Mid-air collision between two Skymasters during maritime surveillance

Casualties unknown • FR

Two aircraft engaged in tuna fishing surveillance collided over international waters, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of both planes.

What happened

On April 14, 2004, at 13:26 UTC, a mid-air collision occurred in international waters between two aircraft performing maritime surveillance for tuna fishing companies. The first aircraft, a Reims Aviation FTB307G Skymaster registered F-GFZH, had departed from Montpellier Méditerranée earlier that morning. The second aircraft, a Cessna 337 Super Skymaster registered EC-HEQ, departed from the same airfield shortly after.

Both aircraft were operating at low altitudes, orbiting a specific school of fish. The collision took place in the waters between Cap Béar, France, and Cabo Bagur, Spain. The impact resulted in the destruction of both aircraft and caused the deaths of three people: the pilot and one observer from the F-GFZH, and the pilot from the EC-HEQ.

Probable cause

The collision was caused by the simultaneous operation of two aircraft at low altitudes over the same target area, leading to a failure to detect and avoid the other aircraft during low-level maneuvering.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2004-04-14 survenu le 14 avril 2004 dans les eaux internationales entre les avions Reims Aviation FTB337G Skymaster accident near FR?

Two aircraft engaged in tuna fishing surveillance collided over international waters, resulting in three fatalities and the destruction of both planes.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2004-04-14 involved a survenu le 14 avril 2004 dans les eaux internationales entre les avions Reims Aviation FTB337G Skymaster, registration EC-HEQ, at FR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The collision was caused by the simultaneous operation of two aircraft at low altitudes over the same target area, leading to a failure to detect and avoid the other aircraft during low-level maneuvering.

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