What happened
On 31 May 2009, Air France flight AF447, an Airbus A330-203 registered F-GZCP, departed Rio de Janeiro Galeão airport for Paris Charles de Gaulle. The aircraft was carrying 216 passengers and 12 crew members. The flight proceeded normally through several air traffic control sectors, maintaining a flight level of 350.
At approximately 01:35 UTC, the crew contacted the ATLANTICO ATC centre to report they had passed the INTOL reporting point and provided updated estimated arrival times for subsequent waypoints. However, following a request from the controller for an estimated time at the TASIL point, all communication with the aircraft ceased. Subsequent ACARS messages at 02:10 UTC provided position and maintenance updates, but no further voice contact was established. The aircraft was later determined to have disappeared in international waters.
The investigation
The BEA launched a technical investigation following notification of the disappearance. Due to the remote location in the Atlantic Ocean, the initial phase of the investigation focused on sea searches and the recovery of debris. Between 6 and 20 June 2009, various aircraft parts and bodies were recovered from the ocean by French and Brazilian naval forces. The investigation involved international cooperation from agencies including the NTSB, AAIB, and CENIPA, as well as representatives from several other nations.
Findings
- The aircraft disappeared in the vicinity of the TASIL point in international waters.
- All 228 persons on board, including 216 passengers and 12 crew, were killed.
- The last known position of the aircraft was established via the final ACARS transmissions and ATC communications prior to the loss of contact.