What happened
On June 23, 1999, a DC 10-30F cargo aircraft, registration N607GC, operated by Gemini Air Cargo for Air France, was performing a flight from Fort-de-France to Pointe-à-Pitre. During the descent toward Pointe-à-Pitre, the crew began a left turn to intercept a 19-nautical-mile DME arc. This maneuver directed the aircraft toward the Soufrière volcano, which has a summit elevation of 4,813 feet.
As the aircraft descended to 3,600 feet, the approach controller observed the deviation on radar and initially inquired if the crew was avoiding clouds. Upon learning the crew intended to join the arc, the controller informed them that such a procedure was not available in the southern sector. The controller then issued an emergency instruction to stop the descent at 4,60 and turn immediately to a heading of 360 degrees to avoid the mountains. The aircraft was successfully redirected and landed without further incident.
The investigation
The BEA investigation focused on the flight planning discrepancies and the navigation procedures used during the approach. Investigators examined the flight plan prepared by Gemini Air Cargo, which had not been submitted to the local air traffic control authorities in Fort-de-France or Pointe-à-Pitre. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's flight parameters, which confirmed the deviation and the subsequent corrective maneuvers by the crew.
Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the aeronautical charts and the systemic issues regarding flight plan management in the Antilles region. The investigators noted that the flight plan used by the crew contained routing information that was not aligned with the official arrival procedures for the area.
Findings
- The crew attempted to follow a 19-nautical-mile DME arc procedure that was not part of the standard arrival procedure for the southern sector.
- The flight plan prepared by the operator was not communicated to the local air traffic control authorities.
- The flight plan contained routing information (DCT FOF DCT) that was inconsistent with the regulatory requirements for the region.
- There was a lack of prominent obstacle representation on the standard arrival and departure charts used in the area, which could have failed to alert the crew to the proximity of the volcano.
- Systemic issues were identified in the flight plan filing process, including errors in the preparation of plans by ground agents and a lack of verification by the processing systems.