Pilot Killed As Two Planes Collide Mid-Air During Air Show

In a devastating incident during an air show in southern Portugal, a Spanish pilot lost his life after two small planes collided mid-air. The collision occurred on Sunday above the Beja air base, located approximately 180 km south of Lisbon.

The ill-fated planes, part of the YAK STARS aerobatic patrol, were performing intricate maneuvers when they crashed. One aircraft exploded into flames upon impact, resulting in the Spanish pilot’s death. The other pilot involved sustained injuries.

The Portuguese Air Force (PAF), organizers of the event, promptly cancelled the remainder of the Beja AirShow, the largest air festival in Portugal, in light of the tragedy.

A spectator’s video captured the shocking moment of the collision, showing one of the planes plummeting to the ground.

Emergency services quickly responded to the scene. The PAF confirmed the tragic death of the Spanish pilot and the injury of the other.

The YAK STARS, known as the largest civilian aerobatic team in southern Europe, comprises both Portuguese and Spanish pilots. The team’s performance was a highlight of the air show, drawing significant crowds before the accident.