Accident
A seaplane departed Bizerte-Sidi Ahmed Air Force Base for a local training sortie. While cruising at an altitude of 300 feet, the aircraft nosed down, plunged into Lake Bizerte, and sank to a depth of seven meters. One crew member was rescued; seven others were killed. The aircraft was later recovered but was destroyed.
Crew
The crew belonged to 53S Squadron. Personnel on board included:
- 2nd Master Michel Chosserie
- 2nd Master Pierre Barbanchon, mechanic
- Lt Guy Sauvage (†)
- Off Bernard Dorion (†)
- 1st Master Joseph Le Berre, mechanic (†)
- Master Henri Menagerm, radio operator (†)
- 2nd Master Robert Mignot (†)
- Second Master L’Aot, radio operator (†)
Those marked (†) were among the seven killed.
Recovery
The seaplane was recovered from the lake, but inspection revealed it was destroyed.