Plane Crash Near Nancy Kills 11 During Parachute Baptism

Overview

• The crash occurred on Sunday, June 28, when a Pilatus PC‑6 taking off from Nancy‑Essey for a parachute 'baptism' fell almost vertically and crashed about 300 metres from the runway, killing all 11 people on board.
• Authorities say the victims were the pilot, five parachute instructors and five students, including a group of liberal nurses, and there were no ground casualties reported.
• The pôle accidents collectifs of the Paris public prosecutor, the Gendarmerie des transports aériens and the section de recherches of Paris have opened a joint judicial and technical investigation with assistance from the BEA.
• Investigators are examining the wreckage, engine components, radar and available video or witness recordings; the type of aircraft is not required to carry a flight recorder, so physical evidence and footage are central to establishing a cause.
• Local services have deployed a large emergency and victim‑support response, including a medical‑psychological support cell for relatives who witnessed the crash, and officials say the probe will take time to determine whether the trigger was mechanical failure, weight or centring issues, or crew incapacitation.