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3 fatalities

Three Crew Killed as Aircraft Strikes Power Lines on Approach to Lyon-Bron (F-BCYK)

Lyon-Bron, FranceLanding (descent or approach)

On January 28, 1956, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration F-BCYK) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Lyon-Bron, France during landing or approach. 3 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It is believed that the pilot-in-command lost his visual references on final approach due to foggy conditions and did not realize his altitude was too low. 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.

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

During a foggy descent to Lyon-Bron Airport, an aircraft descended too low on final approach, striking telephone lines and crashing in a field near Saint-Priest. All three crew members were killed. The investigation attributed the accident to the pilot losing visual references in fog.

Accident

While descending to Lyon-Bron Airport, the crew encountered poor visibility due to fog. On final approach to runway 34, the aircraft descended too low and struck telephone lines before crashing in a field located in Saint-Priest, approximately 2 km short of the runway threshold. The aircraft was destroyed. All three crew members—pilot Gilbert Navarri, radio operator Léopold Bat, and mechanic Fernand Rozet—were killed in the accident.

Aircraft

The aircraft was built in 1943. It was delivered to Air France on 20 April 1953. No further details about the aircraft type or registration are available from the source.

Crew

The crew consisted of three individuals: Gilbert Navarri (pilot), Léopold Bat (radio operator), and Fernand Rozet (mechanic).

Probable Cause

The official investigation concluded that the pilot-in-command lost his visual references on final approach due to foggy conditions and did not realize his altitude was too low.

Controlled flight into terrain

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jan 1956 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Lyon-Bron, France?

During a foggy descent to Lyon-Bron Airport, an aircraft descended too low on final approach, striking telephone lines and crashing in a field near Saint-Priest. All three crew members were killed. The investigation attributed the accident to the pilot losing visual references in fog.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Jan 1956 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 3 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jan 1956 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration F-BCYK, operated by Air France, at Lyon-Bron, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It is believed that the pilot-in-command lost his visual references on final approach due to foggy conditions and did not realize his altitude was too low.

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