What happened
During a scheduled cargo operation, the flight was cruising at 7,500 feet when the crew requested a descent to 5,500 feet from air traffic control. This request was made to avoid nearby thunderstorm activity. Shortly after descending, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of control and entered a steep dive. The plane struck the ground in a field situated in Châtenoy, approximately 35 km east of Orléans.
The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft. There were three fatalities among the crew members on board.
Findings
Investigations into the accident determined that the aircraft suffered an in-flight structural failure. This failure was triggered by intense turbulence encountered while navigating through thunderstorm cells, which ultimately led to the loss of control.