South France was struck with a gruesome tragedy back in July 2018 when an experienced wingsuit skydiver was decapitated by the wing of an aircraft just 20 seconds after jumping from the plane. Fast forward to today, and now the pilot of the plane is being tried for manslaughter in Montauban, France.
The victim has been identified as 40-year-old Nicholas Galy, one of a pair of skydivers who had jumped out of a single-engine Pilatus airplane at around 14,000 feet over Bouloc-en-Quercy.
When Alain C., the 64 year old pilot descended rapidly to catch up with them as they glided across the sky, the left wing struck Galy and decapitated his head.
His body landed in a field after his emergency parachute opened.
Wingsuit skydiver in France decapitated by aircraft's wing moments after jumping from plane: reports https://t.co/JpsDcSC3HA
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 22, 2023
Alain has been charged with manslaughter due to errors which led to this horrific outcome according to prosecutors.
During his trial he argued that he did nothing wrong and blamed Galy for not following protocol despite being unaware that briefing had taken place prior to their jump.
He also explained that he thought Galy was further south instead of being parallel with the plane and emphasized that wingsuit jumpers do not descend much which can put them into conflict with aircrafts if proper precautions are not taken beforehand.
To add insult to injury it was later revealed that Alain was operating a plane with an invalid license having violated restrictions imposed due to medical concerns which were ignored by him during flight time.
Considering all these factors Jeanne Regagngon, the prosecutor asked for a 12 month suspended sentence plus fine of at least $10,000 for his employer if found guilty on charges placed against him in court room.
The tragic death of Nicholas Galy has sent shockwaves throughout South France leaving many outraged over Alain’s negligence towards safety protocols leading up to this fatal incident.
It remains unclear what exact punishment awaits him but justice is expected be served soon so similar tragedies can be avoided in future.
