Uruguay plane collision kills veteran pilot during aerobatic training

A mid-air collision between two civil aircraft in Guazuvirá, Canelones, resulted in the death of one pilot on Wednesday. The accident occurred near midday while the pilots were performing formation aerobatic maneuvers to prepare for an upcoming private airshow in the Colonia department.

The deceased has been identified as Daniel Ubillos, 58, a retired Uruguayan Air Force pilot and the founder of the Green Aeroclub. Ubillos was operating a Rihn DR-109, registration CX-FLG, which crashed into a wooded area following the impact. The second aircraft, piloted by a 32-year-old man, managed to perform an emergency landing at the Green Aeroclub without causing physical injuries to the pilot, though he was reported to be in shock.

Scientific police confirmed significant damage to the wing of the surviving aircraft, corroborating witness reports of a mid-air contact. The Uruguayan Air Force has deployed the Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Board (JIAIAC) to the site. Investigators are working to determine the exact causes and circumstances of the collision, specifically analyzing the flight maneuvers and the conditions at the time of contact.