Aircrash, year 1957

Aircrash, year 1957
Michel Garcia and Jean-Louis Gaynecoetche
Air Force Association
www.aircrash.info

Flight safety has improved enormously in 50 years in all the major Western air forces. On the other hand, missions have become much more complex, with fewer flying hours and confined to geographically restricted areas. Each accident is a reminder that the job of a military pilot is terribly demanding. For many years now, Aircrash has been writing down all French military accidents in detail with information drawn from the best sources. Originally intended mainly for spotters, this compilation was quickly adopted by many other researchers in the aeronautical field: historians, journalists ... and military personnel.
Each book is divided into three sections:
- An ephemeris of the highlights of the year or decade covered.
- Details of the accidents in chronological order.
- One or more listings of aircraft that operated during the period in question.
The information comes from various sources close to the military or aeronautical circles. At best, official releases only serve as an alarm bell to start serious research: finding out the circumstances, identifying the aircraft and personnel involved. The authors - Michel Garcia and Jean-Louis Gaynecoetche - have been following French Air Force news for more than thirty years, the former as a specialist journalist and the latter as a former senior officer and recognised Mirage III specialist.
The issue devoted to 1957 covers the increasing intensity of French air operations in North Africa. Equipment was increasing and with it incidents and accidents. The first Alouette IIs enter the line; the Ju-52 Toucan and Lancaster veterans continue to serve, but already the Alizé and Etendard IV are on the horizon. In 232 pages and 188 photos - often unpublished - of information that has passed unnoticed, fragmentary or in silence, this fascinating volume sheds a special light on this year of profound transition. An interesting "Air Spot" section on the Piasecki H-21/C helicopters used by the Naval Aviation in North Africa.
262 pages - in French
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