Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Eleven people—a pilot and 10 skydivers—lost their lives on Sunday when a Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter crashed soon after takeoff from Nancy-Essey Airport (LFSN) in eastern France. Accident investigators from the French BEA agency are working on the scene to understand what happened to the German-registered turboprop single (D-FIPS), which is registered to KIAS Airlines/Classic Wings but, according to the Aviation Safety Network, was operated for a company called Tandemotion Parachutisme.
The PC-6, manufactured in 1991, crashed around 1,000 feet from Nancy-Essey’s Runway 21 on a road just outside the airport perimeter. French interior minister Laurent Nunez and transport minister Philippe Tabarot visited the scene of the accident. According to the BEA, this was France’s most serious general aviation crash involving skydiving in roughly 30 years.
Local media reports state that the skydivers were due to make their first parachute jumps in tandem configurations with instructors. Powered by a single Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada PT6A-27 engine, the aircraft can carry up to 10 passengers and has a payload limit of 2,646 pounds.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Pilatus PC-6 Crashes in France, Killing Pilot and 10 Skydivers

French BEA investigators are probing the June 28 accident

A 35-year-old Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter single turboprop crashed near Nancy in eastern France on June 28, killing all 11 people on board.

PC-6 Crashes in France, Killing Pilot and 10 Skydivers

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Preliminary and final accident reports, July 2026

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News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

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