What happened
The incident occurred just minutes after the aircraft departed Algiers Airport. The twin-engine machine lost control during the initial climb phase and subsequently impacted the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. There were no survivors; all 12 occupants perished in the accident.
The manifest included a crew of three: the pilot, a radio navigator, and a flight engineer. Among the passengers was a French military officer holding the rank of Colonel, who was en route to Paris for a new senior management role at Air France. Another passenger was also present on board.
Findings
Official investigations did not establish a definitive mechanical or operational cause for the loss of control. However, authorities noted that the possibility of sabotage as a contributing factor could not be excluded.