Aircraft disappearance and recovery in the French Alps

2 fatalities • Courchevel, France • Flight

An aircraft participating in an international rallye disappeared while flying over the Alps in December 1969, with wreckage later discovered near Courchevel.

What happened

During an international air rally spanning from the United Kingdom to Sydney, Australia, an aircraft departed London on 19 December 1969. While traversing the airspace above the Alps, the flight lost all communication with Air Traffic Control. Following the aircraft's failure to reach its scheduled stopover, search and rescue operations were launched to locate the missing plane and its occupants.

After several weeks of searching yielded no results, the official search efforts were halted. However, on 5 August 1970, hikers discovered the debris of the aircraft on a mountain slope near the Rocher de la Plassa, situated approximately 6 km southeast of Courchevel. The impact resulted in two fatalities, as both members of the crew perished in the accident.

Findings

No specific technical cause for the loss of contact or the subsequent crash was detailed in the initial reports, though the wreckage was located on a steep mountain slope.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1969-12-19 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident near Courchevel, France?

An aircraft participating in an international rallye disappeared while flying over the Alps in December 1969, with wreckage later discovered near Courchevel.

Were there any fatalities in the 1969-12-19 Rockwell Aero Commander 500 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 2 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1969-12-19 involved a Rockwell Aero Commander 500, registration N9093N, operated by Trans-Pacific Supply Company, at Courchevel, France.

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