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Belly Landing After Engine Failure on Positioning Flight (N90569)

Valence-Chabeuil, FranceLanding (descent or approach)

On August 29, 1974, a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou (registration N90569) operated by Masin Aircraft Company was involved in an aviation accident near Valence-Chabeuil, France during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure following a loss of hydraulic pressure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a positioning flight from Algiers to Basel, a right engine failed due to hydraulic pressure loss. The crew diverted to Valence-Chabeuil Airport but eventually performed a belly landing in an open field. Both pilots escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Incident

A positioning flight from Algiers to Basel encountered technical issues with the right engine, which subsequently failed due to a loss of hydraulic pressure. The flight crew decided to divert to Valence-Chabeuil Airport for an emergency landing.

Sequence of Events

En route, the crew faced problems with the right engine. Following the loss of hydraulic pressure, the engine failed. The decision was made to head to Valence-Chabeuil Airport. However, the crew was forced to perform a belly landing in an open field several kilometers from the airfield.

Damage and Injuries

The aircraft sustained substantial damage and was deemed beyond repair. Both pilots escaped uninjured.

Probable Cause

According to the official investigation, the probable cause was engine failure following a loss of hydraulic pressure.

Engine failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1974 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident near Valence-Chabeuil, France?

During a positioning flight from Algiers to Basel, a right engine failed due to hydraulic pressure loss. The crew diverted to Valence-Chabeuil Airport but eventually performed a belly landing in an open field. Both pilots escaped uninjured; the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1974 De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1974 involved a De Havilland DHC-4 Caribou, registration N90569, operated by Masin Aircraft Company, at Valence-Chabeuil, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure following a loss of hydraulic pressure.

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