Dittingen Airshow
Two small planes have crashed at the Dittingen Airshow Dittinger Flugtage

Two planes have crashed at an airshow in Northern Switzerland, adding to a series of catastrophes at the popular spectator events across Europe during recent weeks. Swiss police have confirmed that one of the pilots was killed in the incident with the second pilot ejecting and parachuting to safety.

The accident, which happened at the Swiss town of Dittingen this morning (23 August), is believed to have happened when a formation of three planes spun out of control causing the two planes to hurtle towards the ground. One of the planes is understood to have struck the other from above.

The third plane was not involved in the accident and returned to the ground safely. The airshow, which in an annual event in Dittingen, has been cancelled.

The planes that crashed are understood to be Ikarus C42s belonging and belong to the German aerobatics Grasshoppers team, according to local reports. The team is said to include three amateur pilots.

According to reports, emergency rescue teams attended the event. The death of the pilot was announced to spectators attending the show.

The tragedy comes just a day after seven people were killed when a vintage Hawker Hunter plane crashed at the Shoreham Airshow in the UK.

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