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Aircraft Crashes

Two US Army Soldiers Killed As Fort Hood-Based Apache Crashes During Training In Texas

Aviation Today News Desk August 13, 2026

Texas, United States: Two US Army soldiers were killed Wednesday after an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based at Fort Hood crashed

Arizona, United States: A Glasair Sportsman 2+2 carrying two people crashed in the remote Mazatzal Wilderness west of Payson in Gila County, Arizona, on Monday, August 10, 2026, killing both occupants, Brad Lawrence, 75, and Carter Buckner, 19, of Payson, as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigate what caused the accident. The crash site was located west of Polles Mesa in rugged wilderness terrain, with reports placing the accident at around 11 p.m. The aircraft was identified by the FAA as a Glasair Sportsman 2+2, a privately operated light aircraft. No airline or commercial operator has been identified in the reports, and authorities have not publicly confirmed the aircraft’s registration, departure point or intended destination. The NTSB said investigators were continuing to gather information, while the FAA confirmed that the agency was also investigating the crash. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to a possible downed aircraft west of Polles Mesa in the Mazatzal Wilderness. The location’s remote and rugged terrain created significant challenges for the response. A helicopter from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office helped locate the wreckage, while a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office helicopter transported deputies to the crash site for the initial investigation. The Gila County Sheriff’s Office said the assistance was required because of the “remoteness and rugged terrain.” Gila County Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd thanked the neighboring agencies for their assistance following the crash. “Sheriff J. Adam Shepherd would like to thank the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and Pinal County Sheriff's Office for their coordinated assistance,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding that the sheriff extended “our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this tragedy.” The victims were identified as Lawrence and Buckner, both Payson residents. Authorities have not established publicly who was flying the aircraft at the time of the crash. The circumstances leading up to the accident, including the aircraft’s flight path and what happened immediately before impact, remain under investigation. Lawrence was well known in the local aviation community. According to FOX 10, he served as vice president of the Payson Pilots Association for nearly three years and was described by fellow pilots as an experienced aviator with a strong passion for flying. “He was a very experienced aviator. He had two airplanes. His own hanger and house beside the hanger, so that gives you an indication of his passion for aviation,” Payson Pilots Association president Kevin McCully told FOX 10. Lawrence was also involved in aviation outreach. Kevin McCully, president of the Payson Pilots Association said Lawrence had participated in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program, which provides young people with introductory flights to encourage interest in aviation. McCully said he did not believe the fatal flight was part of the Young Eagles program, but suggested Lawrence may have been demonstrating his aircraft and helping Buckner become involved in aviation. “He loved to travel. Loved his airplane of course. And he was just a wonderful man,” Debbie Snow, a member of Lawrence’s family, told FOX 10 while remembering the longtime pilot. McCully added, “We’re all going to miss him very much.” The crash investigation is now being led at the federal level by the NTSB, with the FAA assisting. As of the latest available reports, investigators had not released a probable cause, possible mechanical issue, weather factor or other explanation for the crash. Further details are expected as investigators examine the wreckage, aircraft records, flight information and other evidence from the remote crash site.

Two Killed As Small Plane Crashes Near Payson, Arizona; NTSB Probes Fatal Accident

Aviation Today News Desk August 12, 2026

Arizona, United States: A Glasair Sportsman 2+2 carrying two people crashed in the remote Mazatzal Wilderness west of Payson in Gila

Two Pilots Killed As Sikorsky S-64 Crashes Fighting Utah’s Widemouth 2 Fire

Aviation Today News Desk August 11, 2026

Richfield, United States: Two pilots were killed after a Sikorsky Skycrane helicopter crashed while conducting firefighting operations on the Widemouth 2

Tourist Helicopter Crashes In Rio’s Tijuca National Park, Killing All Four Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk August 10, 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A tourist helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park on Saturday, August 8, killing all

Texas Couple Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Bogalusa Airport In Louisiana, US

Aviation Today News Desk August 8, 2026

Bogalusa, United States: A Texas husband and wife were killed Thursday morning when a small plane Beechcraft H35 Bonanza crashed in

collided in mid-air near Chilliwack Airport in British Columbia on August 3, 2026, prompting a multi-agency investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), Transport Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). According to an RCMP statement issued on August 4 by Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer with RCMP E Division, Chilliwack RCMP responded to reports of a mid-air collision at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday, August 3. "Members of the Chilliwack RCMP responded to a report of a mid-air collision between two planes that occurred in the Chilliwack area at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Monday, August 3," Clark said. Clark said Chilliwack RCMP, the Lower Mainland District Police Dog Services (LMD IPDS), Chilliwack Fire Department, and Chilliwack Search and Rescue (SAR) searched for the downed aircraft after receiving the report. "A small plane was located in a pond near Industrial Access Road in Chilliwack. The second plane was able to make it back safely to the airport. The occupants did not sustain injuries," Clark stated. The RCMP said its Underwater Recovery Team (URT) recovered the submerged aircraft and located the pilot. "The RCMP Underwater Recovery Team (URT) attended the scene and located one male deceased victim and the plane. Recovery efforts are currently underway," Clark said. The statement added that the Chilliwack RCMP General Investigation Services Team (GIST) is assisting federal investigators. "Chilliwack RCMP General Investigation Services Team (GIST) is currently supporting Transport Canada and the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) with their ongoing investigation. This multi-agency investigation is working to understand the circumstances that led to the collision," Clark said. The RCMP has not identified the deceased pilot, nor has it released a suspected cause of the collision. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed it has deployed an investigation team to Chilliwack following the occurrence. The agency said investigators would collect evidence and assess the accident involving two Cessna 172 aircraft. The TSB reiterated that its role is to advance transportation safety and that it does not assign fault or determine civil or criminal liability. Before the RCMP confirmed the fatality, Garry Atkins, manager of Chilliwack Airport, told The Canadian Press that the aircraft involved were operated by two local flight schools. He said one aircraft, carrying two occupants, landed safely at Chilliwack Airport, while the second aircraft, with one person on board, came to rest in a quarry lagoon after the collision. RCMP and Transport Canada have not publicly identified or confirmed the involvement of any specific flight schools at the time of reporting. As of August 5, investigators have not publicly determined what caused the two aircraft to collide. The identities of the pilots and the sequence of events leading to the collision remain under investigation.

Pilot Dead After Two Cessna 172 Aircraft Collide Mid-Air Near Chilliwack Airport

Aviation Today News Desk August 5, 2026

Chilliwack, Canada: A pilot was killed after two Cessna 172 aircraft collided in mid-air near Chilliwack Airport in British Columbia on

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while preparing for departure from North Bimini, Bahamas, on August 1, with all 10 occupants rescued safely in an incident that is now under investigation by Bahamian authorities. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan seaplane was departing from North Bimini for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the accident occurred shortly before takeoff. Police said the aircraft was taxiing on the water and attempting to line up for departure when it reportedly veered uncontrollably to the left. The pilot is said to have taken evasive action to avoid heavy boat traffic in the area, but the aircraft struck a dock before overturning and sinking in waters estimated to be about 100 feet (30 metres) deep. The aircraft was operated by Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane carrier that provides scheduled and charter flights between South Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations. The airline confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. All eight passengers, identified only as American tourists, along with the two crew members, escaped the aircraft and were rescued safely. Nick Pavlakis, general manager of Marine Max in Jupiter and a rescue boat operator, witnessed the crash and quickly took action to help the eight passengers and two crew members on board. Authorities have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, and no injuries have been officially reported. The rescue began almost immediately as nearby boaters, marina personnel and bystanders rushed to assist those aboard. Witnesses helped evacuate the occupants from the overturned aircraft before emergency responders arrived at the scene. The Royal Bahamas Police Force later confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for and rescued. Passenger Jeanne O'Brien, who was among those on board, told ABC News that the aircraft "went down pretty fast" after striking the dock. She said the passengers worked together to exit the cabin after the impact. Video recorded following the accident showed occupants in the water wearing life jackets as nearby vessels converged to assist. ABC News reported that the rescue was completed within minutes. Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, pilot actions, operating conditions and other factors to establish why the seaplane lost directional control while taxiing for departure. No mechanical failure has been confirmed, and officials have not indicated whether weather or water conditions contributed to the accident. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading the initial investigation, while additional aviation authorities are expected to review the occurrence in accordance with international accident investigation procedures. Tropic Ocean Airways said it is providing full assistance to investigators and remains focused on supporting those affected. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest submerged after overturning. Recovery operations are expected to support the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Further updates are expected once Bahamian investigators release additional findings or a preliminary accident report.

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Aviation Today News Desk August 4, 2026

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while

Athens, Greece: A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a major wildfire west of Athens on Sunday, marking another tragedy as Greece faces multiple fast-moving wildfires amid extreme weather conditions. The collision occurred over the Psatha area near Porto Germeno, west of the Greek capital, where emergency crews were battling a wind-driven wildfire that has been burning since Friday. According to Greek authorities, both helicopters were Bell firefighting helicopters operating on aerial water-dropping missions over the fire zone. Each helicopter carried two crew members. One aircraft crashed following the collision, killing its Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer. The second helicopter managed to make an emergency landing, and its occupants, a British pilot and a Greek crew member survived with minor injuries. Both survivors were transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or the survivors. The exact cause of the mid-air collision remains under investigation. Officials have not indicated whether the helicopters made physical contact during water-dropping operations or while manoeuvring over the wildfire. No preliminary findings have been released, and investigators are expected to examine flight operations, communications and weather conditions in the area. The helicopters were supporting efforts to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire near Porto Germeno, a coastal community on the Gulf of Corinth. Strong, gusting winds significantly complicated firefighting operations, limiting aircraft movements and, at times, preventing helicopters and water bombers from safely collecting seawater for repeated drops. Nearly 500 firefighters supported by 23 aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze. The fire, which ignited near Agios Vasileios on Friday, spread quickly through dry forests toward Porto Germeno and surrounding mountainous terrain west of Athens. Authorities ordered evacuations for the communities of Kandili, Agia Skepi, and Toutouli as flames advanced. Earlier in the emergency, firefighters evacuated 254 people by sea on Friday and another 12 on Saturday, with maritime evacuations becoming the safest option after smoke and flames threatened the limited road access from coastal settlements. Wildfire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros estimated the blaze had affected approximately 40 to 50 square kilometres (15–19 square miles), although Greek authorities had not issued an official burn-area estimate. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences following the accident. "The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot at the time they were attempting the major fire in Porto Germeno fills us all with grief," Mitsotakis said in a statement. In a separate message, the Prime Minister also expressed his "deepest sorrow" over the deaths and extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those killed while responding to the wildfire emergency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also paid tribute to the crews, saying: "It takes a special courage to fly towards the flames." Greek authorities have launched an investigation into Sunday's helicopter collision. Officials are expected to determine the circumstances that led to the accident while aerial firefighting operations continue against multiple active wildfires across the country.

Two Killed As Firefighting Helicopters Collide While Battling Greece Wildfire

Aviation Today News Desk August 3, 2026

Athens, Greece: A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while

13 Killed After Aerodiana Plane Crashes Near Peru’s Nazca Lines; Probe Underway

Aviation Today News Desk August 3, 2026

Nazca, Peru: All 13 people aboard an Aerodiana sightseeing flight were killed after a Cessna Caravan C-208 (Grand Caravan) crashed near

Layton, United States: Two people were hospitalized after a small aircraft crash-landed and overturned on a highway in Layton, Utah, late Thursday night, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and a federal investigation into the cause of the accident. According to the Layton Fire Department, crews were dispatched at approximately 11:57 p.m. on July 30 following reports of a plane crash near State Route 193 (Antelope Drive) and Fort Lane, close to Hill Air Force Base in Davis County. Emergency responders arrived to find the aircraft upside down after it came to rest on or near the roadway. The aircraft was carrying two occupants, both of whom were able to exit the aircraft on their own before first responders arrived. They were treated at the scene and transported to local hospitals with injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening or stable. No injuries were reported on the ground. The Layton Fire Department, Layton Police Department, and North Davis Fire District responded to the scene and secured the area while paramedics treated the occupants. Firefighters also mitigated potential hazards associated with the overturned aircraft before the site was turned over to federal investigators. In an official statement, the Layton Fire Department said: "Both occupants self-extricated prior to emergency crews arriving and were transported to local hospitals." The department added that the crash remains under investigation by federal authorities. Authorities temporarily closed portions of State Route 193 to allow emergency operations and preserve the crash site for investigators. The aircraft remained at the location overnight while documentation and recovery efforts were carried out. A nearby resident told local media the aircraft appeared to descend unusually low before impact. Eyewitness video circulating online reportedly captured the airplane's final moments before the crash, with witnesses suggesting the engine sounded abnormal just before the aircraft struck the ground. However, officials have not confirmed any mechanical problem or engine failure, and no cause has been determined.

Two Hospitalized After Small Aircraft Crashes And Overturns On Utah Highway

Aviation Today News Desk August 1, 2026

Layton, United States: Two people were hospitalized after a small aircraft crash-landed and overturned on a highway in Layton, Utah, late

Aircraft Crashes

Two US Army Soldiers Killed As Fort Hood-Based Apache Crashes During Training In Texas

Two Killed As Small Plane Crashes Near Payson, Arizona; NTSB Probes Fatal Accident

Two Pilots Killed As Sikorsky S-64 Crashes Fighting Utah’s Widemouth 2 Fire

Tourist Helicopter Crashes In Rio’s Tijuca National Park, Killing All Four Onboard

Texas Couple Killed After Small Plane Crashes Near Bogalusa Airport In Louisiana, US

Pilot Dead After Two Cessna 172 Aircraft Collide Mid-Air Near Chilliwack Airport

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Two Killed As Firefighting Helicopters Collide While Battling Greece Wildfire

13 Killed After Aerodiana Plane Crashes Near Peru’s Nazca Lines; Probe Underway

Two Hospitalized After Small Aircraft Crashes And Overturns On Utah Highway

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