What happened
On 9 February 2014, an Airbus A330-200 (registration ZZ333) was conducting a non-stop air transport mission from RAF Brize Norton to Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. While cruising at 33,000 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden and violent nose-down pitch. During a 27-second period, the aircraft descended 4,440 feet at a maximum rate of approximately 15,000 feet per minute. The rapid descent generated significant negative g-forces, causing many unrestrained passengers and crew members to be thrown against the cabin ceiling, resulting in several minor injuries.
The flight crew managed to initiate a recovery using the aircraft's self-protection systems and manual controls, eventually stabilizing the aircraft at 31,000 feet. Following the event, the aircraft diverted to Incirlik Airbase in Turkey.
The investigation
The Service Inquiry examined Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder data to identify the cause of the descent. Investigators found no evidence of technical system failures or similar historical issues with the A330 fleet. Instead, the data revealed that the pilot's sidestick moved 104 seconds prior to the event, creating a small pitch-down command, and again at the start of the incident with a full forward command. This movement coincided exactly with physical movement of the pilot's seat.
Investigators identified a Digital SLR camera positioned between the pilot's left armrest and the base of the sidestick unit. Forensic analysis of the camera showed damage consistent with being compressed against the sidestick base, and simulations confirmed that an object lodged in this specific gap could generate the exact pitch-down command recorded during the flight.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was human factors involving the inadvertent physical input of the sidestick.
- A Digital SLR camera became jammed between the pilot's armrest and the side-stick unit, causing unintended control inputs.
- No mechanical or system failures contributed to the aircraft's sudden descent.