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pilot fatality

A 22-year-old student pilot safely landed a training aircraft after her flight instructor fell from the aircraft during a training flight in Argentina, in an incident that has shocked the country's aviation community and prompted an ongoing investigation. The accident occurred on 5 July 2026 near the town of Toledo in Córdoba Province. The training flight departed from Coronel Olmedo Aerodrome, where the Flying Parrot Córdoba flight school is based. On board were the student pilot and 42-year-old flight instructor Leandro Andrés Bertazzo, an experienced commercial pilot and instructor. According to Argentine authorities and local media, the student, who already held a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) but was continuing advanced flight training under supervision, was flying with Bertazzo in a Cessna 150, a two-seat training aircraft commonly used for flight instruction. During the flight, Bertazzo unexpectedly exited the aircraft while it was airborne. The exact circumstances surrounding how he left the aircraft remain under investigation, and officials have not yet determined whether the incident resulted from an accidental fall, a mechanical issue involving the aircraft's door or safety systems, or another cause. The student pilot retained control of the aircraft and, despite suddenly being alone on board, flew it back to Coronel Olmedo Aerodrome and landed safely without assistance. She immediately alerted personnel at the flight school, who notified emergency services and authorities. Search teams subsequently located Bertazzo's body in a rural field near Toledo, approximately 15 to 20 minutes after the student reported the incident. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Bertazzo had worked in aviation for around 10 years and had served as a flight instructor at Flying Parrot Córdoba for approximately four years. Colleagues described him as an experienced instructor, and the school's director, Eduardo Álvarez, said Bertazzo had completed another training flight earlier that day without any indication that something was wrong. Álvarez said the student later recounted that, moments before the incident, Bertazzo told her, "You know what you have to do," before removing his headset, placing his mobile phone aside, opening the aircraft door and leaving the aircraft. Authorities have not independently confirmed the student's account, and investigators are treating it as part of the ongoing inquiry. Investigators have seized the aircraft for examination and are reviewing its maintenance records, flight school documentation, operational procedures and any available communications made during the flight. They are also examining the aircraft's door and restraint systems to determine whether a mechanical malfunction could have contributed to the tragedy. While some Argentine media outlets have reported that investigators are also examining the possibility that Bertazzo intentionally exited the aircraft, judicial and aviation authorities have not announced any official conclusion regarding the cause of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing. The student pilot survived the incident without physical injuries and is expected to provide further testimony as investigators continue reconstructing the events leading up to one of the most unusual training-flight accidents reported in Argentina in recent years.

Flight Instructor Dies After Falling From Training Aircraft; Student Lands Safely

Aviation Today News Desk / July 7, 2026

Toledo, Argentina: A 22-year-old student pilot safely landed a training aircraft after her flight instructor fell from the aircraft during […]

Adelaide, Australia: A light aircraft crash at Parafield Airport on Wednesday afternoon has left two people dead and at least 11 others injured after the plane slammed into a hangar and triggered a major fire, authorities confirmed. The aircraft, identified as a Diamond DA42 twin-engine training plane, was carrying two occupants, a pilot and one passenger both of whom were killed in the crash. Officials have yet to release their identities. No other passengers were onboard, confirming the total number of people in the aircraft at the time was two. The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 pm local time as the aircraft was attempting to land. During the approach, the plane reportedly lost control and crashed into a hangar, believed to be Hangar 54, causing a powerful impact that ignited aviation fuel and set off a large blaze. Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky as emergency services rushed to the scene. The crash resulted in significant injuries on the ground. At least 11 people inside the hangar were injured, with emergency officials confirming that one person suffered life-threatening burns and two others sustained serious injuries, while several others were treated for minor injuries and smoke inhalation. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, including Royal Adelaide Hospital and Lyell McEwin Hospital. Firefighters and emergency responders acted swiftly to contain the blaze, deploying multiple crews to bring the fire under control despite challenging conditions. Authorities evacuated nearby areas and issued public safety alerts due to heavy smoke. The airport was temporarily closed to all air traffic as emergency operations and safety inspections were carried out. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a formal investigation into the accident. Investigators will examine the wreckage, flight conditions and any potential technical or operational factors that may have contributed to the crash. Preliminary witnesses suggest the aircraft may have experienced difficulty shortly before impact, though officials have not confirmed a cause. Parafield Airport is located about 18 kilometres north of Adelaide, is one of Australia’s busiest general aviation and pilot training hubs, frequently used by flight schools.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed, 11 Injured After A Light Aircraft Crashes Into Hangar At Parafield Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / April 29, 2026

Adelaide, Australia: A light aircraft crash at Parafield Airport on Wednesday afternoon has left two people dead and at least

British Wildlife Scientist, Pilot Killed In Plane Crash During Namibia Research Flight SEO DES: Wilson was a renowned Royal Veterinary College researcher known for animal biomechanics and wildlife tracking, while Oakman was a retired airline pilot SOCIAL: A UK-registered Groppo-Trail light aircraft crashed near the Gobabeb Research Centre in the Namib Desert, about 100 km from Walvis Bay, Namibia, on 4 March 2026, killing British wildlife scientist Alan Martin Wilson and pilot Neil Thomas Oakman. The aircraft had taken off around 17:00 local time for a wildlife-tracking mission to locate radio-collared antelope in the desert. When the aircraft failed to return by about 19:00, colleagues raised the alarm and a search located the wreckage close to the Gobabeb airstrip. Authorities believe both occupants died instantly in the crash. Wilson was a renowned researcher from the Royal Veterinary College, known for his work on animal biomechanics and wildlife tracking, while Oakman was a retired airline pilot and experienced aviation trainer. Namibia’s aviation accident investigators have launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the crash. Walvis Bay, Namibia: A British wildlife scientist and a pilot were killed when a light aircraft crashed near a desert research centre in Namibia during a wildlife-tracking mission, authorities confirmed. The accident occurred on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, near the Gobabeb Research Centre in the Namib Desert, about 100 km from Walvis Bay. The aircraft involved was a British-registered Groppo light aircraft (Groppo-Trail ultralight type) conducting a research observation flight over the dunes. According to Namibian police and investigators, the aircraft took off at around 17:00 local time to locate radio-collared antelope being monitored as part of a wildlife research project. The flight was expected to return shortly afterward. When the aircraft failed to return by about 19:00, a colleague at the research station raised the alarm and initiated a search in the surrounding desert. The wreckage was soon located just metres from the Gobabeb airstrip, with debris scattered around the crash site. Authorities said the two occupants likely died instantly on impact. Investigators from Namibia’s Directorate of Aircraft Accident Investigations are examining the wreckage and flight circumstances, but a final cause has not yet been determined. Police identified the victims as Professor Alan Martin Wilson, 62, a British wildlife scientist, and pilot Neil Thomas Oakman. Wilson was a prominent researcher affiliated with the Royal Veterinary College in the United Kingdom, known internationally for his work on animal biomechanics and wildlife tracking. His research focused on understanding how large animals move and survive in extreme environments, often using tracking collars and aerial observation. He also appeared in several BBC natural history documentaries, helping explain animal locomotion and wildlife behaviour to broader audiences. Wilson and his colleagues had arrived in Namibia in February 2026 to conduct field research on oryx and other desert antelope, tracking animals fitted with monitoring collars in the Namib dunes. The flight on 4 March was part of an aerial observation mission linked to the study. The Gobabeb Research Centre, which collaborated on the project, described the deceased researchers as “outstanding scientists” and expressed shock at the tragedy. In a statement, the centre extended condolences to their families, friends and colleagues following the fatal accident. Mr. Oakman was a retired airline pilot who had trained commercial pilots for Ryanair. He was the chief pilot of 501 Squadron’s former Battle of Britain Hurricane VZ497 and flew it at displays. Investigators confirmed the aircraft was registered in the United Kingdom and operated as a small research platform. Officials from Namibia’s accident investigation authority visited the crash site and began examining the wreckage and flight details. Authorities said a formal investigation report will be released once the examination is completed.

Aircraft Crashes

British Wildlife Scientist, Pilot Killed In Plane Crash During Namibia Research Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / March 9, 2026

Walvis Bay, Namibia: A British wildlife scientist and a pilot were killed when a light aircraft crashed near a desert

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport, local officials confirmed. The airport, located about 29 miles west of downtown Chicago, was temporarily closed as emergency crews responded and investigators began preliminary inquiries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche aircraft departed DuPage Airport around 1:50 p.m. CST before plummeting to the ground near the runway area. Both occupants on board were adult males who were pronounced dead at the scene, according to airport officials. First responders from the West Chicago Police Department, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, and personnel from the DuPage Airport Authority were on site within minutes. Video footage circulated by local media showed significant damage to the aircraft wreckage in a snow-covered field adjacent to the airport. Airport authorities confirmed that the exact cause of the crash is not immediately known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine what led to the accident, with the NTSB expected to take the lead on technical analysis in the coming days. The DuPage Airport Authority issued a brief statement saying it was cooperating fully with federal investigators and that no further details would be released pending investigative findings. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” the statement read. Eyewitness accounts and local residents described a chaotic response as first responders secured the area and cleared debris. The FAA has stated it will review flight data and communication records as part of the investigative process. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims. The airport remains closed for part of its operations while teams continue documenting the scene and collecting evidence.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed In Twin-Engine Plane Crash After Takeoff At DuPage Airport In West Chicago

Aviation Today News Desk / December 18, 2025

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport,

Wedderburn, Australia: A veteran Australian aerobatic pilot was killed after two light aircraft collided mid-air during a formation flight near Napperfield Airfield in Wedderburn, southwest of Sydney, on November 30, 2025, authorities confirmed. Both aircraft involved were Van’s RV-7 single-engine planes participating in a four-aircraft formation flight. The collision occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. local time as the group was returning to land. One aircraft crashed into nearby bushland and was destroyed on impact. Emergency services reached the scene shortly after but pronounced the pilot dead at the site. The second aircraft, despite suffering damage, managed to land safely at the airfield, and its pilot was not injured. The deceased pilot was identified as Eddie Seve, a highly regarded aerobatic flyer and the founder of the Freedom Formation Display Team, one of Australia’s best-known civilian precision-flying groups. Seve was the sole occupant of the aircraft that crashed. Eyewitnesses told investigators that the planes were flying in close proximity moments before the collision. One witness told reporters that one aircraft appeared to pull away moments before impact, followed by a loud bang. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a formal investigation into the accident. Investigators will examine the wreckage, review flight-tracking data, maintenance records, pilot qualifications, and weather conditions at the time of the incident. Police established multiple cordons around both the crash site and the airfield to assist with the investigation. Tributes poured in from across the aviation community following confirmation of Seve’s death. Fellow pilots and aviation organisations described him as a dedicated mentor and a key figure in promoting formation flying and youth participation in aviation. Seve had recently performed at the Gold Coast Airshow, highlighting his active role in the aerobatics circuit. Authorities have appealed for anyone who witnessed the collision or captured video footage to assist the investigation as efforts continue to determine the precise cause of the mid-air crash.

Aircraft Crashes

Renowned Aerobatic Pilot Eddie Seve Killed In Mid-Air Crash In Australia During Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / December 1, 2025

Wedderburn, Australia: A veteran Australian aerobatic pilot was killed after two light aircraft collided mid-air during a formation flight near

New Orleans, United States: The United States Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for two pilots missing after a small training aircraft crashed into Lake Pontchartrain earlier this week. Authorities ended active operations after nearly 45 hours of continuous air and water searches, covering more than 770 square miles, with no survivors found. Coast Guard officials said the decision was made after all reasonable search efforts were exhausted. The aircraft, a Cessna 172 operated by Apollo Flight Training of Gulfport, Mississippi, was conducting a training flight on Monday evening when it disappeared from radar about four miles from New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The flight was carrying a female instructor and a male student, working toward commercial aviation careers. According to company owner Michael Carastro, the instructor and student were both in their mid-20s. The instructor reportedly had accumulated around 1,300 flight hours roughly 200 hours shy of the threshold required to qualify for airline duty. The student had been pursuing his commercial and instrument rating. Carastro emphasised that the aircraft was regularly maintained and “up to regulation standards,” and said there was no distress call before contact was lost. He called the crash “an unbelievable tragedy,” noting that in his decades-long experience as a pilot and instructor, he had never before encountered anything like this. Search crews earlier recovered limited debris, including parts believed to be from the aircraft. No distress call was received before radar contact was lost. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the crash once additional wreckage is located. The flight school has stated that the aircraft was properly maintained and had no known mechanical issues prior to departure.

Aircraft Crashes

US Coast Guard Suspends Search For Two Missing Pilots In Lake Pontchartrain Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

New Orleans, United States: The United States Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for two pilots missing after a

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A HAL Tejas combat fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday afternoon during a demonstration sortie at the Dubai Airshow, triggering an immediate response from emergency crews and prompting organisers to suspend flying displays for the day. The crash occurred at approximately 2:10 pm local time at Al Maktoum International Airport, where the biennial event is being held. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft lose control mid-maneuver before descending rapidly and erupting into flames. Thick black smoke was visible from several parts of the airshow grounds. The Indian Air Force confirmed that the pilot tragically lost his life in the crash. Authorities responded immediately at the scene, and airshow organisers suspended flying displays for the day. The accident follows an online speculation after videos circulated on 18 November 2025, claiming an aircraft had leaked oil during pre-flight ground operations. On 20th November2025, India’s Press Information Bureau, citing technical inputs, dismissed the claims and clarified that the fluid seen in videos was condensed water drained from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) both of which routinely expel moisture in hot, humid conditions like Dubai. The Ministry of Defence also termed the online posts “fake”, accusing certain accounts of attempting to discredit the made-in-India fighter. India had positioned the Tejas as a highlight of its participation at the Dubai Airshow, aiming to demonstrate its indigenous fighter programme to potential export customers. The crash is expected to draw scrutiny from aviation regulators, technical evaluators and defence analysts. Experts say the outcome of the investigation particularly whether the cause was mechanical, environmental or pilot-related will influence future display permissions and export prospects. A joint inquiry involving UAE aviation authorities, the Indian Air Force and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is expected to begin shortly. Access to the crash site has been restricted, and debris recovery operations are underway. Airshow organisers briefly halted public movement in open areas after the incident and redirected visitors to indoor exhibition halls. On 12 March 2024, a Tejas light combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed near Jaisalmer in Rajasthan during an operational training sortie, marking the first crash of the indigenous jet in its 23-year history. The pilot ejected safely, and although the aircraft crashed into a building, there were no civilian injuries.

Aircraft Crashes

IAF Tejas Crashes At Dubai Airshow; Pilot Killed, Flying Displays Suspended

Aviation Today News Desk / November 21, 2025

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A HAL Tejas combat fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed on Friday afternoon during

Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon. The trainee pilot on board was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The incident occurred between 3:15 and 3:30 PM IST. Photographs from the scene show the aircraft lying on the grass beside the runway, its left wing elevated and tilted into the ground. Amreli District Collector Vikalp Bhardwaj confirmed that the aircraft belongs to a private aviation academy operating from the airport. The plane veered into an unpaved area adjacent to the runway, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar with the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to conduct a detailed probe. This incident marks the sixth reported aircraft accident in Gujarat this year, following a fatal crash in April 2025. The accident occurred in Amreli, Gujarat, when a solo training flight ended in a fatal crash. The incident took place around 12:30 PM near Giriya Road in the Shastri Nagar area. The training institute involved in the tragic aircraft crash in Amreli, Gujarat, was the Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI). The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008 JC MkII registered as VT-VDF, was operating under VFTI's training program at the time of the accident. The aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff from Amreli Airport and crashed into an open plot, bursting into flames. The pilot, identified as 22-year-old Aniket Mahajan, was killed on the spot. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported. The DGCA’s ranking system, which will assess FTOs based on CPL completion time, fleet strength, safety records, and instructor-to-student ratios, directly addresses such issues. By publicly ranking flight schools, the initiative aims to incentivize Pilot Training institutions to strengthen safety protocols, enhance training infrastructure, and ensure timely and thorough pilot certification. Aircraft Incidents in Gujarat This Year: June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight A-I 171 crash, Ahmedabad April 22, 2025 – Trainee pilot Aniket Mahajan crash, Amreli April 2, 2025 – IAF Jaguar fighter crash, Suvarda, Jamnagar March 31, 2025 – Trainee pilot Cessna-152 crash, Ucharpi, Mehsana January 6, 2025 – Indian Coast Guard Dhruv ALH crash, Porbandar Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon. The trainee pilot on board was unharmed, and the aircraft sustained minor damage. The incident occurred between 3:15 and 3:30 PM IST. Photographs from the scene show the aircraft lying on the grass beside the runway, its left wing elevated and tilted into the ground. Amreli District Collector Vikalp Bhardwaj confirmed that the aircraft belongs to a private aviation academy operating from the airport. The plane veered into an unpaved area adjacent to the runway, though the exact cause remains under investigation. The aircraft has been moved to a hangar with the permission of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to conduct a detailed probe. This incident marks the sixth reported aircraft accident in Gujarat this year, following a fatal crash in April 2025. The accident occurred in Amreli, Gujarat, when a solo training flight ended in a fatal crash. The incident took place around 12:30 PM near Giriya Road in the Shastri Nagar area. The training institute involved in the tragic aircraft crash in Amreli, Gujarat, was the Vision Flying Training Institute (VFTI). The aircraft, a Tecnam P2008 JC MkII registered as VT-VDF, was operating under VFTI's training program at the time of the accident. The aircraft struck a tree shortly after takeoff from Amreli Airport and crashed into an open plot, bursting into flames. The pilot, identified as 22-year-old Aniket Mahajan, was killed on the spot. Remarkably, no other injuries were reported. The DGCA’s ranking system, which will assess FTOs based on CPL completion time, fleet strength, safety records, and instructor-to-student ratios, directly addresses such issues. By publicly ranking flight schools, the initiative aims to incentivize Pilot Training institutions to strengthen safety protocols, enhance training infrastructure, and ensure timely and thorough pilot certification. Aircraft Incidents in Gujarat This Year: June 12, 2025 – Air India Flight A-I 171 crash, Ahmedabad April 22, 2025 – Trainee pilot Aniket Mahajan crash, Amreli April 2, 2025 – IAF Jaguar fighter crash, Suvarda, Jamnagar March 31, 2025 – Trainee pilot Cessna-152 crash, Ucharpi, Mehsana January 6, 2025 – Indian Coast Guard Dhruv ALH crash, Porbandar

Aircraft Crashes

Trainee Pilot Safe as Trainer Aircraft Skids Off Runway At Amreli Airport, DGCA Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / September 29, 2025

Gujrat, India: A single-seater trainer aircraft skidded off the runway during landing at Amreli Airport in Gujarat on Sunday afternoon.

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