Aviationnews – A routine training flight turned into tragedy today as a Moroccan Air Force Alphajet crashed near Fès-Saïss Airport, claiming the lives of both pilots on board. The crash occurred in the early afternoon during what officials described as a standard exercise mission.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying at low altitude before it plummeted into open farmland, roughly 5 kilometers from the airport perimeter. Emergency services rushed to the site, but both crew members were declared dead at the scene.
What Happened?
The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest a possible technical failure during a maneuver. The Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR) confirmed the loss of the aircraft and pilots, calling it a “tragic accident during a training sortie.”
About the Alphajet
The Dassault/Dornier Alphajet is a light attack and advanced trainer aircraft, jointly developed by France and Germany in the 1970s. Morocco operates a fleet of Alphajets, primarily used for pilot training, aerobatics, and light attack roles. Despite its age, the Alphajet has been a workhorse for Moroccan military aviation.
Witness Accounts: “Sudden Dive, No Explosion”
Local farmers in the area described the crash as “sudden and silent”, with no mid-air explosion. One witness stated, “It looked like the pilot was trying to avoid hitting any buildings. It went down in an empty field.”
National Mourning for the Fallen Airmen
The Moroccan military has not yet released the identities of the fallen pilots, pending notification of their families. However, tributes are already pouring in on social media, hailing the airmen as heroes who served with honor.
Investigation Underway
A formal investigation team has been dispatched to the crash site. Aviation experts will examine the wreckage, flight data (if recoverable), and maintenance records to determine what caused the fatal dive.
