Three aircraft from Italy’s Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team collided mid-air during a display, resulting in one pilot being hospitalised with suspected leg fractures.

The incident occurred at the Pantelleria military airfield, a town on the Italian island of Pantelleria, during a public airshow on 6th May.

During a complex manoeuvre known as the "cardioid," three MB-339 jets made contact mid-flight.

One aircraft lost an undercarriage wheel and veered off the runway upon landing.

Another jet sustained wing damage but landed safely.

Emergency services responded immediately, and the injured pilot was transported to hospital.

Authorities reassured that no civilians present in the perimeter areas of the airport were involved or in danger.

Planes fly during an air show in Pantelleria, Italy, on May 6, 2025. One pilot was injured after three planes collided. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(Newsflash/NX)

No structural damage was reported to the airport either and it was reopened to air traffic within half an hour.

Preliminary investigations suggest the cause may have been a bird strike or a minor in-flight collision.

The Italian Air Force is analysing black box data to determine the exact sequence of events.

Three planes collide during an air show in Pantelleria, Italy, on May 6, 2025. One pilot was injured. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video(Newsflash/NX)

The remaining aircraft returned safely to their base in Trapani.

The mayor of Pantelleria, Fabrizio D'Ancona, stated: "The promptness and professionalism of the pilots avoided worse consequences."

(MJ Leidig/newsX)