Crash of a Lioré-et-Olivier LeO 451 in Aïn Sefra
Date & Time:
Feb 26, 1943 at 1600 LT
Operator:
Registration:
L-936
Survivors:
Yes
MSN:
400
YOM:
1942
Crew on board:
5
Crew fatalities:
Pax on board:
0
Pax fatalities:
Other fatalities:
Total fatalities:
0
Circumstances:
The crew was engaged in a mail flight on behalf of GB 1/11 for the French troops based in Algeria. Following a normal takeoff, the crew lowered the landing gear when the right engine lost power. The engine speed dropped to 1,200 rpm and the fuel pressure failed to zero. At a height of 3-4 metres, the airplane rolled slightly to the right. The pilot-in-command regained control and performed a belly landing. The airplane slid for about 60 metres before coming to rest. All five crew members were rescued, among them four were injured. The airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Crew:
Sgt Paul Joseph François Gridelet, pilot,
Sgt Jean Baraton, mechanic,
Sgt Vincent Castello, radio operator,
Lt Paul Flèche, chief,
Sgt Dominique Biaggi, air gunner.
Crew:
Sgt Paul Joseph François Gridelet, pilot,
Sgt Jean Baraton, mechanic,
Sgt Vincent Castello, radio operator,
Lt Paul Flèche, chief,
Sgt Dominique Biaggi, air gunner.
Probable cause:
Loss of power on the right engine after takeoff consecutive to a failure of the fuel pressure.
