2 fatalities

Training aircraft crash near Lyon-Bron due to low approach (E-331)

Lyon-Bron, FranceLanding (descent or approach)

On August 4, 1938, an Amiot 143 (registration E-331) operated by French Air Force - Armée de l'Air was involved in an aviation accident near Lyon-Bron, France during landing or approach. 2 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Pilot error in maintaining adequate altitude during final approach. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-04Data APIEditorial standards

A training aircraft crashed into a farm wall near Lyon-Bron after striking an electrical pylon during final approach, resulting in two fatalities and four injuries.

What happened

In the afternoon, a crew departed Lyon-Bron Airport for a local training mission. During the final approach phase, the pilot failed to recognize that the aircraft was flying at an altitude too low for safe clearance. The airframe subsequently collided with an electrical pylon and impacted the wall of a nearby farm structure. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. All four occupants on board sustained injuries during the crash. While initial survivors were treated, the pilot and one observer succumbed to their wounds the following day.

Findings

The official investigation attributed the accident to pilot error. Specifically, the failure to maintain adequate altitude during the approach phase was identified as the primary contributing factor leading to the collision with ground infrastructure.

Probable cause

Pilot error in maintaining adequate altitude during final approach.