What happened
On the early morning of November 4, 2004, TAAG Angola Airlines flight DTA 620, a Boeing 747-300 registered D2-TEB, was completing an eight-hour international flight from Luanda to Paris Charles de Gaulle. During the night approach to runway 08 R, the aircraft was following an ILS-DME approach after receiving radar vectors.
As the aircraft approached the threshold, the crew failed to detect that the approach speed was significantly higher than the recommended Vref, and the aircraft flew above the glide slope. The aircraft touched down at approximately 148 knots, which was higher than the intended approach speed. Upon landing, the crew applied braking but did not utilize thrust reversers. Unable to stop the aircraft before the end of the runway, the pilot steered the aircraft to the left to avoid an approach ramp. The aircraft exited the paved surface and became bogged in a grassy area approximately 30 meters from the runway. There were no fatalities or injuries among the 140 passengers and 18 crew members on board.
The investigation
The BEA investigation analyzed air traffic control communications, flight data recorder (FDR) parameters, radar data, and crew testimonies. The investigators examined the aircraft's flight path, tire marks on the runway, and meteorological conditions. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance history and the operational procedures of the airline. Key elements examined included the accuracy of the wind information provided via ATIS, the aircraft's stabilization during the final approach, and the effectiveness of the braking and thrust reversal usage.
Findings
Several factors contributed to the runway excursion. The primary cause was the failure to detect or correct excessive approach speed and a descent above the glide slope, which resulted in a long landing.
Contributing factors included:
- The crew was not informed of a significant tailwind component, as the ATIS reported calm winds despite a 10-knot tailwind being present.
- The crew was fatigued following a long night flight.
- The lack of clear company procedures regarding stabilized approach criteria, which may have influenced the decision not to execute a go-around.
- The failure to use thrust reversers during the landing roll.
- The specific characteristics of the runway, including a slight downward slope and the placement of visual aids.