In a tragic incident that shocked thousands of spectators, two small planes crashed during the Beja Air Show in Portugal, resulting in an explosion. Videos on social media captured the moment one of the planes plummeted to the ground before erupting into flames. The incident occurred at 4:05 PM local time (1505 GMT) during an aerial demonstration involving five other stunt planes. One of the pilots involved in the crash died, news agency AFP reported citing local media.
“The air force regrets to announce that at 4:05 PM (1505 GMT), at the Beja Air Show, two planes were the victim of an accident during an aerial demonstration,” read an official statement from the Portuguese Air Force, AFP reported.
Eyewitnesses watched in horror as the planes flew in formation before one lost control and collided with another. The plane that was struck continued to ascend before it began a dramatic descent, spiralling towards the ground. Panic spread among the crowd, with screams of “oh no” audible in the footage, followed by a giant fireball upon impact.
Two Yak-52 aircrafts of the Spanish-Portuguese Yakstars formation team collided during the Beja Air Show, Portugal.
Unfortunately, one aircraft crashed resulting in death of pilot.
The other pilot Sucre managed to land his plane. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/bbZ8t7SZ7r
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 2, 2024
Beja Air Show: One Pilot Didn’t Survive Crash, Air Force Expresses Grief
According to reports, the jet sustained severe tail damage, leading to its loss of control. The pilot, a Spanish national, did not survive the crash. As per The Sun’s report, the Portugese Air Force expressed sorrow, stating, “It is with an enormous feeling of regret and consternation that the Air Force pays the greatest condolences to family, friends and acquaintances, being deeply supportive in this hour of loss.”
The plane that was clipped also descended rapidly but reportedly managed to avoid disaster and land safely, as per local media.
Two Yak-52 aircrafts of the Spanish-Portuguese Yakstars formation team collided during the Beja Air Show, Portugal.
Unfortunately, one aircraft crashed resulting in death of pilot.
The other pilot Sucre managed to land his plane. The incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m.… pic.twitter.com/bbZ8t7SZ7r
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) June 2, 2024
Both aircraft involved were Yakovlev Yak-52 models, utilised by the Spanish and Portuguese Yakstars formation teams at air shows. The Beja Air Show, celebrating the 72nd anniversary of the Air Force, had anticipated nearly 100,000 visitors over the weekend. The event was promptly cancelled following the crash, with over 30 emergency vehicles responding to the scene, the report stated.
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Public Security Police, in conjunction with the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Office for the Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft Accidents and Railway Accidents, have launched an investigation into the accident.
This tragic incident comes just days after a British Royal Air Force pilot perished in a Spitfire crash during a Battle of Britain event at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. The aircraft went down during a display, resulting in the death of the pilot. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with photographs showing their presence around the wreckage, close to a residential area. The event was commemorating the British RAF’s pivotal role in defending Britain during World War II.
