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The Ryan PT-22 Recruit 41-1964 (N53018) in Cerny in 2014 (Photo Johnny Comstedt (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0))

Two people were killed in the crash of their Ryan PT-22 Recruit (registered N53018) near Beaulieu in the Puy-de-Dôme department in France on Sunday the 23rd of February.

The causes of the accident are not yet known but witnesses indicate hearing unusual sounds coming the accident aircraft just before the crash, suggesting engine problems could be the cause. The aircraft fell in a plowed field, where the engine was torn off by the force of the impact.

The aircraft was part of the collector’s association “Les ailes volantes” (The flying wings) based in Issoire and France Bleu has published an article today indicating the two victims are 52 year-old Claude Robert, the president of the association, and his passenger and friend Christian Tachet, 72 years old and also a member of the association.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of the two victims of this tragic accident

Sources:

• La Montagne | Deux morts dans le crash d’un avion de collection à Beaulieu (Puy-de-Dôme)
• France Bleu | Puy-de-Dôme : le président du club “Les Ailes volantes” décède dans le crash de son avion
• France 3 | Puy-de-Dôme : deux morts dans un crash d’avion à Beaulieu