Two fighter jets Rafale French Navy were damaged late Thursday afternoon, for reasons as yet undetermined, the Mediterranean Sea while returning to the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle at the end of a test flight.
One pilot, who ejected, was able to be recovered "safe" shortly after the accident which occurred at 16h09 GMT precise, about thirty miles l? Is Perpignan, said AFP Commander Bertrand Bonneau, Department of Information and Public Relations of the Navy (Sirpa diving).
This driver was transported by helicopter to the Charles de Gaulle, where he was under observation, he said.
Both aircraft were participating in a mission to test, without weapons, and were, according to the officer, "the hands of very experienced pilot" when, in returning the aircraft carrier, they plunged into the waters of the Mediterranean for reasons still unknown Thursday night. "We do not know if it is a collision," said Commander Bonneau.