Witnesses Report Plane on Fire Before Crash, Amateur Pilot Dies
A tragic incident occurred on October 1, 2023, when a light aircraft crashed at the Eyguières-Salon de Provence airfield. The aircraft, piloted by Jean-François M., a man in his sixties, was reportedly on fire before it impacted the ground.
Details of the Incident
Emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly after the crash, which took place around 5:20 PM. According to sources from La Provence and confirmed by France 3 Provence-Alpes, around ten firefighting and law enforcement units responded to the emergency.
Victim Profile
- Name: Jean-François M.
- Age: Approximately 60 years
- Profession: Flight testing engineer at Dassault Aviation
- Family: Father of four and recently became a grandfather
Local council member Audrey Touron, a friend of the victim, expressed her grief over the loss. “He was returning from his hometown in the Southwest, having taken off from Tarbes at 3:26 PM. He was an experienced pilot,” she said.
Flight Experience
Jean-François had accumulated about 1,700 flight hours, flying various aircraft including Robin, Jodel, and Cessna models. He famously built the MCR-M himself, completing the project after two and a half years. His first flight with the aircraft occurred in 2005.
In reflecting on his passion for aviation, he once stated, “This aircraft is like a lover to me. When I’m in the sky with her, all my worries disappear.”
Investigation Underway
The precise circumstances surrounding the crash remain unclear. Authorities have launched an investigation, which is being handled by the air transport gendarmerie in Marseille.
The wreckage of the aircraft has been completely destroyed by fire, leaving little more than ashes. As the investigation continues, the local community mourns the loss of an exceptional individual.
