What happened
The incident occurred while the aircraft was completing a liaison mission from Paris-Le Bourget to Pontarlier. During the cruise phase, the flight encountered adverse meteorological conditions characterized by thunderstorms and significant turbulence. While navigating this weather system, the airplane experienced a sudden in-flight explosion. The structural integrity of the airframe was compromised by the event, resulting in an uncontrolled descent and a crash in the vicinity of Aumur.
The accident resulted in fatal consequences for two members of the flight crew. Additionally, three other individuals on board sustained injuries. The crew complement included two pilots, two mechanics, and one radio operator. The specific registration mark is not provided in the available source material.
Findings
Official investigations into the event did not yield a definitive mechanical failure or operational error as the primary cause. Instead, authorities concluded that external environmental factors were likely responsible for the initial incident. It is believed that the airplane may have been struck by lightning, which potentially triggered the catastrophic in-flight explosion observed during the flight.