5 fatalities

Five Killed When Aircraft Hits Chestnut Tree Near Lyon-Bron Airport (F-BELO)

Saint-Just-Chaleyssin, FranceLanding (descent or approach)

On November 29, 1949, a Douglas C-54 Skymaster (registration F-BELO) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Saint-Just-Chaleyssin, France during landing or approach. 5 people were killed. 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)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

On approach to Lyon-Bron Airport in fog, the aircraft struck a chestnut tree, overturned, and crashed in flames near Saint-Just-Chaleyssin. All five occupants died.

Accident Overview

During the approach to Lyon-Bron Airport, the flight crew encountered poor weather conditions characterized by fog. On the final approach segment, the pilot in command descended to an excessively low altitude. This resulted in the aircraft striking a chestnut tree. The collision caused the aircraft to overturn and subsequently crash in flames in an open field. The accident site was located near Saint-Just-Chaleyssin, approximately 15 kilometers from the threshold of runway 34 at Lyon-Bron Airport. The aircraft was destroyed by a post-crash fire.

Casualties

The accident claimed the lives of all five individuals on board. Among the deceased were three crew members: pilot Louis Villeval, radio navigator Pierre Vire, and mechanic Jean-Maurice Dauget. The two passengers, Mr. and Mrs. Haick, also perished.