A tragic aviation accident occurred in Caselle, just north of Turin, during a rehearsal by the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team. An Aermacchi MB-339PAN aircraft went down, and the pilot was able to jump clear before the crash. The incident drew immediate attention to the risks involved in precision flight displays and the training routines that accompany them.
Among the affected were several young spectators and family members who had gathered for a planned centennial aviation exhibition by the Turin Aero Club. The unexpected crash interrupted the planned schedule, with authorities and emergency services quickly arriving at the scene to assist. In the aftermath, a five-year-old girl died, and a nine-year-old girl sustained serious injuries from burns that affected the entire body. The child’s mother, who was present, was also seriously harmed but is reported to be in a condition not currently deemed life-threatening. The father and the pilot, who escaped the plane before the impact, sustained injuries as well and received treatment at local medical facilities. The broader impact touched multiple families and raised questions about safety protocols surrounding air show rehearsals.
The accident prompted a swift suspension of the day’s planned demonstrations and exhibitions as investigators began to document the sequence of events. Emergency responders acted to stabilize the injured, control the airfield, and secure the area for ongoing assessment. The incident underscored the inherent dangers of aerobatic training and the continuous need for rigorous safety measures, even during rehearsals intended to showcase aerial skill and national pride.
Observers noted the emotional and logistical repercussions for the Turin Aero Club and the wider Italian aviation community. Officials conveyed their condolences to the families affected and pledged full cooperation with investigators. As the investigation continued, professionals highlighted the importance of clear safety boundaries, comprehensive crisis response planning, and transparent communication with the public during and after such incidents. The long-term implications for air show planning, pilot training, and event scheduling were anticipated to be carefully reviewed in the days and weeks ahead.