Engine failure and crash of ferry flight over France

No fatalities • Clécy, France • Flight

A ferry flight transporting an aircraft from Sweden to Venezuela crashed in a field in France following a dual engine failure.

What happened

During a ferry mission intended to move an aircraft from Linköping Airport in Sweden to a new operator in Venezuela, a flight crew and one passenger experienced a catastrophic loss of power. The flight was traveling toward Porto when, while at an altitude of 5,500 feet over French airspace, the right engine ceased functioning. This was followed closely by a failure of the left engine.

To manage the emergency, the crew descended to a lower altitude in an attempt to reach an open field for an emergency landing. During the approach, the aircraft traveled approximately 400 metres in a roll before striking a group of trees. The impact resulted in the total destruction of the aircraft.

Findings

At the time of the accident, the aircraft was configured for a long-range ferry flight, carrying 13 metal containers of fuel secured within the cabin. This fuel was being moved into the structural tanks using an electrical pump system. The sequence of events was characterized by a dual engine failure during the cruise phase of the flight. All three occupants sustained injuries during the crash.

Probable cause

The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines while flying at 5,500 feet.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-04-22 Let L-410 accident near Clécy, France?

A ferry flight transporting an aircraft from Sweden to Venezuela crashed in a field in France following a dual engine failure.

Were there any fatalities in the 1999-04-22 Let L-410 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-04-22 involved a Let L-410, registration YV-956C, operated by Hélicópteros del Caribe - Hélica, at Clécy, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft suffered a simultaneous failure of both engines while flying at 5,500 feet.

Loading the flight search…