Investigators Examining Close Call Between Aircraft and Volcano

French authorities are investigating a close call between an Air France flight and an African volcano in May, leading to new precautionary measures.

Investigators from both Air France and French aviation authorities are looking into how a Boeing 777 operated by the carrier came too close to an active volcano during a May flight. CNN reports France’s aviation authority, the BEA, and the airline are investigating how Air France Flight 953 may have accidentally flew too close to Mount Cameroon.

According to CNN, the incident happened on May 2, when AF953 was scheduled for service from Malabo International Airport (SSG) in Equatorial Guinea to Douala International Airport (DLA) in Cameroon. During the flight, the pilots adjusted their flight path to avoid thunderstorms. When returning to their original path, the aircraft came too close to Mount Cameroon, an active volcano. The close encounter triggered the enhanced ground proximity warning system, causing the pilots to react with a 4,000-foot ascent.

“This system generated an alarm in the cockpit to which the pilots responded immediately by applying the appropriate procedure,” a spokesperson for Air France said in a statement. “Pilots receive regular training in this type of [maneuver].”

CNN reports that the BEA investigation is ongoing, calling the situation “serious,” claiming the episode involved “…controlled flight into or toward terrain.” An official for Air France told France’s BMFTV said the 37 passengers aboard the aircraft were unaware of the situation as it happened.

Air France has pledged additional safety procedures when flying the route in the future, including “… information transmitted to the crew on the specifics of the land around [DLA].” In addition, the crew involved in the incident will receive additional support from the airline. “Air France’s priority is to ensure the highest safety standards in all circumstances,” the airline said in a statement.

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