Dassault Mystere Falcon descends below cleared altitude at London City Airport

No fatalities • London City Airport, United Kingdom

A positioning flight to London City Airport descended below its assigned altitude due to a navigational error regarding the approach path.

What happened

On January 21, 2010, a Dassault Mystere Falcon, registration G-KPTN, was performing a short positioning flight to London City Airport. During the flight, the aircraft descended below its cleared altitude of 2,000 feet MSL.

The commander mistakenly believed the aircraft was on final approach for Runway 27; however, the aircraft was actually on a downwind leg for Runway 09. After receiving instructions from Air Traffic Control, the crew climbed the aircraft back to its assigned altitude and subsequently landed on Runway 09 without further incident. There were no injuries resulting from this event.

Following the incident, the operator implemented safety measures intended to prevent a recurrence of this error.

Probable cause

Not determined

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Jan 2010 DASSAULT Mystere Falcon accident near London City Airport, United Kingdom?

A positioning flight to London City Airport descended below its assigned altitude due to a navigational error regarding the approach path.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Jan 2010 DASSAULT Mystere Falcon accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Jan 2010 involved a DASSAULT Mystere Falcon, at London City Airport, United Kingdom.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Not determined

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