Air France flight 11 from New York JFK to Paris had alarm sounds in the cockpit and one of the pilots called out “Stop! Stop!” several times on Tuesday morning as it descended through 1500 feet on final approach.
The 17 year old Boeing 777-300ER reportedly did not respond to commands. The crew managed to execute a go around as it hit 1150 feet, after veering significantly to the left. The plane climbed to 4000 feet, and then crew landed the aircraft on runway 27R without incident.
Air traffic control audio of the incident chilling.
Air France confirms that the crew of flight AF011 on 4 April 2022 from New York JFK to Paris-CDG aborted their landing sequence and performed a go-around due to a technical incident during the approach.
The crew mastered the situation and landed the aircraft normally after a second approach. Air France understands and regrets the discomfort felt by customers.
The go-around is defined by the authorities, aircraft manufacturers and Air France as a normal procedure. The crews are trained and regularly instructed in these procedures, which are used by all airlines to guarantee the safety of flights and passengers, which is an absolute necessity for Air France.
A warning from hackers?
Thanks Gary! I am about to go on four Air France flights next week, all on 777s. This should make for an enjoyable flight.
I was under the impression that aviation communications were universally in English. Obviously this was not the case in this situation.
Simple. They set up the wrong runway in the box. Once captured, Boeings must have their FDs cycled to come off LOC/GS or you go around. Apparently this crew forgot and just went around.
There is no news here.
Well, what was the underlying issue?
I also thought the English requirement was universal…..
@Denis Bekaert,
I was wondering the same thing.
In France, aircraft communications are in French between ATC and French aircraft. They are not supposed to do it – but they are the French !
Seems they struggled disengaging autopilot. Seems a bit strange.
It’s not uncommon for ATC in different countries to speak their native language to their national airlines, or other airlines that they know have pilots that speak their native tongue., When I jump seated into Mexico City many years back, the controllers were speaking Spanish to several of the aircraft, English to all non Spanish speaking pilots/airlines. I pushed tin for close to 30 years, while a bit harrowing, I’ve heard worse.
Listen to enough ATC, you will often find the local language used between ATC and native speaking crew. As said, not supposed to do it, but it happens.
Didn’t BA have one of these too some years ago
They were able to crash land the plane to their credit though I suppose a good outcome isn’t always the case
Ironic that my first thought was the language as well…glad I wasn’t alone. Curious what the underlying issue was. I purposely don’t wade into the cesspool that is twitter, but I imagine the pitchforks are already coming out with people screaming “OmG iTs BoEiNg’S fAuLt AgAiN!!!!!!!”
My understand is that English is required to be known by all, and used upon request, but if the pilots and ATC are comfortable with and agree on another language then that is fine, they’d just have to switch to English if requested.
How are other aircraft that don’t speak French in the queue suppose to know what’s going on. Appears to be a dangerous precedent for air traffic in France.
I believe other languages are allowed for ATC, but the default international ATC language is english.
There are 5, repeat 5 “official “ aviation languages in the word. Yes,while most are conducted in English, other languages are still legitimate. You can look it up on the ICAO’s website for further information.
One click, disconnects the auto pilot, then land the plane manually. It can’t get any simpler. Was the weather below visual conditions? Are the pilots trained to fly the A/C.