A skydiving aircraft crashed in central France on Sunday, killing all eleven people on board. The plane, a Pilatus PC-12, went down near the town of Grasse in the Alpes-Maritimes region shortly after takeoff. French authorities have launched an investigation, and a team of UK aviation experts has been dispatched to assist, a routine procedure given the aircraft's Swiss manufacture and the involvement of British nationals.
The victims included experienced skydivers and the pilot. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but early reports suggest a mechanical failure may be responsible. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch will work alongside France's Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety.
The incident underscores the risks inherent in extreme sports aviation and will prompt renewed scrutiny of safety protocols for skydiving operations.
