Lavandou: Civilian plane crashes into sea, killing one

There was a lot of aerial activity around Le Lavandou on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the landing in Provence. A plane crashed into the sea, in front of visitors, causing one death.

The tragedy occurred on Friday, August 16, in Lavandou (VAR). In the middle of an air show in which the Patrouille de France was to participate, and the day after the 80th anniversary of the Provence landings, a civilian plane belonging to an association crashed into the sea. It was a Fouga Magister, a two-seater jet plane formerly used by the Patrouille de France, but replaced by the current Alpha Jet. This type of aircraft does not have an ejection seat, so when the accident occurred, the pilot was unable to evacuate and died on impact, reports BFMTV.

In videos posted on social media, the plane can be seen in the sky doing tricks, which suggests that its dangerous approach to the water was calculated. The crowd therefore only reacted when the plane violently entered the water. Rescue teams, including the maritime gendarmerie, firefighters and the Navy, were quickly dispatched to the scene. The pilot’s death was announced in the evening by the prefect of Var when his body was found. He is believed to be a 65-year-old man.

An investigation is opened

Although this type of aircraft is no longer used by the Patrouille de France, it is supposed to be safe. An investigation was therefore opened and entrusted to the maritime gendarmerie to try to understand the causes of the accident. The Patrouille de France was supposed to be present at the event, but its presence was cancelled as well as all other festivities after the accident. The maritime prefecture of the Mediterranean decided to stop navigation and nautical activities in the area until further notice.