Seaplane accident during training mission in La Ciotat

1 fatality • La Ciotat, France • Landing (descent or approach)

A training flight involving a seaplane resulted in a fatal accident near La Ciotat after the aircraft overturned during an engine power increase.

What happened

During a scheduled training mission in the bay of La Ciotat, a seaplane departed from Marseille-Marignane Airport as part of a formation consisting of four similar aircraft. The mission involved performing several water scooping maneuvers. During the flight, the crew executed a simulated engine failure procedure, which was followed by a full landing on the water.

Upon landing, the aircraft began experiencing intense vibrations. In an effort to regain flight and take off, the crew increased the engine power. This action caused the aircraft to capsize, leaving the seaplane resting upside down on the water. The accident resulted in one fatality and one serious injury among the crew members.

Probable cause

The aircraft overturned after the crew applied increased engine power to recover from vibrations following a simulated engine failure landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-11-17 Canadair CL-415 accident near La Ciotat, France?

A training flight involving a seaplane resulted in a fatal accident near La Ciotat after the aircraft overturned during an engine power increase.

Were there any fatalities in the 1997-11-17 Canadair CL-415 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-11-17 involved a Canadair CL-415, registration F-ZBFQ, operated by Sécurité civile, at La Ciotat, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft overturned after the crew applied increased engine power to recover from vibrations following a simulated engine failure landing.

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