Background
An aircraft operating a flight from Rome-Fiumicino initiated an approach to runway 32 at Marseille-Marignane Airport. The crew calculated the approach speed at 120 knots. However, due to a wrong approach configuration and multiple errors, the approach was conducted at 183 knots.
Accident
The aircraft touched down too far down the runway, striking the ground nose gear first. Upon touchdown, the captain deployed the tail-mounted parachute, which immediately burst because of the high speed. Unable to decelerate within the remaining runway distance, the airplane overran and subsequently crashed into the Etang de Berre, a coastal lagoon. The wreckage sank to a depth of approximately four meters.
Rescue
All 44 occupants were quickly rescued. Four individuals sustained injuries. A photograph of the incident was provided by azfleet.info.
Probable Cause
The official investigation committee determined that the accident resulted initially from an incorrect approach procedure, which caused the aircraft to contact the runway at an abnormally high speed—more than 60 knots above the normal calculated and known speed. This situation was further aggravated by the release of the parachute at an excessive speed and by an inappropriate use of the emergency brake.