Frecce Tricolori Aerobatic Team Faces Mid-Air Collision at Pantelleria Airshow

In a dramatic incident that could have ended in tragedy, three aircraft from the Italian Air Force’s elite Frecce Tricolori aerobatic display team collided mid-air during a performance at the Pantelleria Airshow on May 6, 2025.

The event, held over the scenic island of Pantelleria in Italy, drew spectators eager to witness one of Europe’s most celebrated aerial teams in action—but the show quickly turned into a tense moment of uncertainty when the formation went awry.

Mid-Air Collision During Formation Flight

According to footage shared on social media, one of the MB-339 aircraft—jet number 8—appeared to clip two others while flying in close formation. The contact triggered a mid-air collision, sending shockwaves through the crowd and raising immediate concerns for the pilots’ safety.

Despite the intense situation, all three pilots demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, successfully landing their aircraft after the incident. However, each aircraft suffered varying degrees of damage.

Damage Assessment and Pilot Conditions

Two of the jets sustained severe damage to their rear sections, while the third aircraft ran off the runway during landing. This jet suffered nose and lower fuselage damage after veering off the tarmac, reportedly due to a technical issue affecting the nosewheel’s controllability during ground deceleration.

One pilot was transported to a local hospital with a suspected leg fracture. The other two pilots were evaluated and did not report serious injuries.

Footage Removed After Incident

A video of the incident, initially shared on Facebook and later taken down, captured the moment jet #8 touched down and drifted off the runway. The aircraft’s off-runway excursion occurred as it reached the final stages of its landing roll, but the pilot emerged unharmed.

Investigation Likely to Follow

The Italian Air Force is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision and assess any technical failures that may have contributed, particularly in the aircraft that veered off the runway.