Two Colombian Air Force Pilots Die in Embraer Tucano Aircraft Collision

The Colombian Air Force (FAC) is investigating a tragic accident that occurred during a training mission on Saturday, resulting in the loss of two pilots. Two Embraer T-27 Tucano aircraft collided mid-air and crashed during the exercise in central Colombia. The FAC has not released the identity of the second pilot, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the collision.

Video footage of the accident has surfaced on Twitter, showing the aircraft bursting into flames before plummeting to the ground. The FAC confirmed the death of Lieutenant Colonel Mario Andrés Espinosa González, who was in command of one of the Tucano planes. He was scheduled to perform an aerobatic show at this year’s Aeronautical Fair in Rionegro, Antioquia.

An unfortunate incident occurred during an #airshow practice near the Captain Luis F. Gómez Niño Air Base in #Colombia. Two AT-27 Tucano aircraft from the Colombian Air Force collided, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft and the tragic loss of one pilot.#aviationnews pic.twitter.com/jB27woHZdD
— The Aviators Group (@the_aviators) July 2, 2023

Investigation into the Cause of the Collision

The FAC has sent an inspection commission to the crash site to investigate the cause of the accident. The air force expressed condolences to González’s family and colleagues, describing the incident as “unfortunate.”

Preparing for the Aeronautical Fair

The pilots were likely training for the upcoming Aeronautical Fair, which will take place from July 12th to 16th. The FAC had planned to send a squadron of six aircraft, five pilots, a security officer, and five technicians to the event. The Brazilian-built Tucano aircraft have been part of the FAC’s fixed-wing military pilot training program for many years and have logged tens of thousands of safe flight hours.

The squadron was set to perform aerobatic shows ranging from 30 to 35 minutes at the Aeronautical Fair. The FAC had previously announced that the Tucano planes would perform highly complex maneuvers, including inverted flights, 360-degree turns, high-speed crossings, and rapid turns in promotion.

Image via Fuerza Aérea Colombiana on Twitter

Final Words

The tragic incident has shocked the Colombian Air Force and the aviation community. The cause of the accident remains unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. The loss of the two pilots is a reminder of the risks that military pilots face every day in their service to their country. Our thoughts and condolences go out to their families and colleagues during this difficult time.

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