Info thus far...
Night approach. Other boards are saying the airfield was a difficult field and the approach to 20 is no walk in the park. Termed a classic black hole approach. NO ILS to 20 but there is one to 02. Winds were 190-210 gusting to 35kts. Reports say aircraft missed first approach. Miss takes you out over the water.
The A310 is a shortened version of the A300 and is NOT FBW. More than 250 A310s built with last built in late 1990s. This aircraft was built in 1990 and seems to have been with ILFC for most of its life. 17000+ flights and almost 52000flt hours.
The only carrier in the US to fly 310s was Delta which got some through the PANAM merger and later ordered some. The aircraft was retired fairly quickly. FedEX operates more than 70 A310s as freighters and has reportedly decided to retire it and the A300s due to the economic downturn.
Here are the approaches.Note the approach to 20. The french translates to make sure you keep the lights off to your left. The other comments on turbulence on approach.
http://www.ais-asecna.org/en/atlas/comores/moroni.htm
There have been 8 or 9 hull losses with about 673 fatalities. The -310 has been involved in 10 hijackings.
Night, blackhole approach, possible fatigue, gusty winds, overwater on miss.
CFIT?
Originally Posted by
mtsu_av8er
I think the problem seems to be these old mainline pilots. Dangerous and complacent. I'd question putting my loved ones on a plane with these guys.
So you have information on the Yemeni crew? And you consider the airline 'mainline'?
Interesting.