AIRBUS A320

Perpignan — November 27, 2008

Event Information

DateNovember 27, 2008
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberDCA09RA013
Event ID20081128X43319
LocationPerpignan
CountryFR
Coordinates42.66667, 3.10000
Highest InjuryFATL

Aircraft

MakeAIRBUS
ModelA320
CategoryAIR
FAR PartNUSN
Aircraft DamageDEST

Conditions

Light Condition—
Weather—

Injuries

Fatal7
Serious0
Minor0
None0
Total Injured7

Event Location

Full Narrative

On November 27, 2008 at 16:46 local time (15:46 UTC), an Airbus A320, equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engines, German registration D-AXLA, serial number 2500, impacted the Mediterranean sea during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan Rivesaltes airport (LFMP) in Perpignan, France. The aircraft impacted the sea approximately 7 kilometers from the coastline and is reportedly submerged 30-40 meters below the surface of the water. The French Navy is currently conducting recovery efforts, which include the use of remotely controlled vehicles (ROV).

The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile (BEA) of France is investigating the accident. As the state of design for the IAE V2500 engines, the NTSB will send a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the BEA with their investigation. An NTSB powerplants specialist and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and IAE will accompany the U.S. Accredited representative as Technical Advisors.

All inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the BEA at:

Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile
Bâtiment 153
Aéroport du Bourget
93350 Le Bourget
France
Website: http://www.bea-fr.org

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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