Accident Details
On a flight from Yaoundé to Douala, a four-engine aircraft departed Yaoundé at 1658 local time with an estimated arrival time of 1730 local time. While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft struck the slope of Mount Koupé, which rises to 2,064 meters. The mountain is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Douala.
Search and Discovery
After the aircraft failed to arrive at Douala, search and rescue operations were initiated. These efforts were eventually suspended several days later when no trace of the aircraft or its 12 occupants was found. On 19 February 1956, walkers discovered the wreckage in a dense, wooded area on Mount Koupé.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the accident likely resulted from controlled flight into terrain. However, investigators could not ascertain the exact cause of the accident or the reason why the flight deviated off course to the north, as the aircraft crashed 80 kilometers north of Douala while en route from the east.