Zone
Algiers

Crash of a Handley Page H.P.57 Halifax II in Algiers

Date & Time: May 18, 1943 at 0340 LT
Type of aircraft:
Handley Page H.P.57 Halifax II
Operator:
Registration:
JB802
Flight Phase:
Landing (descent or approach)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Location:
Algiers-Maison Blanche
Algiers
Country:
Algeria
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
7
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While attempting to land at night at Algiers-Maison Blanche Airport, the pilot initiated a go around procedure when the airplane crashed onto tents occupied by local workers. Three crew members were injured and there were apparently no fatalities on the ground.
Crew:
F/Lt R. W. J. Hooper, pilot +6.

Crash of a Dewoitine D.342 in Ahmer El Aïn: 25 killed

Date & Time: Sep 27, 1942 at 0955 LT
Type of aircraft:
Dewoitine D.342
Operator:
Registration:
F-ARIZ
Flight Phase:
Flight
Flight Type:
Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)
Survivors:
No
Site:
Plain, Valley
Schedule:
Paris – Marseille – Algiers – Dakar
MSN:
01
YOM:
1939
Location:
Ahmer El Aïn
Tipaza
Country:
Algeria
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
4
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
21
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
25
Circumstances:
The three engine airplane was performing a special flight from Paris to Dakar with intermediate stops in Marseille and Algiers, carrying Air France personnel and family members (children and spouses) who were transferred to a new base in Dakar. Few minutes after takeoff from Algiers-Maison Blanche Airport, while flying in good weather conditions bound for Dakar, the airplane apparently suffered an explosion. Instantly, the left wing and the left engine fell away. Out of control, the airplane spiraled to the ground and crashed in hilly terrain near Ahmer El Aïn, west of Blida, bursting into flames. The airplane was totally wrecked and all 25 occupants were killed. Among the passengers were the wife and the son of the French General Jean Barreau, Chief of Staff of the French troops based in the French West Africa.
Crew:
Gaston Chenu, pilot,
Fernand Renier, flight engineer,
Albert Jellade, radio navigator,
Robert Haeflinger, barman.
Passengers:
Robert Arnoult, pilot,
Pierre Casanova, pilot,
André Beaufils, flight engineer,
Mrs Bompard,
Mrs Cavalera & son,
Mrs Gaudin,
Mrs Ballard,
Mrs Gaston and daughter,
Mrs Serignac and son,
Mrs Pau and son,
Mrs Serfati,
Mr. Cremaille,
Mrs Barreau and son,
Mr. Fessy,
Mr. Haffen,
Mr. Georges.
Probable cause:
The exact cause of the accident could not be determined. However, the assumption that the accident was caused by the explosion of a bomb was not ruled out. It is possible that an explosive device was placed by the engine spindle, causing the failure of the engine and the wing spar as well. At the time of the accident, the French General Charles Noguès was supposed to take this airplane to Dakar but during the stopover in Algiers, he changed his itinerary and embarked on the Martin 167 of the French General Bergeret bound for Casablanca. His personal stuff were still in the Dewoitine at the time of the accident.

Crash of a Farman F.222.2 in Algiers

Date & Time: Sep 17, 1941
Type of aircraft:
Farman F.220/F.224
Operator:
Registration:
L-162
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
Yes
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
MSN:
20
YOM:
1940
Location:
Algiers-Maison Blanche
Algiers
Country:
Algeria
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
0
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
While taking off from Algiers-Maison Blanche Airport, the airplane collided with an earth mound and crashed in a vineyard. There were no casualties.

Crash of a Farman F.222 in Algiers: 6 killed

Date & Time: Apr 10, 1941 at 1430 LT
Type of aircraft:
Farman F.220/F.224
Operator:
Flight Phase:
Takeoff (climb)
Flight Type:
Military
Survivors:
No
Site:
Airport (less than 10 km from airport)
Location:
Algiers-Maison Blanche
Algiers
Country:
Algeria
Region:
Africa
Crew on board:
3
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
3
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
6
Captain / Total flying hours:
1308
Circumstances:
Shortly after takeoff from Maison Blanche Airport near Algiers, while climbing to a height of 50 metres, the airplane was caught by strong winds, descended to the ground and crashed. All six occupants were killed.
Crew:
Adj Émile Lebonder, pilot,
Sgt Drancourt, radio operator,
Sgt Georges Leroy, mechanic.
Passengers:
Cdt Henry Petitjean-Roget,
Lt Charles Contesso
Adj Roger Wassner.
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