Flight 1030X Accident: Approach Lighting Strike Near Jersey (G-ANTB)

Flight Details and Approach Sequence Flight 1030X was an extra scheduled international flight from Paris (Orly), France, to Jersey, Channel Islands. It departed Orly at 1626 GMT. At 1706 GMT, approximately 100 miles from Jersey, the pilot made initial radio contact with Jersey zone regarding weather. At 1742 GMT, the pilot reported descending to 1,500 ft and estimated arrival at 1755 GMT. He was then provided the 1720 GMT Jersey weather report, which listed visibility of 80 m, RVR of 200 m, and 818 cloud at the surface. The aircraft was subsequently cleared to Jersey Approach Control. When asked about diversion intentions, the pilot stated: “We'll come down the ILS and then overshoot and go to Dinard.” The controller cleared the aircraft to 1,000 ft and issued QFE 1,007 mb. The aircraft reached the Jersey beacon at 1753 GMT and began an approach to runway 27. ILS guidance was supplemented by distance information from the controller using Decca 424 radar indications. The initial approach, overshoot, and climb to 1,000 ft appeared uneventful. The pilot then requested radar guidance back to the ILS outer marker for a second approach. ## Final Approach and Impact The controller directed the aircraft into position for a second approach to runway 27 and advised the pilot to take up his own headings on the ILS. At 1803 GMT, the controller reported the aircraft was 5 miles from touchdown. Shortly after a 4-mile distance call, the pilot reported passing the outer marker and being established, indicating ILS guidance was being received and used. The controller then provided distance calls at 1.5 miles and 1 mile (1806:13 GMT). Both transmissions were clipped and recorded as “... and a half miles now” and “... mile from touchdown.” The pilot immediately asked “how many?” The controller replied “three quarters of a mile now and left of the centre line.” The pilot acknowledged at 1806:24 GMT with “TB,” the final two letters of the aircraft’s registration. This was the last communication received. ## Survivor Account and Accident Sequence According to the air hostess, the sole survivor, the flight was uneventful until the accident. She reported no sensation of descent. She described a bump, which she attributed to the starboard undercarriage wheels striking something, followed by a momentary roll to the right and a much greater roll to the left. It was later established that the aircraft struck the outermost approach light pole with its starboard wing. The pole was located 3,000 ft from the runway threshold at a height of 58 ft above runway level. After climbing slightly, the aircraft rolled inverted; the starboard wing folded rearwards and separated as the aircraft dived to the ground, still inverted. The crash occurred at approximately 1806:27 GMT. The stewardess survived; all 26 other occupants were killed.