1 fatality

1990-09-24: Grumman S-2 Tracker (F-ZBAT) — Sécurité civile — Calenzana, France

Calenzana, FranceFlight

On September 24, 1990, a Grumman S-2 Tracker (registration F-ZBAT) operated by Sécurité civile was involved in an aviation accident near Calenzana, France in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft encountered powerful downward air currents that forced it into the terrain. 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 1781212576Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine aircraft crashed into a mountainside near Calenzana while engaged in aerial firefighting operations.

What happened

During an aerial firefighting operation in the Balagne region, a twin engine aircraft crashed into a mountain slope. The flight originated from Calvi-Sainte Catherine Airport, where the crew had departed to combat active wildfires.

While performing low-altitude maneuvers to assist with fire suppression, the aircraft impacted terrain located in the vicinity of Calenzana. There was only one person on board at the time of the accident. The pilot sustained fatal injuries during the impact.

Findings

Official investigations into the crash determined that the aircraft was overcome by strong downdrafts while flying at a low altitude, which led to the collision with the mountain.

Probable cause

The aircraft encountered powerful downward air currents that forced it into the terrain.