What happened
The incident occurred during a night training flight conducted on behalf of the 3rd Squadron of the 22nd Regiment, which is based in Chartres. While operating in the region of Bonneval, approximately 20 kilometers south of Chartres, the aircraft experienced an in-flight fire. In response to the emergency, the pilot reduced altitude and attempted to make an emergency landing. However, from a height of roughly 50 meters, the aircraft stalled and impacted the ground in a large explosion. All five occupants on board were killed in the crash.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the specific origin of the in-flight fire could not be determined.