A tragic midair collision involving two skydiving planes near the French city of Grenoble has killed 11 people, prompting UK air safety investigators to offer a joint inquiry with French authorities. The crash, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, involved a Pilatus PC-12 and a Cessna 208 Caravan, both operated by local skydiving clubs. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft collide before plummeting into a field in the Isère region.
French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot confirmed the death toll, stating that all five passengers and both pilots on the Pilatus, as well as all three skydivers and the pilot of the Cessna, perished. The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has formally offered assistance, given that one of the aircraft, the Pilatus PC-12, was registered in the UK. The AAIB’s involvement underscores the international dimension of aviation safety investigations, where expertise and resources are often shared to determine root causes.
The Bureau of Enquiry and Analysis for Civil Aviation Safety (BEA) in France will lead the investigation, with the AAIB providing technical support. The crash has sent shockwaves through the skydiving community, with flights at nearby airfields suspended pending a review of safety protocols. The incident highlights the risks inherent in complex aerial manoeuvres such as skydiving formations, which require precise coordination and separation between aircraft.
Although midair collisions are rare, they underscore the critical importance of airspace management and communication between pilots. In a statement, the BEA said it would focus on analysing flight data recorders, maintenance logs, and pilot training records. The offer from the AAIB reflects a longstanding cooperation between UK and French safety bodies, which share a commitment to improving aviation safety through transparent collaboration.
As investigators piece together the chain of events, the skydiving community mourns the loss of experienced pilots and enthusiasts who died pursuing their passion. The findings of the inquiry will be closely watched by aviation authorities worldwide, as any lessons learned could help prevent future tragedies.
