Consolidated LB-30 Liberator accident at Rochefort, France, 3 Dec 1945 (KH125)
On December 3, 1945, a Consolidated LB-30 Liberator (registration KH125) operated by Royal Air Force - RAF was involved in an aviation accident near Rochefort, France in flight. 28 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was flying in a low pressure area with thunderstorm activity and severe turbulence. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Probable cause
The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was flying in a low pressure area with thunderstorm activity and severe turbulence. It is understood that the aircraft suffered of turbulence, maybe was hit by lightning and lost several pieces on the left wing before the control was lost.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
The crew was performing a flight from India to RAF Oakington, near Manchester, on behalf of the Air Transport Command (ATC). While cruising in poor weather conditions, the aircraft went out of control, dove into the ground and crashed near Rochefort, killing all 28 occupants. Crew: F/lt L. J. Slack, F/Lt E. W. Beech, F/Lt A. J. Balsom, W/O S. J. Gillingham, F/O H. Rowe. Passengers: LAC C. C. Baker, LAC W. R. Birkett, LAC B. F. Blackbourn, Sgt H. Bolton, Bsm T. G. Burch, Sgt C. Donaldson, F/Lt W. G. Gibson, Sgt L. Hainsworth, Cdr J. G. Halliday, Bom H. D. Henderson, Pvt C. J. John, Pvt A. Mitchell, Gun R. W. Norton, Pvt F. J. Parkin, Gun S. W. Pearson, Pvt I. G. Richards, Gun D. Ross, Gun C. C. Thompson, Bom W. E. Turner, LAC W. Vincent, Pvt D. West, Gun G. Whitehead, Cpl E. S. Winslade.
Probable cause (official findings): The loss of control occurred while the aircraft was flying in a low pressure area with thunderstorm activity and severe turbulence. It is understood that the aircraft suffered of turbulence, maybe was hit by lightning and lost several pieces on the left wing before the control was lost.