In a tragic incident that occurred in 2018, a French pilot has been found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of skydiver Nicolas Galy. The unnamed pilot was handed a 12-month suspended sentence on Tuesday and has been banned from flying for one year.

According to reports, Galy, a skilled skydiver with over 225 jumps under his belt, was one of two wingsuit skydivers who jumped from an altitude of about 14,000 feet over the town of Bouloc-en-Quercy. Tragically, as the skydivers were gliding in their wingsuits, the pilot descended towards the tarmac immediately after their exit.

Approximately 20 seconds into the jump, Galy was fatally struck by the left wing of the plane, causing his decapitation. Despite the deployment of his emergency parachute, he tragically landed in a field, losing his life in the process.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the group had not discussed the planned trajectory of the plane. The pilot claimed that he lost sight of the skydivers during his descent and believed they were out of his path. He argued that Galy had deviated from the expected course and should not have been in that location.

The pilot's defense further explained the complications that arise when flying near wingsuit skydivers, stating that their straight-line descent patterns can be in conflict with the aircraft. The pilot maintained that his flight path was logical and he should not be held at fault for the tragic accident that unfolded.

The court, however, found the pilot guilty of involuntary manslaughter and handed him a 12-month suspended sentence. Additionally, he has been barred from flying for one year as a consequence of his actions.

While this ruling offers some form of justice for the loss of Nicolas Galy, it serves as a reminder of the risks involved in extreme sports activities. The investigation and subsequent trial highlight the importance of clear communication and coordination between pilots and skydivers to ensure the safety of all individuals involved.

Skydiving enthusiasts and authorities alike are now emphasizing the need for enhanced safety protocols and stricter regulations to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.