What happened
A mid-air collision occurred during the approach phase to Biberach an der Riss Airport. A twin-engine Partenavia was conducting a short-distance flight from Stuttgart when it collided with a French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) Mirage IIIR, aircraft registration 342/33-CA.
Following the impact, both aircraft entered a steep dive. The wreckage of both planes crashed into several residential buildings situated between the villages of Birkenhardt and Assmannshardt, located north of the airfield. The accident resulted in seven fatalities: the two occupants of the Partenavia, the pilot of the Mirage, and four individuals on the ground. Additionally, approximately twelve people on the ground sustained injuries, with some victims suffering from serious wounds.
Findings
The collision between the two aircraft led to a subsequent crash into a residential area, causing significant damage to houses and multiple casualties among both flight crews and residents.