Italian Typhoon crash during Pitch Black 24
Through a media release, the Italian Air Force has confirmed that one of its Eurofighter Typhoon EF-2000 aircraft has crashed today, 24 July 2024 and the pilot was successfully rescued following an ejection.
The Typhoon, one of the AMI aircraft participating in the current Exercise Pitch Black 24 in Australia, has crashed in the Douglas Daly region, roughly 18km south-west of Daly River. The accident site appears to be half way between Daly River Mission Airport (YDMN) and Anson Bay, just south of Daly River.
The pilot successfully ejected his plane and was rapidly picked up by Leonardo A139 VH-RQY, owned by CHC Helicopters Australia. He was then airlifted to the Royal Darwin Hospital, landing safely at 1305. The pilot is reportedly safe and well.
The identity of the EF2000Typhoon is MM7297/36-23. Investigations regarding the cause of the crash have already been initiated. In the meantime all flying activities of Pitch Black 24 have been temporarily cancelled.
Photo by Dietmar Fenners from Scramble archives (just illustrative)