Aircraft crash near Donzeil following engine failure

8 fatalities • Donzeil, France • Flight

A twin-engine charter flight from Geneva to Bordeaux crashed in an open field near Donzeil after experiencing a right engine failure during cruise.

What happened

A charter flight departed Geneva-Cointrin Airport at 08:42 local time, bound for Bordeaux-Mérignac. The flight was carrying a total of eight occupants, consisting of one pilot and seven passengers. While cruising at 20,000 feet, the pilot notified air traffic control that the right engine had failed. Following this notification, the pilot was instructed to descend and divert to Limoges Airport.

In an attempt to recover the engine, the pilot tried to perform a restart while flying below 10,000 feet, but the procedure was unsuccessful. The resulting high drag caused the twin engine aircraft to lose altitude continuously, preventing the crew from reaching the intended diversion airport. At 10:29 local time, the aircraft lost control and impacted an open field near Donzeil, situated between Guéret and Aubusson, approximately 60 km northeast of Limoges. The impact and subsequent fire resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft and the deaths of all eight people on board.

Findings

The accident was characterized by the inability to maintain altitude following the failure of the right engine. The loss of performance due to increased drag made it impossible for the aircraft to reach the diversionary airfield.

Probable cause

The aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude to reach an alternate airport following a right engine failure and an unsuccessful engine restart attempt.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1996-11-07 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident near Donzeil, France?

A twin-engine charter flight from Geneva to Bordeaux crashed in an open field near Donzeil after experiencing a right engine failure during cruise.

Were there any fatalities in the 1996-11-07 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-11-07 involved a Cessna 421C Golden Eagle III, registration HB-LRX, operated by Jetcom, at Donzeil, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft was unable to maintain sufficient altitude to reach an alternate airport following a right engine failure and an unsuccessful engine restart attempt.

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