On March 25, 2025, a serious aviation incident unfolded when two Alpha Jets from the renowned Patrouille de France collided during a training exercise near Saint-Dizier in Haute-Marne, resulting in the remarkable survival of all three pilots involved. The crash occurred around 3:35 PM local time, specifically in the area of Villiers-en-Lieu.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the chaotic moments that followed the collision. Frédéric Cytrona, who was working at a nearby cement factory, reported that he saw the planes perform maneuvers just before the accident. “I wanted to film them, but I thought I would have more time since they were scheduled to be there all week. Then I heard a double boom and saw smoke,” he recounted to France 3 Champagne-Ardenne. The debris from the aircraft landed alarmingly close to his home, prompting immediate concern.
Cytrona added, “I saw a pilot with his parachute land on a pile of rocks. At the moment, it’s shocking, my mom was at home, and I thought it could have been her.” Thankfully, although debris hit the concrete plant owned by Calin, there were no collateral victims reported on the ground. The pilots managed to eject safely and were found conscious within an hour.
Further investigation into the collision revealed that the two Alpha Jets, which were part of a formation of seven jets, collided mid-air during a complex aerial maneuver. According to the Mayor of Saint-Dizier, Quentin Briere, while one aircraft crashed into a silo at the cement plant, the other went down in a marshy wooded area close by.
By 4:20 PM, emergency services had located the three pilots, two of whom were transferred to the hospital in Saint-Dizier with non-life-threatening injuries. The third pilot, described as polytraumatized, is receiving care from military personnel.
The crash triggered the activation of the SATER plan, a safety protocol for searching downed aircraft, involving air and ground resources. According to Régine Pam, the Prefect of Haute-Marne, the fire that ensued at the site of the crash was quickly controlled, although operations were ongoing to secure the area and collect debris for a thorough investigation.
During a press conference, Pam reassured the community, emphasizing that the situation was under control and there was “no immediate threat of the silo collapsing,” despite one of the structures being hit by the aircraft. “The pilots are trained for this type of situation, and their quick actions are commendable,” said Pam.
The military prosecutors have now taken jurisdiction over the investigation, as both aircraft were military assets of the Patrouille de France, created in 1953 and famed for their spectacular aerial displays during French national celebrations. Historically, accidents within this elite unit are rare, yet they have occurred, as highlighted by previous incidents involving fatalities.
In August 2024, two pilots from the Rafale transformation squadron tragically died in another plane collision in Lorraine. Comparatively, the current situation has drawn attention given the successful ejections and survival of the pilots.
Emergency services, including fire brigades and police, were mobilized in substantial numbers to the site, with some eyewitnesses reporting that rescue operations were efficiently coordinated among the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Armed Forces.
In addition to the swift rescue operations, locals have been warned to remain vigilant for any found debris, advised to report any sightings without tampering with the material. The RN4 road, a key route between Paris and Nancy, experienced partial closures due to debris on the road, although one lane was reopened shortly after.
The situation remains dynamic as the investigation unfolds and more information becomes available regarding the causes and implications of this incident. Members of the Patrouille de France are known for their expertise, making this event particularly concerning yet surprisingly fortunate given the circumstances.
Community members and public officials alike expressed their gratitude for the quick response of emergency services and extended their best wishes for the recovery of the injured pilots. As the nation follows the story closely, updates regarding the ongoing investigation are anticipated to clarify the circumstances of this alarming yet fortunate aviation incident.
