Investigation Summary
The flight departed London-Gatwick at 20:13 LT. As the aircraft approached the Pyrenees, weather conditions deteriorated with active thunderstorms and low visibility. The crew reported that their radio compass (ADF) settings were unusable due to the electrical activity of the storm. Despite these conditions and the limited navigation aids at Perpignan, the crew attempted a direct route from Limoges. The investigation revealed that the crew maintained a southbound heading at 6,000 feet for three minutes past their estimated time of arrival at Perpignan, indicating they were lost. The aircraft eventually impacted the Pic de la Roquette while the crew was uncertain of their position. The BEA report highlighted systemic failures within Air Nautic, noting that the company was aware the flight crew lacked the necessary qualifications for public transport operations but failed to take corrective action. Furthermore, the crew was likely suffering from fatigue due to exemptions in flight time limitations granted to the airline.
Final Conclusions
The BEA concluded the primary cause was a navigation error resulting from poor judgment. Specifically, the crew failed to use the Toulouse and Istres VORs, which were the only precise aids available during the storm. The investigation also cited the airline's failure to provide adequate operational instructions and the crew's lack of professional aptitude for transport category operations. The final report was published on 21 September 1966.
Video Analysis
No video analysis linked for this case file yet.
Airframe & Maintenance
Crew Experience
Captain
Max-Marie Dunoyer de Lescheraine
First Officer
Léopold Marold
Navigator
Émile-Lucien Jamin
Systems & Failure Modes
Radio Compass (ADF)
The crew reported this system was 'inexploitable' due to the violent thunderstorm, removing a primary means of navigation.
VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)
Investigators found the crew failed to properly utilize the Toulouse and Istres VORs, which were the only reliable aids available in the area during the storm.
Interesting Facts
- 01All 40 occupants, including 36 passengers and 4 crew members, were killed instantly.
- 02The wreckage was located at an altitude of 1,810 meters (approx. 5,938 feet).
- 03The captain had 22,800 total flying hours, with 4,100 hours on the Vickers Viking.
- 04The co-pilot had 17,500 total flying hours, with 750 hours on the Vickers Viking.
- 05The aircraft was manufactured in 1947 and had accumulated 20,547 airframe hours.
Safety Actions & Advisories
Crew Qualification Oversight
The investigation emphasized the need for airlines to strictly adhere to biannual competency checks and for authorities to enforce qualifications for public transport pilots.
Flight Time Limitations
The report criticized exemptions granted to the airline regarding flight time, suggesting that fatigue management must be prioritized to prevent performance impairment.
Known Controversies & Unanswered Questions
Airline Knowledge of Crew Incompetence
Reference ↗The BEA investigation revealed a significant controversy regarding Air Nautic's operational oversight. The report stated that the airline was fully aware that the Captain and First Officer lacked the actual professional aptitude and competency required for public transport operations, despite holding valid licenses. Furthermore, the French administration had previously reminded the company of the crew's inadequate level of competence, yet the airline failed to take corrective measures or provide precise operational instructions.