Colombia plane crash: Pilot killed after mid-flight fighter jet crash

On Saturday, July 1, two T-27 Tucano aircraft were involved in an accident during a Colombian Air Force training at the Apiay base, resulting in the tragic death of one of the pilots, identified as Lieutenant Colonel Mario Andrés Espinosa González.Through an official statement, the Air Force deeply regretted the death of Espinosa González and announced the dispatch of an inspection commission to the scene of the accident to carry out Conduct a thorough investigation to clarify the causes of the incident. The shocking accident was captured in videos recorded by spectators present on the ground, which went viral through social networks. In the images, you can see the moment when the two planes collide in mid-flight, followed by the burning descent of one of the aircraft towards the ground. For its part, the second aircraft, belonging to a squadron of five, managed to make an emergency landing, according to military sources. The T-27 Tucano aircraft and their crew were conducting training in preparation for an upcoming aviation fair in Colombia. These aircraft, manufactured by the Brazilian company Embraer, are known for their turboprop combat capability and are used for both ground attacks and countering the insurgency, in addition to being used in basic pilot training thanks to their advanced avionics and weapons systems. The accident sent shockwaves through both the aviation community and the general population. The military and aeronautical authorities are working together to clarify the facts and take the necessary measures in order to prevent future accidents. The Colombian Air Force reaffirmed its commitment to guarantee the safety of its pilots and strengthen training protocols, in order to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Original source in Spanish