Fatal training flight accident in Cugny

2 fatalities • Cugny, France • Flight

A training flight ended in a fatal crash near Cugny after the aircraft struck a high-tension power pylon during an attempt to regain visual contact with the ground.

What happened

During a scheduled training mission, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions that obscured visibility. In an effort to re-establish visual reference with the terrain, the pilot initiated a descent to a lower altitude. During this maneuver, the aircraft collided with a high-tension electricity pylon.

The impact caused the plane to crash into a field situated in Cugny, resulting in an immediate post-crash fire. The accident resulted in two fatalities, involving both the instructor and the student pilot on board. The wreckage was completely destroyed by the subsequent flames.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary factor leading to the collision was pilot error during the flight phase involving altitude adjustment in poor visibility.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by pilot error during an attempt to descend through low visibility.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1959-06-19 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident near Cugny, France?

A training flight ended in a fatal crash near Cugny after the aircraft struck a high-tension power pylon during an attempt to regain visual contact with the ground.

Were there any fatalities in the 1959-06-19 De Havilland DH.104 Dove accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1959-06-19 involved a De Havilland DH.104 Dove, registration OO-DAL, operated by Hessenatie-Sotramat Aviation, at Cugny, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by pilot error during an attempt to descend through low visibility.

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