A Spanish pilot died in Beja, Portugal during an air show festival due to a mid-air collision between two participating aircraft. Videos taken by witnesses show the moment of impact, resulting in one plane crashing to the ground and exploding while the other was able to make an emergency landing. The crash also caused minor injuries to a 37-year-old Portuguese pilot in the other aircraft. The deceased pilot was identified as Manuel Rey Cordeiro, a commercial pilot for Vueling who was part of the Yakstars aerobatic team.
Manuel Rey Cordeiro, born in 1962 in Vigo, Spain, had over 18,000 flight hours and had won several prizes in national and international competitions. His aerobatic team, Yakstars, was participating in the Beja AirShow with Yaklovev Yak-52 aircraft, including the two involved in the crash. The Yakstars team is known for being one of the most experienced civilian aviation aerobatic groups, consisting of pilots from Portugal and Spain.
The collision took place shortly after 4:00 pm near the Beja Air Base for reasons that are still unknown. The Portuguese Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, expressed his condolences for the pilot’s death and stated that the incident would be investigated by two separate entities to understand the cause and determine responsibility. Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, also expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic event at the festival.
The Beja Air Base had previously experienced a collision during an air show demonstration in 1996, with no fatalities resulting from the crash between an English Hawk T-1 aircraft and a Portuguese Air Force F-16B. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in aviation and the importance of thorough safety measures during aerial displays. The local community and aviation enthusiasts were shocked by the loss of a skilled and experienced pilot in such a tragic accident.
The aviation community mourns the loss of Manuel Rey Cordeiro and offers condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. His dedication to aerobatics and aviation will be remembered, and his contributions to the sport will not be forgotten. The investigation into the collision will seek to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety of pilots and spectators at air shows and festivals. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the importance of continuous safety measures to protect lives and prevent accidents in the skies.
