What happened
On June 30, 1963, a Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser, registration HB-OOC, was involved in an aviation accident near St Pons-la-Calm in the Gard department of France. While operating in very poor meteorological conditions, the aircraft suffered an engine failure. This loss of power necessitated an immediate forced landing by the pilot.
During the impact, the two occupants on board sustained minor injuries. The aircraft itself suffered heavy damage as a result of the landing.
The investigation
The investigation reviewed the initial findings from the General Inspection of Civil Aviation. Following the incident, subsequent engine tests were conducted by the Geneva section of the A.C.S., the owner and operator of the aircraft. These post-accident inspections demonstrated that the engine was functioning normally.