A pilot, of Spanish nationality, died during an accident during a demonstration at the Beja Air Show. Here’s what we know so far.
A Spanish pilot died this Sunday following a collision with another aircraft during the Yakstars patrol maneuvers demonstration at the Beja Air Show. From the accident to the reactions, here’s what we know so far.
The Portuguese Air Force confirmed that “at 4.15pm, during the Beja AirShow, two aircraft were involved in an accident during an aerial demonstration”. The event was taking place at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, and was canceled after the incident.
Later, it was announced that “there was a Spanish fatality as a result of an accident during an air demonstration by the Iberian patrol YAKSTARS – made up of Portuguese and Spanish pilots”.
The pilot of the other aircraft, a Portuguese national, suffered minor injuries and was assisted at the scene and taken “as a precaution” to Beja Hospital.
“We would like to inform you that one aircraft crashed outside the perimeter of the Air Base and another landed at the unit. There were no victims on the ground among the people who were watching the event in the immediate vicinity,” said the Air Force.
The 37-year-old Portuguese pilot was discharged from hospital around five hours after the accident, at 9.30pm, according to a source at the Baixo Alentejo Local Health Unit (ULSBA).
Incident will be investigated by “two identities”
At the entrance to a Democratic Alliance (AD) rally in Viseu, the Minister of National Defense, Nuno Melo, announced that “an investigation” will be opened by two entities into the “tragic accident”.
“The information I have from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force is precisely to the effect that there will be an investigation into this accident in order to understand the reason and ascertain all responsibilities,” he said, adding that it will be carried out by “two entities”, without specifying which ones.
The Air Force also assured that “it has deployed all the means to investigate the accident, as recommended”.
Government regrets “tragic accident”. Union speaks of “immense pain and dismay”
On the same occasion that he announced the investigation into the accident, Nuno Melo wanted to leave “a word of regret to the Air Force” and his condolences to the family of the Spanish victim on behalf of the Portuguese government. The same idea was reiterated by the Ministry of Defense in a statement sent to the press.
“The Ministry of National Defense expresses its solidarity with the Portuguese Air Force for the tragic accident that occurred today at Air Base No. 11, in Beja, during the Beja Air Show and sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the Spanish pilot who tragically died, as well as to all the pilots and members of the Yakstars civilian aerobatic patrol, to which he belonged,” the statement read.
The Prime Minister himself, Luís Montenegro, expressed “great consternation, solidarity and sorrow for the Portuguese Air Force” following the accident.
“I want to express the government’s full solidarity and willingness to minimize the damage that is always irreparable, in the case of life,” said the head of government during his speech at the 136th anniversary conference of Jornal de Notícias, at Casa da Música in Porto.
For its part, the Civil Aviation Pilots’ Union (SPAC) spoke of a “moment of immense pain and dismay” and addressed “the most sincere condolences and solidarity” to the “families, friends and colleagues of the pilot”.
“May the memory of the pilot marked by his dedication and passion for aviation continue to inspire you and bring us the joys he always shared, helping to soften the sadness of this irreparable loss,” SPAC added.
