FROM : AIRBUS CUSTOMER SERVICES TOULOUSE TX530526F
TO : ALL
A300/A310/A300-600/A319/A320/A321/A330/A340/A318/A340-500
/A340-600 OPERATORS
ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX - ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX
SUBJECT: AF358 A340-300 ACCIDENT
OUR REF.: AF358 AIT 3 DATED 17th August 2005
OUR PREVIOUS REF.:
- AF358 AIT 1
- AF358 AIT 2
The preliminary analysis of the DFDR data indicates the
following sequence of events:
The short final and landing were performed manually with the
autopilot (AP) and autothrust (ATHR) disconnected at about 300
feet AGL. The aircraft was in configuration FULL with auto-brake
selected to MED.
There was a right variable crosswind of about 20 kts and a tail
wind component during the final stage of the approach.
At the time of touchdown, the airspeed was 143 kts and the
ground speed 148 kts. Visibility was reported to be 0.5 to 0.25
NM in heavy rain.
The touchdown zone is located approximately 4000 feet from the
threshold of the 9000-foot runway.
Following the MLG touchdown, the ground spoilers normally
extended.
Soon after touchdown, the autobrake was overridden upon pilot
maximum brake pedal inputs which were kept to the end.
Consistent with the tyre marks left on the runway, the DFDR
confirms that brake pressure was normally applied to the brakes
and that the antiskid function operated normally.
Upon activation, the 4 engines thrust reversers fully deployed
and remained in this position until the aircraft came to a stop.
At the end of the runway the aircraft ground speed was 79 kts.
Based on the preliminary DFDR analysis and consistent with on-
site observations:
- the braking performances are consistent with a contaminated
runway condition in line with heavy rain conditions.
- there is no indication that any aircraft systems or engine
anomalies existed at the time of the accident.
The detailed investigation work will continue under the
leadership of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
At this stage of the investigation, Airbus has no specific
recommendations to give to operators.
When appropriate and upon Canadian TSB approval, additional
information about this event will be issued through the normal
Airbus to Operators communication channels.
YANNICK MALINGE
VICE PRESIDENT FLIGHT SAFETY
AIRBUS