Douglas DC-3 accident at Paris-Le Bourget, France, 4 Sept 1946 (F-BAXD)
On September 4, 1946, a Douglas DC-3 (registration F-BAXD) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Paris-Le Bourget, France during takeoff. 20 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: It appears that both engines were not developing full power on takeoff, causing the aircraft to have insufficient speed and power to gain altitude. Unfortunately, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the lack of power. 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.
Probable cause
It appears that both engines were not developing full power on takeoff, causing the aircraft to have insufficient speed and power to gain altitude. Unfortunately, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the lack of power.
— NTSB Determination
Accident narrative
After takeoff, the aircraft failed to gain height and hit the roof of a house. It stalled and then crashed in flames near a factory located in Le Blanc-Mesnil, southeast of the airport. Seven occupant (a crew member and six passengers) were rescued while 19 other occupants were killed. A person on the ground was also killed. Crew killed were: Joseph Corvaisier, pilot, Michel Jourdan, radio navigator, Guy Gaudie, mechanic, Mrs Vavasseur, stewardess.
Probable cause (official findings): It appears that both engines were not developing full power on takeoff, causing the aircraft to have insufficient speed and power to gain altitude. Unfortunately, investigations were unable to determine the exact cause of the lack of power.