On the 2nd of August, 2005, Air France Airbus A340 departs Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris just before 2pm. It is on a scheduled flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport in Ontario, Canada. On-board are 297 passengers and 12 crew members, including two well-seasoned pilots: Captain Alain Rosaye and First Officer Frédéric Naud. The flight crew had studied the weather forecast for arrival - which included the possibility of a thunderstorm at Toronto. The pilots decided to add 3 extra tonnes of fuel which would allow them to hold at Toronto or divert to another airport.
As Flight 358 approaches the airfield, they are informed that the weather is rapidly changing, with thunderstorms and heavy rain present over the runway. As the aircraft passes 323 feet, the first officer disconnects the autopilot and autothrust. Sensing a decrease in speed and altitude, he increases the thrust, leading to a reduction in the descent rate. As the aircraft crosses the runway threshold, they are saturated with a number of challenges including rain showers, lightning strikes, shifting winds and poor visibility. The aircraft lands beyond the touchdown zone and 16 seconds later, maximum reverse thrust is applied. This late reaction to applying reverse thrust meant that the aircraft cannot slow down and leaves the runway at a speed of 80 knots, coming to a stop in a ravine. Fire almost immediately erupts on the left side of the aircraft and smoke begins entering the cabin. Without hesitation, the cabin crew orders the evacuation. Passengers and crew escape through the emergency exits, which are soon engulfed by fire. The last person to leave the aircraft is the first officer, who, together with the Captain, makes a last ditch attempt to check the aircraft for any remaining passengers. Investigators found that clear red flags such as a wet runway, increasing tailwind, flying above the glide path and poor visibility were not given as much importance as their determination to land. These warning signs were easily overlooked making this accident a good reminder to all pilots that the option for a go-around should always be considered.
Credits:
A340 taking off, Creative Commons - He11 Ange1
Foggy runway at Lisbon, Creative Commons - Mathieu Neuforge
A320 landing at Innsbruck, Courtesy of davidgusa7
Airport windsock, Creative Commons - Unripe Content
Cabin door, Creative Commons - Christopher Doyle
Scirocco Aquaplaning on Autobahn, Creative Commons - Bloody FPV
TUI go around footage, Creative Commons - DeCock Aviation