One pilot killed when planes collide during Portugal airshow

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) – A midair collision between two small planes at a Sunday air show in Portugal killed one pilot and injured the other, according to local media.

Portuguese news agency Lusa reported that the incident occurred at Air Base No. 11 in Beja, southern Portugal, which was hosting the air show to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the Portuguese Air Force (PAF).

The PAF later confirmed the report in a statement, saying: "The air force regrets to announce that at 4:05 p.m. (1505 GMT), at the Beja Air Show, two planes were involved in an accident during an aerial demonstration."

It added that the air force was "providing emergency services, under the established contingency plan, which was immediately activated."

The media cited PAF sources to identify the two planes as Soviet-era training aircraft Yakovlev Yak-52 and added that the deceased pilot was a Spanish national.

Portugal’s Defense Minister Nuno Melo lamented the death, saying the air force would launch an investigation.