What happened
The aircraft was en route to Paris when it suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure. During the flight, one of the engines caught fire and subsequently exploded. The loss of power and structural integrity caused the plane to dive uncontrollably toward the ground. It ultimately crashed in a field located near the village of Taillefontaine. All 44 occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
The immediate cause of the crash was identified as an engine fire that led to an explosion, rendering the aircraft uncontrollable. The crew consisted of four military personnel: 1st Lt Rex L. Pond, 1st Lt Claude H. Weid, Sgt Edward Vermillion, and Sgt Edward Hill. The passenger manifest included 40 US and German wounded along with unnamed soldiers.