Aircraft impact in Sainte-Baume Mountain range

10 fatalities • Riboux, France • Flight

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Riboux during flight in poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.

What happened

During a period of marginal weather, an aircraft was maintaining an altitude of 3,000 feet when it struck the slope of a mountain within the Sainte-Baume range. The impact occurred approximately one mile north of Riboux. Following the accident, search efforts located the debris field two days later, situated roughly 30 km east of Marseille.

There were 10 fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft, which included both crew members and a passenger. No survivors were reported from the wreckage.

Findings

  • The flight was operating in marginal weather conditions at the time of the accident.
  • The aircraft struck terrain while cruising at 3,000 feet.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1951-12-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Riboux, France?

An aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Riboux during flight in poor weather conditions, resulting in no survivors.

Were there any fatalities in the 1951-12-06 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 10 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1951-12-06 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration 42-100488, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Riboux, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a mountain slope while flying in marginal weather conditions.

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