Two aircraft taking part in the Aero GP of Malta on Sunday morning have collided and crashed in the Marsamxett area.
The two pilots, one of which was seen bailing out and using his parachute, were recovered within minutes. The second pilot 45-year-old Swedish Gabor Varga was certified dead on location. He was flying a Yak-55 aerobatic aeroplane.
Preliminary Police investigations revealed that after the collision, one of the aircrafts lost its tail. As a result both aircrafts plunged into the sea.
The other pilot who survived the crash was identified as 37-year-old Eddie Goggins. He is of an Irish nationality. He was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for treatment and released shortly afterwards.
The accident happened at around 1200 CET, unfolding before the eyes of thousands of horrified spectators.
The Armed Forces of Malta were involved in the rescue operation.
Marsamxett Harbour and its approaches remain closed to maritime traffic until such time as the efforts to recover the wreckage of the two aircraft are completed. In turn, due to the incident, all activities at the Aero GP have been suspended.
Gabor Varga was listed in the Guinness book of records for performing the greatest number of aerobatic loops in an hour, totaling to 256.
Duty Magistrate Dr. Apap Bologna appointed various experts to assist in an inquiry.
Police investigations continue.
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