The accident aircraft : Fouga Magister No. 480, registered F-AZQC (Photo Laurent Salard / Air Spot Photos (CC BY-SA 4.0))
Disaster struck on Monday, May 11, 2026, in the Seine-et-Marne region of France when a vintage Fouga CM.170 Magister crashed shortly after takeoff from Melun-Villaroche Airport. Both occupants of the aircraft lost their lives.
The accident occurred at approximately 4:15 p.m. in a wooded area located between Fontainebleau and Chailly-en-Bière. According to several witnesses at the scene, a loud explosion was heard before a fireball appeared in the sky, followed by the aircraft crashing into the forest.
The aircraft involved was Fouga CM.170 Magister F-AZQC, serial number 480, operated by the Fouga 480 association based at Melun-Villaroche.
Emergency services quickly converged on the crash site, which was difficult to access due to the dense vegetation. Upon arrival, rescue personnal were only able to confirm the deaths of both occupants, while a small vegetation fire caused by the impact was quickly brought under control on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest.
The 53-year-old pilot held a professional CPL license and reportedly had approximately 15,000 flying hours according to the first information released by the Melun public prosecutor’s office. The passenger, who came from northern France, was taking part in an experience flight aboard the aircraft.
The investigation has been entrusted to the Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la sécurité de l’aviation civile (BEA), assisted by the Air Transport Gendarmerie. Investigators will now work to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. Possible causes under consideration include mechanical failure, pilot error, or a bird strike.
We extend our deepest condolences, prayers, and thoughts to the families and loved ones of the victims of this tragic accident.
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