Synopsis
On 25 July 2000, a Concorde registered F-BTSC operated by Air France was involved in an accident at La Patte d'Oie de Gonesse. The aircraft had been operating flight AFR 4590.
Accident Sequence
During takeoff on runway 26 right at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, the aircraft's left main landing gear ran over a metal strip that had been deposited on the runway. This caused a tire to burst. Debris from the tire was projected at high speed and struck the aircraft's wing structure. The impact resulted in a rupture of a fuel tank, leading to a significant fuel leak. The leaking fuel ignited, causing a fire. Despite the crew's efforts, the aircraft's performance degraded and it crashed into a hotel in Gonesse.
Investigation Findings
The Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA) conducted the investigation. Examination of the runway revealed the presence of a metal strip, identified as a wear strip from a preceding aircraft. The tire debris showed evidence of bursting due to external impact. The wing structure exhibited damage consistent with high-energy impact from tire fragments. The fuel tank in the affected area had a large breach. The fire spread rapidly, leading to loss of control. The report details the sequence of events leading to the accident.