Incident Involving a Saab 340 in French Airspace

Incident Overview and Investigation Details On June 10, 2016, an incident occurred involving a Saab 340 (SF34) aircraft while it was operating in the Marseille Flight Information Region (FIR LFMM). The event was classified as an incident and was investigated by the operator of the aircraft, with Bogdan Fydrych serving as the investigation supervisor. The investigation was concluded on August 18, 2016. No injuries were reported, and no safety recommendations were issued by the commission. ## Operational Sequence and Communication Issues The aircraft was on a flight from Paderborn (EDLP) to Palma de Mallorca (LEPA). While over French territory, the crew was in communication with Nice Radar on 127.90 MHz and received an instruction to switch to the next sector on 124.350 MHz, identified as Provence Radar. Upon calling on the new frequency, the crew heard a message indicating that the frequency was incorrect. Due to a lack of order in the radio communications, it was unclear to whom the message was addressed. The pilot re-identified and requested the correct frequency, but was told that the current frequency was appropriate. As the aircraft approached the RIXOT navigation point, the crew expected a handover to the next sector. When no controller called them, the crew reported their position to Provence Radar. The controller responded that it was the wrong frequency and refused to assist, instructing the crew to return to the previous sector, which was no longer practical due to the distance already covered. The captain then decided to contact Palma Approach on 119.150 MHz, the frequency for the sector the aircraft had just entered. The approach controller informed the crew that a search operation was being prepared due to the aircraft's absence from the correct frequency and lack of communication. The captain explained that the crew had been mistakenly directed to 124.350 MHz and had not been corrected after reporting the issue. ## Contributing Factors The investigation identified three main factors contributing to the incident. First, the aircraft was incorrectly handed over to the Provence Radar frequency (124.350 MHz) by the Nice Radar controller. Second, the Provence Radar controller failed to maintain proper order in radio communications and did not redirect the aircraft to the correct frequency after receiving its call. Third, the crew did not properly monitor the emergency frequency 121.500 MHz on their second radio set, as the radio was muted too strongly. ## Preventive Actions The investigating entity took preventive measures by briefing the flight personnel on the circumstances and sequence of the incident. Additionally, the event was scheduled for further discussion during periodic training sessions.