Four Dead in Tragic Plane Crash in the Pyrenees

A tragic aviation accident occurred on December 7, 2025, in the Ariège department of the Pyrenees, resulting in the deaths of four people. The victims were aboard a single-engine plane, a type commonly used by flying clubs. The Saint-Girons flying club alerted authorities after the aircraft went missing.

The wreckage was discovered following extensive search operations carried out by the gendarmerie and civil security teams, which included both aerial and ground searches. Two helicopters were dispatched by the Lyon Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center (ARCC), including one from the gendarmerie and another from civil security, to assist in locating the plane.

The challenging terrain in the Pyrenees made accessing the crash site difficult. Nonetheless, the gendarmerie helicopter succeeded in locating the wreckage. Mountain rescue teams were then able to reach the site and confirmed that all four occupants had died in the crash.

Firefighters and gendarmes also contributed to the search efforts on the ground, demonstrating a coordinated emergency response. Authorities have taken note of the incident, and the local prosecutor's office has launched an official investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

This incident has deeply affected the local community and those involved with the flying club. The ongoing inquiry aims to provide clarity on the factors that led to this devastating event.

The crash underscores the dangers inherent in mountainous flying conditions and the importance of rigorous safety measures for light aircraft operations in such regions.