Aircraft crash near Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport

6 fatalities • Bordeaux-Mérignac, France • Landing (descent or approach)

A flight from Stuttgart to Bordeaux ended in a fatal accident after an engine failure during the approach phase.

What happened

During the final approach to Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, an aircraft traveling from Stuttgart-Echterdingen Airport experienced a mechanical failure. While descending toward runway 23, one of the engines ceased functioning properly.

Following this loss of power, the aircraft lost altitude and drifted off its intended flight path. The plane subsequently collided with electrical power lines before impacting a forested area situated in Eysines. This impact occurred just a short distance from the threshold of the runway. The wreckage was completely destroyed during the crash sequence. There were six fatalities among the occupants of the aircraft.

Findings

Investigations into the accident determined that the primary factor was an engine failure occurring during the approach to the airport, though the specific underlying reason for the engine's malfunction remains undetermined.

Probable cause

The crash was caused by an engine failure of unknown origin during the approach to the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1988-07-02 Transall C-160 accident near Bordeaux-Mérignac, France?

A flight from Stuttgart to Bordeaux ended in a fatal accident after an engine failure during the approach phase.

Were there any fatalities in the 1988-07-02 Transall C-160 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 6 fatalities.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1988-07-02 involved a Transall C-160, registration 50+80, operated by German Air Force - Deutsche Luftwaffe, at Bordeaux-Mérignac, France.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The crash was caused by an engine failure of unknown origin during the approach to the runway.

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