Airbus Jet Narrowly Avoids Disaster During Landing Approach
A recent incident involving a TAP Air Portugal Airbus A320neo has raised serious concerns regarding aviation safety. This occurrence took place on January 17, 2023, but was reported by the Czech Civil Aviation Authority on February 12, 2023.
Details of the Incident
The flight TP1240 was en route from Lisbon to Václav Havel Airport in Prague. As it approached runway 06, the aircraft encountered dense fog, leading to extremely poor visibility conditions. At this critical juncture, the aircraft descended below the minimum recommended altitude.
Altitude Deviation and Warning Systems
- Recommended altitude on approach: 4000 feet (approximately 1200 meters)
- Actual altitude during descent: about 2600 feet (approximately 792 meters)
- Reported descent to as low as 300 meters above ground level
During this alarming descent, both the ground proximity warning system and the Terrain Awareness and Warning System (TAWS) activated, providing crucial alerts to the flight crew. Responding swiftly, the pilots executed an immediate climb maneuver to regain altitude.
Outcome and Investigation
Approximately eleven minutes after the alarming descent began, the situation stabilized. The aircraft managed to land safely in Prague without any injuries or damages reported. Czech aviation authorities have classified this incident as a serious Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) case, indicating the plane descended toward the ground without the crew being aware of the imminent risk.
Further Implications
CFIT incidents pose significant risks in aviation, often linked to errors in flight system usage or autopilot configurations. While the exact cause of this incident remains under investigation, the possibility of improper autopilot use is being considered.
TAP Air Portugal has announced its commitment to an internal investigation. The airline is cooperating closely with the Czech authorities to determine the root cause and ensure such incidents are prevented in the future. This event is considered one of the most serious incidents at Prague Airport in decades, highlighting the need for stringent safety measures in aviation.
