Eleven people died Sunday morning when a German-registered Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 crashed shortly after takeoff from Nancy-Essey airport. According to local authorities and the newspaper L’Est Républicain, the fatalities include five instructors, five student skydivers, and one pilot. An investigation is currently being conducted by the Gendarmerie’s aviation brigade.
What happened during the Nancy-Essey plane crash?
The accident occurred at approximately 11:00 AM on Sunday near the town of Tomblaine. The aircraft, a Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4 capable of carrying ten passengers and a pilot, departed from Nancy-Essey airport before falling from the sky. Emergency responders and police established a large perimeter around the crash site near Salvador Allende Street.
Local officials reported a significant response to the scene. Hervé Feron, the Mayor of Tomblaine, told L’Est Républicain that he has “no memory of a tragedy of this scale.” The crash also caused a localized power outage in the immediate area following the impact.
National police issued an urgent directive on social media, instructing the public to avoid the area to ensure emergency services and investigators have unobstructed access. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez is scheduled to arrive at the site to oversee the situation.
Who were the passengers on the Pilatus PC-6?
The aircraft was reportedly carrying a group of skydivers at the time of the accident. According to reports from L’Est Républicain, the manifest included five flight instructors and five students. The students, identified as nurses from the nearby city of Nancy, were reportedly participating in their very first jump.
A total of 11 people were on board, including the pilot. The loss of both instructors and students suggests a catastrophic failure during the initial phase of the flight. Yves Séguy, a representative for local authorities, noted the proximity of the crash to populated areas, stating that if the impact had occurred just a few dozen meters away, the casualty count could have been significantly higher.
How will this accident impact aviation safety investigations?
The crash has triggered a formal investigation led by prosecutors. To ensure technical accuracy, authorities have summoned the Gendarmerie’s aviation brigade to provide specialized forensic assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the French plane crash?
Local authorities report that 11 people died in the accident.
What type of aircraft was involved?
The aircraft was a German-registered Pilatus PC-6/B2-H4.
Where did the crash take place?
The plane crashed near Tomblaine, shortly after departing from the Nancy-Essey airport.
Who is investigating the cause of the crash?
Prosecutors have launched an investigation with technical assistance from the Gendarmerie’s aviation brigade.
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