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Aircraft Collision with Mt Cameroon: Navigation Error Leads to Fatal Crash (F-BBDO)

Mt Cameroun, CameroonFlight

On February 3, 1951, a Douglas DC-4 (registration F-BBDO) operated by Air France was involved in an aviation accident near Mt Cameroun, Cameroon in flight. 29 people were killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The collision with the mountain was caused by a navigation error by the flying crew, who abandoned the current procedure four minutes after takeoff and followed an unverified, improvised route. 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 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A four-engine aircraft named 'Ciel de Savoie' crashed into Mt Cameroon after a navigation error. All 29 occupants were killed when the crew abandoned the prescribed flight plan.

Incident Overview and Flight Details On the day of the incident, a four-engine aircraft christened 'Ciel de Savoie' departed from Douala Airport at 1408LT, with Niamey as its intended destination. The flight crew consisted of Jean Chansel (pilot), Jean Gavignet (copilot), Roger Roure (radio navigator), Paul Frederic (mechanic), Lina Cotton (stewardess), and Georges Vilard (steward). Four minutes after takeoff, the crew altered their route, heading northwest at an altitude of 8,500 feet. Approximately twenty minutes later, while flying in good weather conditions but facing the sun, the pilot in command realized the aircraft was approaching a mountain. An immediate sharp left turn was executed, but the left wing struck trees. The aircraft subsequently lost control, crashed into Mt Cameroon, and disintegrated upon impact, resulting in the deaths of all 29 occupants on board.

Probable cause

The collision with the mountain was caused by a navigation error by the flying crew, who abandoned the current procedure four minutes after takeoff and followed an unverified, improvised route. Contributory factors included the crew's failure to follow the prescribed flight plan, failure to check the improvised route, error of judgement, and overconfidence.
Controlled flight into terrain

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Same operator

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