The crash of a Douglas Dakota IV operated by Derby Aviation occurred in the mountainous region of Canigou, France, claiming the lives of 34 people onboard. The aircraft was returning from a charter flight when it encountered difficulties during descent. Witnesses reported seeing the plane fly lower than usual before it suddenly lost altitude and crashed into the rugged terrain, which posed visibility challenges. The plane was carrying passengers who were likely unaware of the impending danger as they traveled over the scenic landscape that has long been a point of interest in the southern French region.

Following the crash, recovery efforts were initiated, although challenging due to the remoteness of the incident site. Investigators looked into the causes of the accident, which included factors such as weather, pilot experience, and mechanical issues. The findings of the investigation aimed to shed light on the safety practices of charter operations at the time and informed new regulatory measures in airline operations for the future. The impact of this tragedy was felt throughout the aviation community, prompting discussions on improving existing safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.

The Douglas Dakota, a variant of the DC-3, was popular for its durability and versatility in various roles, including military and commercial transport. The deadly incident highlighted the risks associated with aviation in mountainous areas and sparked advancements in navigation technology and pilot training programs, aimed at enhancing safety in challenging flight environments. The tragedy remained a pivotal point in discussions of aviation safety reforms for charter services throughout Europe.