Light Aircraft Crashes Near Nancy Airport, Killing All 11 on Board During First Tandem Skydiving Flight

A tragic light aircraft crash occurred near Nancy-Essey Airport in northeastern France on Sunday, killing all 11 people aboard. The small plane, identified as a Pilatus PC-6 used for skydiving, crashed shortly after takeoff in the Tomblaine area, less than a minute after departure. Among the victims were the pilot, five skydiving instructors, and five participants preparing for their first tandem jumps.

The crash happened around 11 a.m. local time, witnessed by some family members who had come to watch the jumpers. According to eyewitnesses and French authorities, the plane was climbing when the engine suddenly lost power without any visible fire or explosion, causing the aircraft to fall almost vertically. The crash site was approximately 300 meters from the runway, near residential buildings and a commercial center, but no casualties occurred on the ground.

French Interior Minister and local officials confirmed that psychological support was provided to families and witnesses traumatized by the event. The five participants were healthcare workers from the Nancy region, making the incident even more poignant. The regional prefect described the crash as one of the worst skydiving-related aviation disasters in France in recent decades.

The Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Authorities have not yet determined whether the unusual heatwave in the region contributed to the accident. Rescue and police forces secured the crash area as the inquiry continues. Officials noted that had the plane crashed just a few dozen meters closer to the residential area, the disaster could have been even more severe.