Air France Flight 212: Nighttime Approach Error Leads to Mountain Impact in Guadeloupe (F-BLCJ)

Flight Details and Initial Descent Air France Flight 212 was a scheduled service from Santiago, Chile, to Paris, France, with en route stops at Quito, Caracas, Pointe-à-Pitre, and Lisbon. The aircraft, a newly delivered Boeing 707 named “Château de Lavoûte-Polignac,” departed Caracas at 19:27 for Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe. The crew climbed to FL330 and contacted the Piarco FIR controller at approximately 19:53, reporting their position and estimating arrival at Pointe-à-Pitre at 20:32. At 20:09, the flight reported over the OA reporting point and requested descent authorization. Piarco cleared the aircraft to FL90, instructing the crew to report when leaving FL330 and reaching FL150. The crew reported leaving FL330 at 20:14, three minutes earlier than planned, and passed FL150 seven minutes later. They were then cleared to contact Guadeloupe ACC and advised of another aircraft at FL80.