In a concerning incident, two aircraft from the Swiss military aerobatic display team, Patrouille Suisse, collided mid-air during a training session in the canton of Zug. The collision resulted in one person on the ground sustaining minor injuries, while the pilots themselves remained unharmed.
The unfortunate event took place on the morning of Jun. 15 when the four F-5 Tigers were practicing for the upcoming Federal Yodeling Festival in Zug. The jets were flying in a trial formation when the second aircraft suddenly descended and hit the their jet below it. As a result of the collision, the nose cone of the third aircraft broke off, striking a house near the town of Baar. The impact caused damage to the house’s facade and led to one person suffering minor injuries from shattered glass.
Meanwhile, the braking parachute of the second aircraft deployed in mid-air but caused no further damage. The parachute was safely recovered afterward. All seven aircraft involved in the training session managed to land safely at the military airfield in Emmen, Lucerne.
The Swiss defense ministry has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. While no details have been released yet regarding the findings, it is important to note that a similar incident occurred in the past. In December of last year, a Patrouille Suisse pilot was convicted by a military tribunal for the negligent misuse of his aircraft and equipment squandering after a crash in the Netherlands back in 2016.
As a consequence of the recent collision, the Patrouille Suisse display scheduled for the Federal Yodeling Festival on Friday has been canceled. The festival organizers and the Swiss Defense Army have yet to confirm whether the aerial performance can proceed as planned or if alternative arrangements will be made.
This incident underscores the risks and challenges associated with high-intensity aerobatic displays performed by military teams. Safety remains a paramount concern, and thorough investigations are crucial to prevent future occurrences and ensure the well-being of both the performers and the public.
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No ejection but all planes arrived safe at base.