What happened
The four-engine aircraft was en route to Kandy, Ceylon, carrying a crew of seven and three passengers. While flying east of Grenoble at an altitude of 8,000 feet, the flight encountered severe weather characterized by snowstorms and fog. The crew recommended returning due to the hazardous conditions, but the senior passenger insisted that the flight continue. Shortly after this decision, the aircraft struck the slope of a mountain located two kilometers west of Le Rivier d'Allemont. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the airframe.
All ten occupants were killed in the accident. Initial rescue operations were suspended after several days when no trace of the wreckage could be found. It was not until June 4, 1945, that a local resident discovered the debris and the bodies of the victims.
Findings
A court of inquiry concluded that the accident was primarily caused by bad weather. The investigation determined that the disaster might have been avoided had the flight not proceeded in such poor conditions against the professional advice of the aircrew.