What happened
On June 26, 1988, an Airbus A320-111 with registration F-GFKC was engaged in a special charter flight for Air France. The aircraft was operated by Air Charter International and participated in the Habsheim Air Show at Mulhouse–Habsheim Airfield. During the event, the crew attempted a low-altitude pass over the airfield to demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities. This maneuver took place in front of thousands of spectators gathered for the air show. The flight path was too low, causing the aircraft to strike trees and terrain shortly after passing over the runway. The impact resulted in a catastrophic crash sequence that was captured on video by several witnesses.
Investigation
The accident prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the low pass. Investigators examined the flight data and witness accounts to determine why the aircraft deviated from its intended safe altitude. The proximity of the crowd and the specific terrain features near the airfield were analyzed to understand the spatial constraints faced by the crew during the demonstration.
Findings
The crash resulted in significant loss of life, with 3 fatalities among those involved. The investigation highlighted critical errors in flight planning and altitude management during the public demonstration. The decision to fly at such a low level over populated areas was identified as a major contributing factor to the disaster. The event underscored the risks associated with aerial demonstrations near ground-level crowds.