On September 27, 1963 Chief Petty Officer Charles Bonderff of 15F Squadron of the French Air Force was on a low altitude navigation training mission over the Mediterranean. Suddenly and in mid-flight the engine of his Etendard fighter exploded due the failure for a compressor vane.

Struggling to control the doomed plane which was almost out of control the pilot managed to steer back towards the Gulf of Giens waiting for the optimal moment to eject.

The plane crashed and the pilot was rescued by two withnesses who came to his assistance in a boat.

The plane wreckage was found but only partially recovered by the Navy who abandoned further attempts because of the Mistral. (a strong, cold and usually dry regional wind in Southern France which can reach speeds of more than ninety kilometers an hour.)

The remains of the aircraft which lies at a depth of only 10 metes are scattered on an area one hectare. The various pieces of debris helped pin down the identity of the aircraft.

Etendard
It was gray with a small white 4-point star. Portions of wing and fuselage were also identified. In addition, several serial numbers have been discovered on various pieces of wreckage. After some investigation it became clear that this must be the jet that crashed in 1963.

The Etendard was manufactured by Dassault, which was a light attack aircraft intended for aircraft carriers; the first flight was made in 1958. Several versions exists, including the IVM. It has existed in 6 prototypes and series 69.

Article with images in the French Publication Hyeres Le Mag