Emergency landing of charter flight near Mimizan following engine failure

No fatalities • Mimizan, France • Landing (descent or approach)

A charter aircraft carrying a Swedish football team and crew performed an emergency belly landing on a beach in France after experiencing an engine malfunction during descent.

What happened

A charter flight traveling from Madrid to Norrköping, which included a scheduled stop in Bordeaux, was transporting 22 members of a Swedish football club along with a crew of six. During the approach to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, the aircraft encountered difficult weather conditions and experienced a technical malfunction involving one of its engines.

Upon recognizing that the destination airport was no longer reachable due to the mechanical issue, the pilot decided to lower the altitude to seek an alternative landing site. The crew identified a beach situated approximately three kilometers north of Mimizan as a potential location for an emergency descent. The aircraft type performed a belly landing on the sandy surface, sliding a significant distance before coming to a halt in a position that was partially submerged.

Despite the impact, all 28 occupants were successfully evacuated from the plane without injury. Following the incident, the aircraft was declared a total loss as it sustained damage beyond repair.

Findings

The investigation into the accident concluded that the primary factor leading to the emergency landing was an engine failure during the descent phase.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by a mechanical failure in one of the engines during the approach to Bordeaux.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1952-04-02 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Mimizan, France?

A charter aircraft carrying a Swedish football team and crew performed an emergency belly landing on a beach in France after experiencing an engine malfunction during descent.

Were there any fatalities in the 1952-04-02 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1952-04-02 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration LN-NAE, operated by Fred. Olsen's Air Transport - Fred. Olsen Flyselskap, at Mimizan, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The accident was caused by a mechanical failure in one of the engines during the approach to Bordeaux.

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