Mid-Air Collision at Pantelleria Airshow: Frecce Tricolori Aircraft Involved
Three MB-339 aircraft from the Italian Air Force’s elite Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team collided mid-air during a display at the Pantelleria Airshow on May 6, 2025, turning a routine performance into a gripping test of skill. The incident unfolded over the small island of Pantelleria, nestled between Sicily and Tunisia, as stunned spectators watched the jets tangle during a complex manoeuvre. Remarkably, all three pilots managed to wrestle their damaged machines back to the ground safely, with no injuries reported among the crowd below. One aircraft, however, veered off the runway after landing, its nose wheel giving out under the strain.
The collision occurred during the team’s signature “cardioid” formation, a heart-shaped pattern that showcases the precision and daring of Italy’s premier aerobatic squad. Videos circulating online captured the moment one jet clipped two others, sending them into a brief spin before the pilots regained control. Two aircraft limped back to Pantelleria airport with battered tails, while the third skidded off the runway onto a grassy slope. Despite the chaos, the only injury was minor—32-year-old pilot Luca Battistoni tweaked his knees and was treated at a local hospital, walking away otherwise unscathed.
Frecce Tricolori / Jesolo Airshow 2023
The Frecce Tricolori were in the middle of their performance when disaster struck. The team, known for flying ten MB-339 jets in tight, breathtaking formations, had reached the cardioid manoeuvre—a tricky move where the aircraft trace a heart in the sky before splitting apart. It’s a fan favourite, but it demands razor-sharp timing and coordination. According to the Italian Air Force, an “anomalous separation of the formation” threw everything off. As the jets began to break away to perform the heart shape, Pony 6, Pony 8, and Pony 9 made contact. Grainy footage from the crowd shows one jet’s wingtip grazing another’s tail, sparking a chain reaction that left all three struggling to stay aloft.
The Air Force’s official statement sheds more light on the sequence. Four jets from the second section—nicknamed the “rhombetto”—split off cleanly, a testament to the pilots’ training. But the three involved in the collision had no choice but to head for Pantelleria’s small airport, their aircraft battered but still flyable. Pony 6 and Pony 9 touched down with visible damage to their vertical stabilizers, the tail fins that keep a jet stable. Pony 8, flown by Battistoni, wasn’t as lucky. After landing, its nose wheel malfunctioned, sending the jet skidding off the runway. Photos show its nose crumpled and underside scarred, with unconfirmed whispers among enthusiasts suggesting wing damage too. The rest of the team diverted to Trapani’s military base, some 40 miles away, landing without incident.
For aviation buffs, the cardioid is a highlight of any Frecce Tricolori show. It’s not just pretty—it’s a high-stakes dance in the sky. The ten jets fly in tight formation, towards the crowd just a few feet apart, pulling up into what looks like a look before flipping inverted and peeling off into two smaller groups and the solo to draw the hear. Speed, angle, and position have to be perfect, or things can go wrong fast. This time, they did. The Italian Air Force hasn’t pinpointed the exact cause yet—whether it was a gust of wind, a split-second misjudgment, or something mechanical—but the investigation is underway. What’s clear is that even a small error in such a tight setup can turn a display into a dicey situation.
The MB-339, the Frecce Tricolori’s trusty steed since the 1980s, is built for this kind of punishment. Designed by Aermacchi, it’s a nimble two-seater that can hit 560 miles per hour and double as a light attack plane when it’s not trailing smoke in Italy’s national colours. It’s tough, but not invincible. The damage to Pony 8 looks bad enough that repairs could take weeks, if not longer. Some wonder if the jet will ever be fixed.
If you’re new to the airshow scene, the Frecce Tricolori are Italy’s answer to the Red Arrows or Blue Angels, but with their own flair. Formed in 1961, they’re the world’s largest aerobatic team, flying ten jets—nine in formation and one soloist who pulls off jaw-dropping stunts. Based at Rivolto Air Base, they’ve been wowing crowds for over six decades, racking up thousands of performances across Europe and beyond. Their MB-339s, decked out in green, white, and red, leave tricolor smoke trails that turn every show into a patriotic spectacle.
These aren’t just any pilots, either. Joining the team means clocking at least 1,000 flight hours and passing a grueling selection process. Once in, they train relentlessly, mastering formations that push both man and machine to the limit. That preparation paid off at Pantelleria. Mid-air collisions are rare, but they can be deadly—just look at the 1988 Ramstein tragedy, where a Frecce Tricolori crash claimed 70 lives. This time, the outcome was different, and it’s hard not to admire the cool heads that brought those jets down safely.
The big question now is how this will ripple through the Frecce Tricolori’s 2025 season. They’ve got a packed lineup, including a slot at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK this summer and their 65th anniversary bash at Rivolto in September. Losing Pony 8, even temporarily, could force some tough calls. The team could adapt by flying with nine jets instead of ten—a move they’ve pulled off before. So far, there’s no word from the top brass, leaving fans and insiders speculating.
The incident also gave Pantelleria a brief scare. Commercial flights to Palermo and Trapani were delayed as emergency crews swarmed the airport, but things normalised fast. The island’s mayor, Fabrizio D’Ancona, was on hand for what was supposed to be a fun open day at the Air Force detachment. Instead, he got a front-row seat to a near-miss that could’ve ended much worse.
For aviation enthusiasts, Pantelleria’s mid-air drama is a reminder of what makes airshows so thrilling—and so unforgiving. The Frecce Tricolori walk a fine line every time they take off, blending artistry with raw precision. This time, that line got crossed, but the pilots proved why they’re among the best. Three jets banged up, one off the runway, and everyone still walking away? That’s not luck—that’s training and guts.
The investigation will dig into what went wrong, but don’t expect the Frecce Tricolori to stay grounded long. They’ve bounced back from worse, and their fans are already itching to see those tricolor trails again. Pantelleria might’ve been a scare, but it’s also a story of how these aviators turn chaos into control. Keep an eye on the skies—they’ll be back.
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