1971-10-19: Nord 2501 Noratlas — French Air Force - Armée de l'Air — Damery, France

5 fatalities • Damery, France • Flight

Probable cause

It was determined that the loss of control was the consequence of the failure of a deicing boot located on the leading edge of a wing.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The crew departed Reims-Champagne AFB (BA112) in the morning on a local training flight. While flying at a relative low altitude, control was lost and the airplane crashed in an open field located in Damery, northwest of Épernay. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all five crew members were killed. Crew: Cpt Michel Barril, Adj André Picquot, Adj Jean-Claude Mathey, Sgt Lucien Lorber, Sgt Pierre Marceau.

Probable cause (official findings): It was determined that the loss of control was the consequence of the failure of a deicing boot located on the leading edge of a wing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1971-10-19 Nord 2501 Noratlas accident near Damery, France?

The crew departed Reims-Champagne AFB (BA112) in the morning on a local training flight. While flying at a relative low altitude, control was lost and the airplane crashed in an open field located in Damery, northwest of Épernay. The aircraft was totally destroyed and all five crew members were killed. Crew: Cpt…

Were there any fatalities in the 1971-10-19 Nord 2501 Noratlas accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 5 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1971-10-19 involved a Nord 2501 Noratlas, registration 69/F-RAQH, operated by French Air Force - Armée de l'Air, at Damery, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

It was determined that the loss of control was the consequence of the failure of a deicing boot located on the leading edge of a wing.

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