On November 27, 2008, an AIRBUS A320 operated by XL Airways Germany was involved in an aviation accident near Perpignan, France. 7 people were killed. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
On November 27, 2008, an Airbus A320 (registration D-AXLA) with IAE V2500 engines impacted the Mediterranean Sea approximately 7 km from the coastline near Perpignan, France, during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan Rivesaltes airport. The aircraft is submerged 30-40 meters. The BEA is investigating.
Accident Details
On November 27, 2008 at 16:46 local time (15:46 UTC), an Airbus A320 equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engines, German registration D-AXLA, serial number 2500, impacted the Mediterranean Sea during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan Rivesaltes airport (LFMP) in Perpignan, France. The aircraft impacted the sea approximately 7 kilometers from the coastline and is reportedly submerged 30-40 meters below the surface. The French Navy is currently conducting recovery efforts, which include the use of remotely controlled vehicles (ROV).
Investigation
The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile (BEA) of France is investigating the accident. As the state of design for the IAE V2500 engines, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will send a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the BEA with their investigation. An NTSB powerplants specialist and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and IAE will accompany the U.S. Accredited representative as Technical Advisors. All inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the BEA.
Related events
Same aircraft family
8 Oct 2026 — Airbus A320-200 or A321-200 (Saudia Airlines)
20 Sep 2026 — Airbus A320-271N (Austrian Airlines)
24 Aug 2026 — AIRBUS A320
15 Aug 2026 — AIRBUS A320 (LATAM Airlines)
4 Aug 2026 — Airbus A320-251N (Air India)
17 Jul 2026 — AIRBUS A320 (LAN Airlines)
9 Jul 2026 — AIRBUS A320
16 May 2026 — Airbus A320-232 (United Airlines)
4 Apr 2026 — Airbus A320-232 (JetBlue Airways)
4 Apr 2026 — AIRBUS A320-232 (Jetblue Airways CORP)
What happened in the 27 Nov 2008 AIRBUS A320 accident near Perpignan, France?
On November 27, 2008, an Airbus A320 (registration D-AXLA) with IAE V2500 engines impacted the Mediterranean Sea approximately 7 km from the coastline near Perpignan, France, during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan Rivesaltes airport. The aircraft is submerged 30-40 meters. The BEA is investigating.
Were there any fatalities in the 27 Nov 2008 AIRBUS A320 accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 7 fatalities.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 27 Nov 2008 involved an AIRBUS A320, operated by XL Airways Germany, at Perpignan, France.
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