Montceau-les-Mines | Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives

The twin engine aircraft was carrying three crew members who were taking part to a cinematography mission at Montceau-les-Mines Airport. Following several low passes completed successfully, the aircraft was approaching runway 27 for a new low pass. At a height of about one meter with flaps and landing gear up, the aircraft struck a hedge where took place three photographers and cameramen. Following the first impact, the aircraft overturned and crashed in an open field, coming to rest upside down. All three occupants as well as all three people on the ground were killed.

Crash of a Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain in Uchon: 10 killed

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1982 at 0913 LT

Type of aircraft:

Piper PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain

Operator:

Registration:

PH-TSM

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Rotterdam – Troyes – Montceau-les-Mines

MSN:

31-7852161

YOM:

1978

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The twin engine airplane was performing a taxi flight from Rotterdam to Montceau-les-Mines with an intermediate stop in Troyes, carrying eight businessmen and two pilots. After leaving Troyes-Barberey Airport, the crew continued bound to the south under VFR mode at an altitude of 4,000 feet. About half an hour into the flight, the crew informed ATC he was descending to 2,000 feet. About six minutes later, while cruising in clouds, the aircraft struck trees and crashed in a wooded area located in the Bois de la Ravière, bursting into flames. The wreckage was found near Uchon, about 25 km northwest of Montceau-les-Mines Airport. The aircraft was totally destroyed by impact forces and a post crash fire and all 10 occupants were killed.