A devastating skydiving plane crash in Tomblaine, France, on Sunday, June 28, 2026, resulted in the tragic loss of all 11 individuals on board. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft, a Pilatus PC-6 registered in Germany, departed from the Nancy-Essey aerodrome. Local authorities confirmed that the pilot, five instructors, and five student skydivers perished in the accident.
The students were identified as a group of independent nurses who had traveled from Nancy for their first skydiving experience. The proximity of the crash to a residential area caused significant concern, though officials reported no civilian casualties on the ground. The plane fell in a grassy area near the runway, narrowly missing homes and roads.
Eyewitnesses described hearing engine failure followed by a loud impact. The aircraft reportedly experienced a sudden loss of altitude, falling almost vertically shortly after takeoff. The exact cause of the malfunction is currently under investigation, with specialized air transport units examining the wreckage.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community, with many of the victims’ loved ones present at the aerodrome to witness the planned skydive. Emergency services were immediately deployed, and a psychological support unit has been established to assist grieving families and witnesses. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot were en route to the scene.
This incident marks one of the deadliest light aircraft accidents in France in recent history. Investigations are ongoing, with a focus on determining the precise cause of the malfunction that led to this catastrophic event. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area around the airport to facilitate the work of emergency responders and investigators.
