A tragic accident occurred on Sunday, September 13, in the sky above the French Riviera between the towns of Cuers and La Londe-les-Maures. A small aircraft crashed, killing both people on board. The plane had taken off from the Cuers airfield in the Var department around 10 a.m. The victims were identified as Patrick Féron, a general (2S) in the French Air Force and former fighter pilot, and Anne-Marie Kessedjian, a midwife at the Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël hospital. The crash took place in the commune of La Londe-les-Maures, according to the Var prefecture. Firefighters from the Var department confirmed they responded to the incident but did not provide further details about the circumstances. Only one aircraft was involved in the crash. The Fréjus hospital center said it wanted to first inform its staff before making a public statement.
Patrick Féron was also the vice-president of an association called "Les Ailes de la Reconnaissance," which was created in 2020 in the wake of the health crisis. The group aimed to thank healthcare workers and others by offering experiences like "air baptisms," where individuals can take short flights. The association's president, Daniel Muraro, was present on Sunday morning before the flight. He stated the aircraft was in good condition, had enough fuel, and the weather was ideal. He also mentioned that Féron had flown the day before without any issues. The accident happened approximately 15 minutes into a planned 30-minute flight.
The crash has prompted an investigation, which has been assigned to the Nice gendarmerie air transport brigade. This unit specializes in investigating aviation incidents and will work to determine the cause of the crash. The investigation will likely include a review of the flight data, weather conditions, and the maintenance history of the aircraft. While no details have been released yet, the inquiry is expected to provide clarity on what led to the tragic event.
Both victims were respected members of their communities. Patrick Féron had a long career in the military and was known for his dedication to both service and charitable work. Anne-Marie Kessedjian was a healthcare professional who had been working at the Fréjus-Saint-Raphaël hospital. The crash has shocked local residents and colleagues, who are now waiting for more information as the investigation continues.
Aircraft Crash in Var Department Kills Two Passengers
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