No fatalities

Emergency Landing and Crash Near Caen Due to Fuel Starvation (44-70550)

Caen, FranceFlight

On November 26, 1945, a Noorduyn Norseman (registration 44-70550) operated by United States Army Air Forces - USAAF (1941-1947) was involved in an aviation accident near Caen, France in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The accident was caused by an engine failure resulting from fuel starvation. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-08-05Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft crashed in a field two miles southeast of Caen after an in-flight engine failure forced an emergency landing. The pilot survived the incident without injury, while the airframe was destroyed.

What happened

During flight operations, the aircraft experienced a critical mechanical malfunction that resulted in a total loss of power. This sudden engine failure compelled the pilot to initiate an emergency landing procedure immediately. Unable to regain thrust or reach a suitable runway, the pilot directed the aircraft toward open terrain for a forced descent.

The airframe ultimately impacted the ground in a field situated two miles southeast of Caen. The collision with the terrain resulted in significant structural damage to the machine. Following the crash, emergency responders assessed the situation and confirmed that the pilot exited the wreckage unhurt. Despite the survival of the crew member, the aircraft sustained extensive damage that rendered it beyond repair.

Findings

Investigations into the incident focused on the root cause of the power loss during the flight. The official findings determined that the engine failure was directly attributed to fuel starvation. This condition prevented the engine from receiving the necessary fuel supply to maintain combustion, leading to the loss of propulsion and the subsequent emergency landing.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by an engine failure resulting from fuel starvation.