Training aircraft crash at Coulommiers-Voisins Airport

5 fatalities • Coulommiers, France • Takeoff (climb)

A training flight involving students and instructors ended in a fatal accident after an aircraft struck a vehicle during takeoff near Coulommiers-Voisins Airport.

What happened

During a local training mission operating out of Coulommiers-Voisins Airport in Seine-et-Marne, a flight crew comprising instructors and student pilots experienced a critical loss of altitude following rotation. As the aircraft type attempted to climb, one of its wings made contact with a truck located near the airfield. The impact resulted in the wing being severed from the airframe.

Following the collision, the plane continued forward and crashed into a field situated approximately 450 meters beyond the runway threshold. The accident resulted in five fatalities and left three individuals seriously injured. The aircraft was completely destroyed during the impact.

Findings

Preliminary reports indicate that the crew had manually deactivated one of the engines before the takeoff sequence began. This intentional engine shutdown contributed to the aircraft's inability to maintain necessary altitude during the initial climb phase.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude after rotation due to an engine being intentionally shut down prior to takeoff, leading to a collision with a ground vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1962-07-30 Douglas DC-3 accident near Coulommiers, France?

A training flight involving students and instructors ended in a fatal accident after an aircraft struck a vehicle during takeoff near Coulommiers-Voisins Airport.

Were there any fatalities in the 1962-07-30 Douglas DC-3 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1962-07-30 involved a Douglas DC-3, registration F-BAOE, operated by Air France, at Coulommiers, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude after rotation due to an engine being intentionally shut down prior to takeoff, leading to a collision with a ground vehicle.

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