Three jets belonging to Italy’s renowned aerobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori, collided mid-air during the Pantelleria Air Show on 6 May 2025. While no serious injuries were reported, one pilot was taken to hospital with a suspected leg fracture.
The incident involved three MB-339 jets from the prestigious Frecce Tricolori team of the Italian Air Force, during a display over the island of Pantelleria in southern Italy. The collision occurred during a formation flight, involving aircraft numbered 6, 8, and 9, which made contact while in the air.
Footage shared on social media shows one of the jets losing control during formation and striking the other two. Despite the mid-air contact, the pilots managed to land their aircraft safely, demonstrating remarkable composure. However, two of the jets sustained significant structural damage to their tail sections, while the third veered off the runway during an emergency landing, resulting in material damage.
Injury Report and Flight Cancellations
Preliminary reports confirmed there were no fatalities. However, one pilot was transported to hospital due to a suspected broken leg. Italian authorities have launched a technical investigation, although the official cause of the accident has not yet been disclosed.
The incident also temporarily disrupted air traffic in the area. A statement from Pantelleria Airport noted that flights to Palermo and Trapani operated by DAT were temporarily postponed.
The Frecce Tricolori team has previously been involved in similar incidents. This latest event has once again drawn attention from Italian defence officials and civil aviation authorities to the safety of aerobatic flights.
