Second of three M346 prototypes crashes

Alenia Aermacchi lost the second of three pre-production prototype M346 trainers over the weekend. The first prototype crashed in 2011 after a performance at a Dubai airshow. Both pilots ejected safely.

The second aircraft developed a "technical problem" 20 minutes after takeoff over the weekend. It departed from Turin-Caselle airport before crashing. The lone pilot ejected safely.

Alenia Aermacchi has lost its second of three pre-production prototypes of the M346 transonic trainer in a crash over the weekend.

The lone pilot ejected safely and no one on the ground was hurt.

Company officials declined to answer questions, but said in a statement that the cause is a “technical problem” that occurred about 20 min. after takeoff from Turin-Caselle airport.

The crash site is in Val Bormida, between the provinces of Cuneo and Savona, company officials say.

Alenia officials have established a technical commission to investigate the incident.

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