What happened
During the National Airshow held at Lyon-Bron Airport, a Noratlas prototype was performing a flight demonstration. The aircraft was operated with a crew of six and included one passenger. Following takeoff, the pilot performed a circuit around the airfield and initiated an approach at a low altitude. As part of the maneuver, the pilot intentionally disabled one engine to demonstrate single-engine performance.
While flying over runway 34, the aircraft experienced a loss of control. The plane reached an altitude of approximately 200 meters before encountering a stall. This led to a crash that resulted in a post-impact fire. All seven occupants on board were killed in the accident.
Findings
- The flight was being conducted as a demonstration at a public airshow.
- The pilot had intentionally rendered one engine inoperative for the approach.
- The aircraft entered a stall during the low-altitude maneuver, leading to the fatal impact.