Accident Details
The accident occurred shortly after liftoff, as the aircraft was climbing to a height of 100 feet. One of its engines caught fire and exploded. The airplane subsequently stalled and crashed in a prairie located about 720 meters past the end of the runway.
Casualties
All 42 persons on board were killed. The victims included 39 passengers and three crew members. Among the passengers was Albert Sylla, the Malagasy Minister of Foreign Affairs. The three deceased crew members were identified as Mr. Chevrier, the captain; Mr. Turin, the mechanic; and Mr. Goirand, the radio navigator.
Probable Cause
The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was an explosion of an engine at a critical stage of flight, just after liftoff, which caused the aircraft to stall. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.