A Note to Our Readers

Dear Readers,
We make a special effort here to record the facts as we receive them. At times, there may be error but we do try to use our best judgement at the time of posting, and will be glad to amend any details which are proved incorrect. Furthermore, even though we do not here discuss the human cost, we realize that losing anyone in an air accident is insurmountable tragedy to individuals, families and communities. We do extend our heartfelt sympathy to those whose loss we record here. "...any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for..." us all.
Meditation XVII - (with apologies to) John Donne


2008/06/14

TAM Airbus 320

On July 17 2008, carrying 187 people, the TAM Airbus 320 overran the runway while landing at Sao Paulo's Congonhas airport. The plane crossed a road and slammed into an airport building.

Crew error has not been ruled out; but the investigation is still being carried out by Brazil's Centre for the Investigation and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents (Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Aeronáuticos, CENIPA).

The Flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder data was downloaded by the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States.

On July 25, Airbus cautioned A320 pilots to ensure that both thrust levers are set to idle during flare. When the transcript of the CVR was released on August 1, the record revealed that the pilots were aware of the wet runway conditions and the deactivated thrust reverser.

Their comments suggest that the spoilers did not deploy and that they were unable to slow the aircraft.

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