Spanish Pilot "Coco" Rey Killed in Midair Collision at Portuguese Air Show

Tragedy struck at the Beja Air Show in Portugal as two Yakovlev Yak-52 aircraft collided midair, resulting in the death of veteran Spanish aerobatic pilot Manuel Rey Cordeiro, known as "Coco" Rey. The incident occurred during an acrobatic performance by the Spanish-Portuguese Yakstars team.

The collision happened at 16:05 local time, with one Yak-52 (registered EC-IAS) crashing to the ground while the other (registered EC-NGZ) managed to make an emergency landing. The crash was captured on video by spectators, showing the dramatic moment when one aircraft descended and then steeply climbed into the formation, leading to the collision.

Reports indicate that the Yak-52 that crashed struck the propeller of another aircraft, causing severe damage to its tail and resulting in a loss of control. A post-impact fire erupted, exacerbating the tragedy. It remains unclear why the aircraft moved out of formation, and Portuguese Air Force spokesperson Patricia Fernandes noted that it will take time to determine the cause of the accident.

Manuel Rey Cordeiro, affectionately known as "Coco," was one of Spain's most experienced aerobatic pilots with over 18,000 flight hours. He was 61 years old and had been leading his team for more than 15 years. Cordeiro was renowned in the aviation community, having won numerous awards in national and international competitions. He also worked as a commercial airline pilot for Vueling, flying Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft.

The Yakovlev Yak-52, a Soviet-origin primary aerobatic trainer first flown in 1976, is popular for airshows due to its robust performance and minimal maintenance requirements. Despite its age, the Yak-52 remains in use as a basic trainer in the Russian Air Force and other Eastern European countries. The aircraft has also been involved in recent combat scenarios, highlighting its enduring versatility.

The aviation community mourns the loss of "Coco" Rey, a celebrated pilot whose contributions to aerobatics and commercial aviation were significant. As investigations continue, the airshow community reflects on the risks inherent in their passion and the legacy of a pilot who embodied the spirit of flight.