On January 25, 1935, a Caudron C.280 Phalène (registration F-AMVD) operated by Compagnie Générale TransSaharienne - CGT France was involved in an aviation accident near Parakou, Benin in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft impacted the ground after the pilot reduced altitude in low visibility caused by a sandstorm. 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.
A mail aircraft crashed while approaching Cotonou after encountering a sandstorm on the final leg of its journey from Gao, resulting in minor injuries for the crew.
What happened
The incident occurred during a scheduled mail delivery route originating in Algiers and terminating in Cotonou. The flight path included intermediate stops at Colomb-Béchar, Bidon 5, and Gao. During the final segment of the journey from Gao to Cotonou, the crew faced deteriorating meteorological conditions characterized by a sandstorm. As visibility dropped significantly, the pilot lowered the aircraft's altitude. Subsequently, the plane struck the terrain, leading to a crash that destroyed the airframe due to impact forces. Both individuals on board sustained minor injuries in the accident.
Findings
The primary contributing factor identified was the poor weather environment, specifically the sandstorm that severely reduced visibility during the approach phase.
Probable cause
The aircraft impacted the ground after the pilot reduced altitude in low visibility caused by a sandstorm.
What happened in the 25 Jan 1935 Caudron C.280 Phalène accident near Parakou, Benin?
A mail aircraft crashed while approaching Cotonou after encountering a sandstorm on the final leg of its journey from Gao, resulting in minor injuries for the crew.
Were there any fatalities in the 25 Jan 1935 Caudron C.280 Phalène accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 25 Jan 1935 involved a Caudron C.280 Phalène, registration F-AMVD, operated by Compagnie Générale TransSaharienne - CGT France, at Parakou, Benin.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The aircraft impacted the ground after the pilot reduced altitude in low visibility caused by a sandstorm.
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