French Air Force : 1st Rafale loss

[keskildi]

Recently introduced in French AF inventory, the Rafale fleet sustained a first accident yesterday during a patrol training flight in the French central region.

The pilot was killed.

http://www.lamontagne.fr/temps_forts-9483.html

http://www.lamontagne.fr/laune-64324.html (http://www.lamontagne.fr/laune-64324.html)

R.I.P.

(sorry, only french links available)

http://www.crash-aerien.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=24784#24784

[Bob Viking]

Did TLP with some of the Rafale guys in Jan this year!
Great jet and a great bunch of guys.
BV:(

[MATZ]

The pilot who died in the incident had only recently left HQ ISAF, where he was the JTAC Staff Officer. A fine officer and representative of the French Air Force. Described by all as an utmost professional aviator and friend.

More than one glass of Red Wine was raised in his honour tonight, and he is a sad loss to the military community.

Rest In Peace,

MATZ

[F34NZ]

'Rafale Crash : Pilot Confirmed Killed.'

'Minister of Defence M. Herve Morin has announced that the pilot of the Rafale which crashed on Thursday evening at Neuvic died in the crash.

The minister confirmed the pilot's death during a press conference held at the start of Friday afternoon at the town hall in Palisse, near the crash site, in the presence of 5-Star General Abrial, Chief of Staff of the Adl'A.

Remains were recovered from the cockpit. According to the public prosecutor of Tulle, M. Etienne Manteaux, the pilot was Emmanuel Moriuser, 34 years old, a 'fighter pilot with about ten years' experience.'

According to initial reports the aircraft, which was operating with 4-5 others, nose-dived from 4000 metres. 'The cockpit was buried 15 metres in the ground,' said the public prosecutor, and left a crater approximately 10 metres in circumference.

'I had the opportunity to meet Captain Moriuser during a visit to Kabul several months ago,' said the minister of defence. M. Morin confirmed that he will attend the military funeral, which will be held next week at Saint-Dizier, where Captain Moriuser was based.

The Tulle public prosecutor's office has opened a preliminary investigation of involuntary manslaughter [strict translation; not sure how it'd translate officially]. The aircraft's debris was scattered over several kilometres. According to the public prosecutor the inquiry team foresee spending 3-4 days on-site.'

Another good bloke gone. RIP.

[bakseetblatherer]

RIP another sad loss
Nice to see the Defence Minister turn up to the funeral, shows a good level of respect