What happened
On the scheduled domestic flight from Lille to Nice, which included a stop in Lyon, an Airbus Caravelle departed Lille under an IFR flight plan. The aircraft initially maintained its cruise altitude at flight level 150. At approximately 13:09 GMT, the crew reported being near Tramoyes at flight level 40 and was directed to contact Lyon Approach.
While positioned for a direct approach to runway 17, Lyon Control instructed the aircraft to hold over Tramoyes at flight level 30 to accommodate another departing aircraft. The crew initially agreed but subsequently requested permission to descend below flight level 25 due to encountering severe storm conditions. Although cleared for a straight-in approach, the aircraft ceased responding to further communications from Lyon Control.
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude within the center of a storm around 13:20. By 13:26, radar tracking at Satolas Control showed the aircraft had disappeared. The investigation determined that at roughly 13:19, the plane struck trees, a telephone pole, and the roof of a farmhouse before impacting a field approximately 15 km from Lyon/Bron airport.
The crash resulted in 12 fatalities and several injuries. Among the passengers and crew, four individuals sustained serious injuries, though three of these survivors later succumbed to their wounds. One young girl was the sole survivor of the impact.
Findings
Official investigations concluded that the aircraft likely would have completed a safe landing had it been able to maintain its intended approach. The primary contributing factor was the extreme weather encountered while the flight was holding at the instruction of Lyon Approach. Investigators also noted the possibility that a lightning strike may have temporarily blinded or incapacitated the crew.