Aircraft crash in Aulnay-sous-Bois following takeoff from Le Bourget

8 fatalities • Paris-Le Bourget, France • Takeoff (climb)

An aircraft crashed into a residential building in Aulnay-sous-Bois shortly after departing Paris-Le Bourget Airport, resulting in eight fatalities.

What happened

During a night departure from Paris-Le Bourget Airport, an aircraft entered an uncontrollable state while performing its initial climb. The descent ended when the plane struck a residence situated approximately 4 km southeast of the airport in Aulnay-sous-Bois. There were eight fatalities among those on board the aircraft, though no injuries were reported for individuals on the ground at the time of the impact.

Findings

Official investigations into the accident identified a mechanical failure as the primary driver of the disaster. The inquiry established that the aircraft experienced an in-flight fire, which led to the structural disintegration of the right side of the airframe. Furthermore, investigators determined that an explosion took place at the moment of impact with the ground.

Probable cause

A mechanical failure triggered an in-flight fire and subsequent structural breakup of the aircraft's right side.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1949-12-18 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Paris-Le Bourget, France?

An aircraft crashed into a residential building in Aulnay-sous-Bois shortly after departing Paris-Le Bourget Airport, resulting in eight fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1949-12-18 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 8 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1949-12-18 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration OO-AUQ, operated by SABENA - Société Anonyme Belge d'Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne, at Paris-Le Bourget, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A mechanical failure triggered an in-flight fire and subsequent structural breakup of the aircraft's right side.

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