Air France A320 and A319 Drone Encounters at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle (F-GKXT)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details The French BEA investigated two serious incidents involving drone encounters near Paris Charles-de-Gaulle in 2016. The first involved an Airbus A320, registration F-GKXT, operated by Air France on February 19, 2016. The second involved an Airbus A319, registration F-GRHK, operated by Air France on July 2, 2016. Both flights were public passenger transport operations arriving at Paris Charles-de-Gaulle. ## First Incident: A320 F-GKXT During an ILS approach to runway 26L, the flight crew of the A320 F-GKXT reported a dark, circular drone with four branches and an estimated wingspan of one meter at 11:57 local time. The aircraft was at 5,400 feet and 220 knots. The pilot flying disconnected the autopilot and performed an avoidance maneuver. The drone passed under the left wing. The crew reported the drone to air traffic control, which then warned the following aircraft. The A320 landed safely at 12:08. ## Second Incident: A319 F-GRHK During a final approach to runway 26L, the pilot flying of the A319 F-GRHK observed a black drone with a swept wing and propeller at 7.5 nautical miles and approximately 2,000 feet. The drone passed about five meters to the right of the cockpit. The pilot did not have time to maneuver. The crew reported the drone to air traffic control, and subsequent aircraft requested position details. ## Investigation Findings Neither drone or pilot was identified in either case. The BEA noted that drones of this size do not appear on air traffic control radar screens. The report highlighted that French regulations at the time prohibited drone flight above 150 meters without specific authorization, and no such requests were filed for either incident date. The BEA emphasized that its investigations aim solely to improve aviation safety, not to assign fault or responsibility.