5 fatalities

Twin-engine aircraft crash into Dent du Chat slope near Chambéry (231)

Chambéry-Aix-les-Bains, FranceTakeoff (climb)

On October 15, 1946, an Avro 652 Anson (registration 231) operated by French Air Force - Armée de l'Air was involved in an aviation accident near Chambéry-Aix-les-Bains, France during takeoff. 5 people were killed. 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 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft struck the slope of the Dent du Chat shortly after takeoff from Chambéry Airport, resulting in the destruction of the airframe and the deaths of all five crew members on board.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial climb phase following departure from Chambéry Airport. A few minutes after liftoff, while ascending to an altitude of approximately 1,050 meters, the twin-engine aircraft collided with the terrain. The impact site was located on the slope of the Dent du Chat, situated less than five kilometers west of the airport.

The collision resulted in the complete destruction of the airframe due to the forces involved. There were no survivors; all five crew members were killed in the accident. The individuals aboard included the pilot and four other personnel serving as part of the flight crew.