Accident Overview
An aircraft traveling from London to Kuwait City with an intermediate stop in Athens crashed on a hill near Saint-Vincent-de-Barrès, approximately 12 km northwest of Montélimar, France. All eight occupants were killed in the accident. Debris was scattered over a wide area.
Flight Details
The flight departed London and was cruising in the vicinity of Montélimar when it encountered adverse weather conditions. The crew faced thunderstorm activity and associated turbulence while at cruising altitude.
Accident Sequence
According to the investigation, control of the aircraft was lost as it flew through the thunderstorm area. The airplane entered a dive and subsequently struck a hill. The wreckage was spread over a large area, indicating a high-energy impact.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the loss of control was likely the result of in-flight turbulence while the aircraft was cruising in a thunderstorm area. The possibility of a lightning strike was not ruled out. Additionally, the investigation noted that severe turbulence may have caused a structural failure, though this was not conclusively established.
Probable Cause
It is believed that the loss of control was the consequence of in-flight turbulence while cruising in a thunderstorm area. The assumption that the aircraft may have been struck by lightning was not ruled out. Severe turbulence also may cause the aircraft to suffer a structural failure.