The Latécoère 631 N°7, registered as F-BORD, has a storied past that captivates aviation enthusiasts and historians alike. The propeller, part of the collection at the Musée de l’Hydraviation, is a symbol of resilience and meticulous restoration.
On the 21st of February, 1948, the Latécoère 631, registered as F-BDRD, disappeared in the English Channel during a fierce snowstorm. This tragic incident claimed the lives of chief test pilot Raymond Creton, 19 aeronautical technicians, and notable personalities.
Thanks to the diligent efforts of Jacques Costes, a former member of the Aeronautical Technical Service, the propeller was located. After being expertly examined and identified, it was transferred to the Centre d’Essais en Vol de Cazaux in 1980, and subsequently taken into care by the Association des Amis du Musée.
The Musée de l’Hydraviation acquired the propeller, which underwent another restoration in 2014, executed by the Arc’Antique Laboratory in Nantes. This meticulous process ensured the preservation and display of an important piece of aviation history.
This propeller stands as a testament to the dedication of those who preserve historical artefacts and the enduring legacy of the Latécoère 631.
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