What happened
The flight was on final approach to Limoges when the crew contacted air traffic control to inquire about potential icing conditions in the vicinity. ATC advised that pilots could encounter ice formation between altitudes of 1,000 and 1,200 meters. Shortly after receiving this information, while operating within that specified altitude band, the aircraft lost controllability. The plane subsequently crashed into a wooded area located in Saint-Léger-la-Montagne.
The impact resulted in significant casualties. A total of 21 occupants, including all three members of the flight crew, were killed in the accident. Three passengers sustained injuries and were evacuated from the scene for medical treatment.
Findings
Official investigations determined that the crash was caused by a loss of control resulting from an excessive accumulation of ice on the aircraft's structure. The ice affected critical aerodynamic surfaces, including the fuselage, wings, stabilizers, and tail assembly.