Aircraft crash near Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS

6 fatalities • Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS, France • Landing (descent or approach)

A military aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold at Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS during an approach in foggy conditions, resulting in six fatalities.

What happened

During an approach to the Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS, the flight crew encountered heavy fog and degraded visibility. While performing the final approach to runway 26, the aircraft impacted the terrain a few hundred yards before reaching the runway threshold. The impact resulted in six fatalities and left three crew members seriously injured.

Findings

Investigations into the accident indicated that the pilot did not maintain sufficient altitude during the descent. The primary contributing factor was the pilot's failure to recognize the low altitude of the aircraft while navigating through poor weather conditions.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during a final approach in foggy conditions.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-01-15 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident near Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS, France?

A military aircraft crashed short of the runway threshold at Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS during an approach in foggy conditions, resulting in six fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-01-15 Lockheed P-2 Neptune accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-01-15 involved a Lockheed P-2 Neptune, registration 147564, operated by French Navy (Aéronavale - Marine Nationale), at Lorient-Lann-Bihoué NAS, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to monitor and maintain the necessary altitude during a final approach in foggy conditions.

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