French aviation authorities have initiated a technical investigation following a fatal accident involving a Pilatus PC-6 aircraft on Sunday. The aircraft, which was conducting a skydiving operation, went down near the Nancy-Essey aerodrome in Tomblaine. All 11 occupants on board, including the pilot, five instructors, and five students, lost their lives in the incident.
Witnesses near the aerodrome reported hearing the engine falter shortly before the impact occurred in a field adjacent to the runway. Local emergency services and law enforcement arrived on the scene immediately, though no casualties were reported on the ground.
The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) is leading the inquiry into the cause of the crash. Specialized gendarmerie units responsible for air transport have begun documenting the wreckage as part of the safety investigation. This event marks a significant general aviation tragedy in the region, drawing attention to the specific operational safety demands of specialized skydiving flight missions. The investigation is expected to focus on potential mechanical failures and operational procedures in place at the time of the flight.