Bitam

Following a normal visual approach, the aircraft landed 500 metres past the runway 21 threshold. The crew applied reverse thrust when the aircraft started to deviate to the right. The crew decided to abandon the landing procedure and initiate a go-around maneuver when the aircraft went out of control, veered off runway, struck a ditch and came to rest against trees. All 21 occupants escaped uninjured while the aircraft was damaged beyond repair.

The airplane was engaged in a tour of Gabon to inspect various airfields, and departed Libreville on a flight to Douala with intermediate stops in Gomé, Lambaréné, Booué and Bitam. On board were four crew members and four passengers, among them Colonel Parant who wanted to visit the airfield of Bitam that was recently open to traffic. On final approach, the pilot failed to realize his altitude was too low when the undercarriage collided with a 40 cm high mound of earth located short of runway threshold. Upon impact, the airplane overturned and crashed upside down. Six occupants were slightly injured while Colonel Parant was seriously wounded. He died from injuries sustained on 15 March 1941.
Crew:
Lt Gaston Guigonis,
S/Lt Neumann,
Sgt/C. Nedey,
Sgt/C. Bezia.
Passengers:
Col Parant,
Gen Cisé,
Col Bizien,
Mr. Beraud.