2 Italian Military Planes Collide Mid-Air, Both Pilots Killed: Italian Air Force

The Italian Air force on Tuesday notified the death of its two air force pilots while exercising, flying the light aircraft which collided mid-air and crashed to the ground.

According to two reports, the two U-208 aircraft crashed near the Guidonia military airport, located around 25 kilometers to the northeast of Rome, with no on-ground injuries reported.

The Italian Air Force in its official statement confirmed the mishap stating the pilots were on their training mission.

Meanwhile, the cause of the collision was not immediately determined.

Commenting on the tragedy, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said, “the news of the accident has left us devasted”. She expressed grief over the death of two pilots and sent her condolence to their families and to the members of the Air Force.

Reports claim one of the planes crash-landed in a field and the other onto a parked car.

The U-208 is a single-engine, lightweight aircraft that can carry up to four passengers and a pilot. Its top speed is estimated at 285 km (177 mph).