Executive Jet Plane Crashes, Killing 10

An executive jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Le Bourget Airport on Friday, killing all 10 people on board including the head of a leading French food company.

One engine on the Mystere Falcon 20 jet caught fire during takeoff, witnesses said. The plane turned back toward the airport, but crashed 100 yards short of the runway, scattering debris over several hundred yards.

French aviation officials said a bird may have flown into the engine.

The French food conglomerate Saint-Louis said its president, Bernard Dumon, and its administrative director general, Max de la Giraudiere, were among those killed. It said Yves Dumon, an executive with Danone, which makes Dannon yogurt and other foods, was also among the dead.