What happened
On 1 September 2015, an Airbus A-321-211, registration G-TCDX, operated by Thomas Cook Airlines, was performing a scheduled international passenger flight from Norwich, United Kingdom, to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Anticipating potential weather disruptions, the crew had pre-emptively loaded an additional 600 kg of fuel beyond the operational flight plan requirements.
During the approach to runway 06L at Palma de Mallorca, the aircraft encountered severe convective activity, including intense rain and strong downdrafts. After an initial missed approach, the crew attempted a second approach after receiving information that preceding traffic had landed successfully. However, shortly before intercepting the localizer, the crew was notified of windshear and deteriorating conditions experienced by preceding aircraft. Consequently, the crew requested an immediate diversion to the Menorca Airport.
While en route to the alternate, the crew realized that the extended flight time and deviations from the planned route would result in landing with insufficient fuel. At 15:13 UTC, the crew declared a MAYDAY FUEL. The aircraft subsequently landed at Menorca Airport with 90 and 0 kg of fuel remaining, which was below the planned final reserve of 1292 kg.
The investigation
The CIAIAC investigation examined the flight's history, meteorological conditions, and the crew's fuel management. The investigation reviewed the operational flight plan, which had accounted for the first alternate (Ibiza) but not the increased complexity of the second alternate (Menorca) under such extreme weather. The investigation also analyzed the air traffic control (ATC) communications and the impact of the heavy traffic flow caused by the storm cells affecting the Balearic Islands.
Findings
- The crew was properly qualified, experienced, and in good physical condition.
- The aircraft was well-maintained and all navigation aids were operational.
- Severe weather, characterized by storms and reduced visibility, caused multiple go-arounds in the approach sequence, complicating traffic management.
- The crew decided to attempt a second approach at Palma de Mallorca based on the reported success of preceding aircraft, which significantly increased fuel consumption.
- The crew failed to issue a MINIMUM FUEL declaration after the second approach, which would have alerted ATC to their deteriorating situation and allowed for a more direct routing to the alternate.
- The actual flight duration and route deviations resulted in the aircraft landing with 900 kg of fuel, failing to meet the required final reserve.