10 fatalities

Twin-Engine Airplane Crashes in Forest Near Uchon, All 10 Occupants Killed (PH-TSM)

Uchon, FranceFlight

On December 22, 1982, a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain (registration PH-TSM) operated by Rijnmond Air Services - RAS was involved in an aviation accident near Uchon, France in flight. 10 people were killed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine airplane on a taxi flight from Rotterdam to Montceau-les-Mines via Troyes crashed in the Bois de la Ravière near Uchon, France, killing all 10 occupants after hitting trees and bursting into flames.

Incident Overview

On an unstated date, a twin-engine airplane departed Rotterdam, Netherlands, for Montceau-les-Mines, France, with an intermediate stop at Troyes-Barberey Airport. The flight carried eight businessmen and two pilots. After departing Troyes, the crew continued south under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) at an altitude of 4,000 feet.

Descent and Collision

Approximately half an hour into the flight, the crew informed air traffic control that they were descending to 2,000 feet. About six minutes later, while cruising in clouds, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area in the Bois de la Ravière. The impact caused the airplane to burst into flames.

Wreckage and Casualties

The wreckage was located near Uchon, roughly 25 kilometers northwest of Montceau-les-Mines Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. All 10 occupants—eight passengers and two pilots—were killed.

Investigation

Official investigation into the accident is ongoing. No probable cause has been stated in the source material.