Fatal aircraft accident near Château de Durcet

7 fatalities • Alençon, France • Flight

A night training flight involving a group of aircraft ended in a fatal crash after the plane struck power lines near Évreux.

What happened

During a scheduled night training mission, a group of aircraft departed from Évreux Airport. The formation included the subject aircraft and two other similar planes. While the flight was operating at a low altitude during the cruise phase, the crew encountered adverse weather conditions.

During this period of poor visibility or turbulence, the aircraft collided with overhead power cables. The impact caused the plane to crash into a field situated in the vicinity of the Château de Durcet. The collision resulted in an immediate post-crash fire that consumed the airframe.

Findings

  • The aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact.
  • There were seven fatalities among the crew members on board.
  • The primary factor leading to the accident was the collision with power cables during low-altitude flight in inclement weather.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck electrical power lines while flying at a low altitude in poor weather conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1965-03-25 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident near Alençon, France?

A night training flight involving a group of aircraft ended in a fatal crash after the plane struck power lines near Évreux.

Were there any fatalities in the 1965-03-25 Lockheed C-130 Hercules accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1965-03-25 involved a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, registration 63-7797, operated by United States Air Force - USAF (since 1947), at Alençon, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck electrical power lines while flying at a low altitude in poor weather conditions.

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