What happened
On 26 September 2013, an Onur Air Airbus A321, registration TC-OBZ, was conducting a charter flight from Izmir, Turkey, to Deauville-Normandie aerodrome. The flight, carrying 220 passengers and 7 crew members, was initially prepared for an ILS approach to runway 30. However, due to a change in the runway in use to runway 12 to accommodate a departing aircraft, the crew opted for a visual approach.
During the approach, the crew's flight path deviated significantly from standard procedures. After being instructed by air traffic control to call back at the start of the downwind leg, the pilot flying misinterpreted the instruction as a command to turn right. This led to a hybrid procedure that combined elements of a visual approach with a visual maneuvering (circling) procedure. As the aircraft performed its final turn, it descended below the required glidepath. The aircraft reached a minimum altitude of only 528 feet, which was approximately 49 feet above the aerodrome level, while still 3 nautical miles from the runway threshold.
The investigation
The BEA initiated the investigation after a witness at the Villerville sea tower reported seeing an aircraft flying at a very low altitude over the sea. Investigators analyzed the aircraft's Quick Access Recorder (QAR) and Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) parameters. The investigation examined the crew's interpretation of ATC instructions, the transition from instrument to visual procedures, and the coordination between the flight crew and air traffic controllers.