On August 16, 2024, a tragic incident occurred during an air show near Lavandou in southern France, when a Fouga Magister civilian plane crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. The accident took place around 5:00 PM, just before the Patrouille de France was set to perform as part of a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Provence Landing.The pilot, a 65-year-old civilian, was unable to eject from the aircraft as it lacked an ejection mechanism. Despite immediate rescue efforts coordinated by the CROSS Med, involving the Var Fire and Rescue Service and the Maritime Gendarmerie, the pilot’s body was later recovered from the wreckage.Eyewitnesses described the scene as ‘very shocking,’ with one stating, ‘We saw it skim the water and crash immediately’. The incident led to the immediate cancellation of the air show, with the Patrouille de France returning to their base in Hyères as a sign of respect.This tragic event comes just days after another aviation disaster in France, where two Rafale fighter jets collided mid-air in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, resulting in two fatalities. These incidents have raised concerns about aviation safety and prompted investigations by relevant authorities.The Toulon prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the Fouga Magister crash. As a precautionary measure, the Prefectural Maritime Authority has prohibited navigation and nautical activities in the area to ‘ensure safety and preserve the action of emergency services’.
Key points
- A Fouga Magister civilian plane crashed during an air show in Lavandou, France, killing the 65-year-old pilot.
- The crash occurred during a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Provence Landing.
- This incident follows a recent collision of two Rafale fighter jets in eastern France, raising concerns about aviation safety.
- Investigations have been opened to determine the cause of the crash.
Contradictions👾Initial reports were unclear about whether the crashed plane was part of the Patrouille de France, but it was later confirmed to be a civilian aircraft.
