Two German Eurofighter Typhoon jets have collided during a training exercise.
“The Eurofighters collided in the air and then crashed,” Spiegel cited a Bundeswehr spokesperson as saying.
According to the report, the German Ministry of Defense said the two jets crashed in the Laage area, one in Jabel in the Mecklenburg Lake District and another near a forest in Nossentiner.
A Luftwaffe spokesperson was reported as saying that the pilots had ejected but are still missing.
EUROFIGHER ZUSAMMENGESTOßEN Nach Ostseewelle-Informationen sind über der Müritzregion zwei Eurofighter zusammengestoßen und abgestürzt. Mehr dazu in unseren Nachrichten. pic.twitter.com/RwqmYjU7yh
— Ostseewelle HITRADIO (@ostseewelle_de) June 24, 2019
So far, one pilot has been found alive, hanging in a tree canopy.
More than an hour later, a major search is still underway for the second pilot.
Updates will be posted as and when they are received.
Hopefully, both pilots are safe and well.
Have we fitted the anti-collision system on all of our aircraft?
A very wise investment if not.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-30820887
Sadly reports indicate the second pilot has passed away as a result of the crash. My thoughts are with their family. Rest in peace and thank you for your service.
A terrible and sad loss. Combat aircraft accidents seems to be far more rare than they used to be. This could be: generally fewer aircraft, better equipment, less low-flying, better training. I remember the days when jaguars, harriers and tornados were regularly involved in accidents and attrition was high. To my mind, these are only the third and fourth typhoons lost – I think the Italians lost one last year and the Saudis lost one a few years ago
Sadly, the incidents are a little more common:
Spanish, Italian and Saudi Typhoons crashed in 2017, sadly killing the pilots in all three cases.
A German Typhoon was involved in a mid-air collision with a Learjet in 2014, killing two. The Typhoon landed safely, though i’m not too sure if it was returned to service.
One Spanish Typhoon crashed in 2014, killing the pilot – with the Spanish also losing another airframe in a crash in 2010, which killed one of the two crew. The Spanish also lost a prototype in 2002.
That’s not mentioning the more ‘minor’ incidents and the more recent near-miss by two RAF Typhoons.
Thoughts with those involved in today’s incident.
I suspect a lot of accidents come down to training regime. I know a few years ago, despite Germany having minimal airframes ‘in service’ our pilots were getting more simulator time as well as more real stick time too. Although to be fair to the Italians despite their money problems they do give their pilots near on the same as ours.
Hi folks,
This is such shame especially for their family and friends. I wonder if the cut in flight training has had an impact on this matter?
No doubt the investigation will expose any issues of training shortfalls.
In addition this will have an impact on the current deployable aircraft.
Thoughts to all of the families
I’m often berated for my critical views of Germany and Brexit, but on an individual level, I was deeply saddened to hear this news, my thoughts are with both pilots families.
We should all be thankful (as I know all on this site are!) for the stoic work these pilots do in keeping Europe a safer place.
Shame about the second pilot.
Sorry to hear of the collision of the two Typhoons, hope both pilots are ok.
Ones dead unfortunately! Anti collision would be handy for all fast jets.
Just had a few weeks driving holiday in Northern Europe. Met a few Germans and their 91 year old Father who had been in the 39-45 war. They asked if a war between the UK and Germany was ever possible in the future. I said that Germany was an Ally deterring any aggression from Russia while that might last. It’s a pity I can’t point them to the comments in this article to emphasise that point to show the military solidarity between the two nations now.