What happened
The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft departed Châteaudun Airfield. While in the climb phase and reaching an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the machine experienced a loss of lift. The aircraft subsequently crashed into a roadway situated two miles southeast of the airbase. Upon impact, the airframe caught fire. All ten occupants on board were killed in the accident. The group consisted of four crew members and six passengers who were returning to England.
Findings
Investigations indicated that the crash was likely triggered by an aerodynamic stall. This condition resulted from a significant build-up of ice on critical flight surfaces, including both wings, the fuselage, and the tail assembly.