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Tragic Mid-Air Collision at Portugal Air Show Claims Spanish Pilot's Life

Two Yakovlev Yak-52 stunt planes collided mid-air during the Beja Air Show in Portugal, killing a Spanish pilot and injuring another. The incident prompted the cancellation of the air festival, with an investigation underway to determine the cause of the collision.

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Nitish Verma
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Tragic Mid-Air Collision at Beja Air Show Claims Spanish Pilot's Life

Tragic Mid-Air Collision at Beja Air Show Claims Spanish Pilot's Life

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, a devastating accident occurred during the Beja Air Show in Portugal, resulting in the death of a Spanish pilot and injuring another. Two Yakovlev Yak-52 stunt planes from the YAK STARS aerobatic patrol collided mid-air, causing one of the planes to crash and explode into flames.

This accident highlights the risks and dangers involved in aerobatic performances and air shows, which can have devastating consequences for the pilots and spectators. The investigation into the cause of the collision will be vital in determining whether safety protocols need to be revised to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident happened at 4:05 pm (1505 GMT) during an aerial demonstration at the Beja air base, located 180 km south of Lisbon. The YAK STARS patrol, described largest civilian aerobatic team in southern Europe, was performing when the collision occurred.

Air Force Captain Patricia Fernandes stated, "one of the pilots, with Spanish nationality, died, and another pilot was injured." Following the accident, the Portuguese Air Force (PAF), which organized the event, decided to cancel the Beja AirShow, Portugal's largest air festival.

Video footage captured by spectators showed one aircraft breaking away from the formation, making a sharp climb, and striking the lead aircraft head-on. The climbing aircraft lost control and plummeted to the ground, resulting in a post-impact engine fire. The pilot of the climbing aircraft, a Spanish national, was killed instantly.

The other pilot managed to land safely some distance away. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the area was secured. The cause of the rogue aircraft's sudden climb and breakaway from the formation is not yet clear, and it is unknown if it was a botched part of a planned maneuver.

The YAK STARS team comprises Portuguese and Spanish pilots and is recognized for its precision and skill. The team was performing as part of a planned exhibition at the Beja Air Show, which advertised world-class aerial performances and rare aviation feats.

The Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Railway Accidents (GPIAAF) has dispatched a team to Air Base No. 11 in Beja to investigate the accident. The investigation will seek to determine the cause of the collision and whether any safety protocols were breached.

The tragic accident has cast a shadow over the Beja Air Show, a popular event known for its thrilling aerial displays. The aviation community and fans of the YAK STARS team are mourning the loss of a skilled pilot, with tributes and messages of support pouring in from around the world.

Key Takeaways

  • 2 Yakovlev Yak-52 planes collided mid-air at Portugal's Beja Air Show, killing 1 Spanish pilot.
  • The accident occurred during an aerial demonstration at 4:05 pm (1505 GMT) on June 2, 2024.
  • The YAK STARS team, comprising Portuguese and Spanish pilots, was performing at the time of the incident.
  • The cause of the collision is unknown, with an investigation underway to determine the cause.
  • The Beja Air Show was cancelled following the accident, with tributes pouring in for the deceased pilot.