What happened
On March 24, 2012, an Air France Airbus A319, registration F-GRHU, was operating flight AF2184 from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Tunis Carthage. During the descent, the approach configuration was altered when air traffic control informed the crew that runway 19 had replaced runway 29 as the active runway, requiring a direct approach. This change significantly shortened the flight path, leaving the aircraft approximately 8,100 feet above the required 3-degree glide path.
To intercept the new glide path, the pilot flying (PF) engaged the OPEN DES mode and deployed speed brakes. As the aircraft descended, the crew attempted to manage the high vertical speed and high approach speed. At approximately 8,000 feet, the PF disconnected the autopilot to attempt better speed brake deployment. As the aircraft approached the runway, the crew was unable to stabilize the approach, maintaining a high vertical descent rate and high airspeed.
While attempting a 360-degree turn to reposition for the landing, the aircraft triggered several GPWS alerts, including "sink rate," "pull up," and "too low terrain." The crew subsequently performed a go-around, deploying flaps and applying thrust to recover. The aircraft eventually completed a visual approach and landed safely.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight data from the Quick Access Recorder (QAR), cockpit communications, and crew testimonies. Investigators analyzed the crew's decision-making process, the impact of the runway change, and the effectiveness of Crew Resource Management (CRM). The investigation also reviewed the airline's operational procedures regarding stabilized approaches and the "sterile cockpit" principle.
Key areas of focus included the high workload experienced by the PF during the descent and the PNF's (Pilot Not Flying) failure to intervene despite noticing significant deviations from the glide path. The investigation also looked into external distractions, such as personal concerns and non-essential cockpit discussions, which occurred during the cruise phase.