Fuel exhaustion leads to emergency landing near Craon

No fatalities • Craon, France • Flight

An aircraft flying from Lyon-Bron to Craon experienced dual engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an emergency field landing with no fatalities.

What happened

On the day of the incident, a flight departed from Lyon-Bron Airport with the intention of traveling to Tours-Saint Symphorien Airport as part of preparations for an upcoming airshow in Craon. Following a short stop at the Tours airfield, the crew proceeded toward their destination in Craon. After performing a low pass over the area, the crew elected to begin the return journey back to Lyon-Bron.

During this final leg of the flight, both engines of the aircraft type ceased operation because the fuel supply had been depleted. In response to the loss of power, the pilot initiated a descent to lower altitude and attempted to perform an emergency landing in an open field. Although the five occupants were able to evacuate the aircraft without injury, the impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond repair.

Findings

Official investigations concluded that the primary reason for the dual engine failure was fuel exhaustion. The investigation revealed that the crew did not follow established flight preparation procedures, specifically failing to ensure sufficient fuel was loaded into the tanks before departing Lyon-Bron. Furthermore, during the intermediate stop at Tours-Saint Symphorien Airport, the crew neglected to verify remaining fuel levels or replenish the tanks for the subsequent leg of the trip.

Probable cause

The engines failed because the crew did not follow proper fueling procedures and failed to check or add fuel during a scheduled stop.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1973-11-12 Nord 262 accident near Craon, France?

An aircraft flying from Lyon-Bron to Craon experienced dual engine failure due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an emergency field landing with no fatalities.

Were there any fatalities in the 1973-11-12 Nord 262 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1973-11-12 involved a Nord 262, registration F-BLHT, operated by Rousseau Aviation, at Craon, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engines failed because the crew did not follow proper fueling procedures and failed to check or add fuel during a scheduled stop.

Loading the flight search…