1980-10-17: Beechcraft 200 Super King Air (F-GBRP) — Établissements Économiques du Casino — Ribeauvillé, France

7 fatalitiesRibeauvillé, FranceLanding (descent or approach)

A twin-engine aircraft crashed in a wooded mountainous region near Ribeauvillé during its final approach to Colmar-Houssen Airport, resulting in the deaths of all seven people on board.

What happened

A twin-engine airplane was performing an executive flight from Saint-Étienne-Bouthéon Airport toward Colmar-Houssen Airport in Haut-Rhin. While the crew was communicating with Air Traffic Control during the final approach phase, the aircraft impacted treetops and crashed within a mountainous, forested area. The wreckage was located approximately 10 km northwest of the threshold for runway 19 near Ribeauvillé.

The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were seven fatalities recorded, representing all occupants on board the flight. Among the deceased were the pilot and copilot, along with five passengers traveling to participate in a hunting event in the Alsacian forests.

Findings

While the specific mechanical or operational failures were not detailed, the accident occurred as the aircraft was maneuvering for landing and struck trees during its descent toward the runway.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck treetops during the final approach to the airport.