coverage and prompted a robust emergency response from local authorities, emphasizing the risks associated with precision flying during training exercises. The incident occurred in an area identified as uninhabited, which lessened the potential impact on local residents. One of the downed aircraft landed in a marshy, forested area, while the other struck a cement plant situated in an industrial zone, resulting in a large fireball and fire after the explosion. Eyewitness footage captured the dramatic moment of the collision and the subsequent crashes, revealing the tension and excitement typical of aerobatic displays, but also the inherent dangers of such maneuvers. This mid-air collision comes amid increasing scrutiny of safety measures in place for aerobatic teams, particularly following a similar incident in August 2024 involving Rafale jets from the same air base where two crew members died. The French Armed Forces Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, addressed the incident with concern, highlighting the need for a thorough investigation into the causes of the collision and a reassessment of safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. The Patrouille de France, established 72 years ago and often referred to as the French equivalent of the RAF's Red Arrows, faces pressure to uphold their reputation while ensuring the safety of their pilots during such demanding performances.