8 fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Stall and Crash near Nantes-Château Bougon Airport (F-BTQE)

Nantes-Atlantique (Château Bougon), FranceTakeoff (climb)

On July 2, 1975, a Beechcraft 99 Airliner (registration F-BTQE) operated by Transport Aérien Transrégional - TAT (ex Touraine Air Transport) was involved in an aviation accident near Nantes-Atlantique (Château Bougon), France during takeoff. 8 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine for undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, the captain reported a right engine failure and fire. Cleared for emergency landing, the airplane stalled and crashed onto railway tracks, killing all eight occupants.

Incident Overview

Shortly after departing from Nantes-Château Bougon Airport, while climbing, the captain informed air traffic control of a failure in the right engine, which had caught fire. The crew received clearance to return for an emergency landing. During the approach, the airplane stalled and crashed in flames onto a railway track near the airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed. All eight occupants were killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined that the right engine failed for undetermined reasons. No further details regarding the engine failure or the subsequent stall have been released.

Aftermath

Emergency services responded to the crash site. The railway track sustained damage from the impact and fire. The investigation continues to examine the wreckage and other evidence.

Probable cause

Failure of the right engine for undetermined reason.