Message received from Airbus :
FROM : AIRBUS FLIGHT SAFETY DEPARTMENT TOULOUSE
SUBJECT: XL AIRWAYS Germany GmbH accident in Perpignan, France
OUR REF.: D-AXLA AIT 1 dated November 27th 2008
ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX - ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX
AIRBUS regrets to confirm that an A320-232 aircraft operated by XL
AIRWAYS Germany was involved in an accident during a check flight at
Perpignan, France, at about 4:00 pm UTC on 27 November 2008.
The aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean sea about 3nm East of
Perpignan coast.
The aircraft involved in the accident, registration number D-AXLA,
bearing serial number MSN 2500 was delivered to Air New Zealand on July
2005, and was currently operated by XL AIRWAYS Germany. It had logged
around 7000 flight hours and 2800 flight cycles since it entered into
service. It was powered by IAE V2527-A5 engines.
According to available information, there were 7 persons on-board.
At this point, there is no report of any survivor.
In line with ICAO Annex 13 International convention, Airbus will
provide technical assistance to the French BEA (Bureau d'Enquêtes et
d'Analyses). A go-team of Airbus investigators is being dispatched to
Perpignan to assist the BEA.
Further update will be provided as soon as relevant information becomes
available.
Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and relatives affected by
this event.
Yannick Malinge
Vice-president Flight Safety
Airbus