Union Aéromaritime de Transport - UAT

Max Holste M.H.1521M Broussard

The single engine aircraft departed Alpe d'Huez Aerodrome with one pilot and two employees from Europe 1, one journalist and one sound engineer, who wanted to make a reportage about the recent avalanches. While approaching the mountain located above Alpe d'Huez, the aircraft was caught by severe downdrafts and crashed in a rocky area located at an altitude of 2,070 meters. A passenger was killed while both other occupants were seriously injured. Few hours later, they died from their injuries. Crew: Mathieu Conti. Passengers: Pierre Nicoli, sound engineer, Francis Lauga, journalist.

Nord 2501 Noratlas

The aircraft was performing a special flight from Berberati to Bambari with an intermediate stop at Bangui, carrying a crew of three and Barthélemy Boganda, President of the Central African Republic and five members of his office. He was returning to the capital city after taking part to several discussions in Berberati. About 27 minutes after takeoff from Berberati Airport, while in cruising altitude, the right wing failed and detached. Out of control, the airplane dove into the ground and crashed in the savanna located near Boukpayanga. The airplane was totally destroyed and all nine occupants were killed.

Douglas DC-6

The aircraft was operating UAT scheduled service UT736 from Johannesburg to Paris. It took off from Salisbury Airport at 1252LT for Brazzaville and during takeoff from runway 24 entered rain. The aircraft climbed to about 50 feet and then began to lose airspeed and height. Although the captain was using full power, had 20" of flap extended and the undercarriage retracted, he was unable to prevent the aircraft sinking back on to the ground. Fire broke out immediately after impact. Of the 7 crew and 63 passengers on board, three passengers were killed.

Douglas C-54 Skymaster

On landing at Fort Lamy Airport, the four engine aircraft went out of control, veered off runway and came to rest upside down in flames. All three crew members were killed.

De Havilland DH.114 Heron

The four engine aircraft left Yaoundé at 1658LT four a short flight to Douala, ETA 1730LT. While cruising in marginal weather conditions, the aircraft hit the slope of Mt Koupé (2,064 meters high) located about 80 km north of Douala. As the airplane failed to arrive, SAR operations were conducted but eventually suspended few days later as no trace of the aircraft nor the 12 occupants was found. On 19 February 1956, walkers found the wreckage in a dense wooded area on Mt Koupé.

De Havilland DH.106 Comet

Following an uneventful flight and approach, the pilot-in-command landed properly and started the braking procedure when one of the main landing gear struck a hole in the runway surface. The gear's leg broke off and the airplane came on its belly, slid for dozen yards and overran before coming to rest about 40 meters past the runway end. There were no casualties but the aircraft was considered as damaged beyond repair. Brand new, it was delivered few weeks ago.

Douglas C-54 Skymaster

The final approach to Bordeaux-Mérignac was performed in foggy conditions. Due to low visibility, the flying crew did not realize that his altitude was insufficient when the four engine aircraft hit the top of pine trees, stalled and crashed in flames in a wooded area located in Eysines, north of the airfield. The aircraft was destroyed by a post crash fire and nine occupants were killed, six crew members and three passengers.

Douglas C-54 Skymaster

The four engine aircraft went out of control and crashed in unknown circumstances into Lake Chad. A pilot was rescued while five other occupants were killed. The crew was performing a cargo flight from Fort Lamy to Beirut.