32 fatalities

Left Engine Failure During Initial Climb Results in Crash Near Biskra Airport (F-BEIK)

Biskra, AlgeriaTakeoff (climb)

On April 8, 1957, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) (registration F-BEIK) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Biskra, Algeria during takeoff. 32 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine during initial climb. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered F-BEIK
Aircraft registered F-BEIK. Photo: Eric Salard / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after takeoff from Biskra Airport, an aircraft experienced left engine failure during climb, stalled, and crashed less than one kilometer from the airfield. All 32 occupants were killed.

Accident Overview

On an unspecified date, an aircraft departed from Biskra Airport. During the initial climb, the left engine failed. The aircraft subsequently stalled and crashed less than one kilometer from the airfield. Upon impact, the aircraft was destroyed. All 32 occupants on board were killed.

Crew Information

The flight crew consisted of pilot Jean-Marie Girardeau-Montaut, copilot M. Leclerc, radio operator M. Vergnolle, mechanic M. Lageat, and steward M. Ramel.

Official Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be failure of the left engine during initial climb.

Additional Details

No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, exact date, or other operational details was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Apr 1957 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident near Biskra, Algeria?

Shortly after takeoff from Biskra Airport, an aircraft experienced left engine failure during climb, stalled, and crashed less than one kilometer from the airfield. All 32 occupants were killed.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Apr 1957 Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3) accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 32 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Apr 1957 involved a Douglas C-47 Skytrain (DC-3), registration F-BEIK, operated by Air France, at Biskra, Algeria.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the left engine during initial climb.