What we know so far about the France skydiving plane crash that killed 11

A routine skydiving flight turned into tragedy in northeastern France on Sunday after a Pilatus PC-6 aircraft crashed moments after take-off, killing all 11 people on board.

The aircraft went down near Tomblaine, on the outskirts of Nancy, shortly after departing from Nancy-Essey Airport at around 11 a.m. local time. French authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, while emergency services continue recovery operations and support for victims' families. According to Reuters, The Associated Press, AFP and French officials, there were no casualties on the ground despite the aircraft crashing close to residential buildings.

Crash happened within minutes of take-off

According to Yves Séguy, prefect of the Meurthe-et-Moselle region, the aircraft crashed approximately 300 metres from the runway shortly after becoming airborne.

Officials said the aircraft plunged almost vertically before hitting the ground near a cycle path close to a residential neighbourhood and shopping area. Emergency responders secured the site immediately. The crash narrowly avoided homes and nearby roads.

Who was on board?

French authorities confirmed all 11 occupants died.

The victims included:

• One experienced pilot
• Five skydiving instructors
• Five trainee skydivers

According to multiple French media reports cited by Reuters and People, the five trainees were a group of nurses from the Nancy region who were preparing for their first tandem skydive. However, regional authorities have not formally identified the victims individually.

Aircraft used for parachute operations

Authorities said the aircraft involved was a German-registered Pilatus PC-6 Porter, a single-engine aircraft widely used around the world for parachuting operations because of its short take-off capability and ability to carry skydivers.

The aircraft belonged to a parachuting school operating from the Nancy area. Officials have not indicated whether any maintenance issues had been reported before the flight.

Investigation now underway

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the accident.

According to Reuters and The Associated Press, investigators from France's Air Transport Gendarmerie, forensic teams and aviation specialists have been deployed to determine what caused the aircraft to fall shortly after departure.

Authorities have not released any preliminary findings.

Witnesses quoted by Reuters reported hearing the aircraft's engine suddenly become quiet before it descended. Officials, however, have not confirmed whether engine failure contributed to the crash.

Emergency response mobilised

The crash triggered a major emergency response involving firefighters, police officers, medical personnel and aviation investigators.

Officials also established psychological support services for relatives and witnesses. Several family members were reportedly at the airfield watching the skydiving activity and witnessed the accident. According to local authorities, no residents or bystanders were injured.

Key facts at a glance

• Location: Tomblaine, near Nancy, northeastern France
• Date: 28 June 2026
• Aircraft: Pilatus PC-6 Porter
• Operator: A local parachuting school
• Occupants: 11
• Fatalities: 11
• Survivors: None
• Ground casualties: None
• Investigation: Ongoing by French aviation and judicial authorities

Questions investigators are trying to answer

Several key issues remain unresolved:

• What caused the aircraft to lose control shortly after take-off?
• Whether a mechanical malfunction occurred before the crash.
• Whether weather or operational factors played any role.
• Whether any maintenance or technical issues existed before departure.

French authorities have stressed it is too early to draw conclusions until investigators analyse the wreckage, flight records and witness statements.

What happens next?

Recovery work at the crash site continues while investigators examine the aircraft and collect evidence.

Officials are expected to release additional information once technical examinations are completed. Until then, the focus remains on supporting victims' families and establishing the sequence of events that led to one of France's deadliest skydiving aviation accidents in recent decades.