Video Shows Military Pilots Ejecting After Aircraft Collision

Video posted to X appears to show two military pilots ejecting from their planes after a collision in France.

The incident happened at around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday during a training drill involving two Patrouille de France jets in Saint-Dizier, The Sun reported.

Why It Matters

A recent series of plane crashes, including incidents in Alaska, Honduras, and Toronto, have heightened travel anxiety worldwide. Despite being statistically rare, these accidents stir public fear due to the perceived loss of control and mortality risks. Experts advise coping strategies like mindfulness and staying informed to manage anxiety, emphasizing that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation.

What To Know

The video shows planes descending and a pilot falling alongside the jets. The pilot then deploys a parachute as they get closer to the ground.

The French Air Force team told the outlet that both pilots and a passenger ejected and were "found conscious."

French Minister of the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu confirmed the accident and said on X that emergency services had been mobilized.

He added that the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of the Armed Forces would coordinate their response.

The Sun reported that one of the pilots was taken to the hospital.

One plane crashed into silos while the other is believed to have landed in a canal, according to The Mirror.

Another video of the incident shows blue, white and red smoke flares coming from the planes.

The cause of the crash is still unknown.

The Patrouille de France is a French Air Force aerobatic team. The unit was officially commissioned in 1953.

The team, which is made up of nine pilots, does stunt demonstrations and air parades at special events like inaugurations.

The Patrouille de France was featured in the 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony. The unit flew over the Seine River as the games began in Paris.

The unit also did a flyby over Paris during the France segment of the 2020 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.

Earlier this month, the city of Saint-Dizier announced on X that the Patrouille de France would be training in the region from March 24 to March 28. The exercises were scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. each day, weather permitting. The city warned residents about possible noise pollution and thanked them for their understanding.

What People Are Saying

Lecornu, on X: "An accident involving two Alpha Jets from the Patrouille de France during rehearsals has just occurred in eastern France."

What Happens Next

A night exercise was also scheduled on March 26 between 3 a.m. to 4 a.m., according to the city of Saint-Dizier. It is unclear if that exercise will continue as scheduled.

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