![[Two skydivers freefly in red suits.] Blue Skies Magazine i113: May 2019 | On the cover: French freefly Team AirWax members Greg Crozier and Karine Joly photographed above Skydive Sebastian in Florida. Photo by Norman Kent normankent.com](/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/i113_May2019-244x300.jpg)
A Pilatus Porter operated out of Ferreira do Alentejo, Beja, Portugal, went down Sunday night. Reports from the accident remain varied and somewhat unclear, with some reports citing malfunction or structural failure during flight or takeoff, but other reports state the plane hit a tree and crashed. Seven skydivers were on board; several were injured, two seriously. The Belgian pilot flying the plane was killed in the crash.
More information is pending investigation by local authorities as well as representatives from the manufacturer.
We send our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the pilot and wish those injured a swift recovery.
News articles: Portugal Resident, Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A), Aviation Safety Network, Gazet van Antwerpen (Belgian), Observador (Portuguese).
