AT76, vicinity Al Hoceima Morocco, 2018

AT76, vicinity Al Hoceima Morocco, 2018

Summary

On 9 July 2018, an ATR 72-600 continued a non-precision approach to Al Hoceima below the procedure MDA without obtaining visual reference and subsequently struck the sea surface twice, both times with a vertical acceleration exceeding structural limits before successfully climbing away and diverting to Nador having reported a bird strike. The Investigation attributed the accident to the Captain’s repeated violation of operating procedures which included another descent below MDA without visual reference the same day and the intentional deactivation of the EGPWS without valid cause. There was significant fuselage structure and landing gear damage but no occupant injuries.

Description

On 9 July 2018, an ATR 72-600 (CN-COH) being operated by RAM Express, a wholly owned operating subsidiary of Royal Air Maroc (RAM), on a scheduled domestic passenger flight for the parent company from Tangier to Al Hoceima as RAM439 hit the sea surface twice in quick succession whilst on approach to destination in day IMC before successfully climbing away and, after reporting a bird strike, diverting to Nador where substantial structural and landing gear damage which rendered the aircraft unfit for flight pending major repairs was found. None of the 58 occupants were injured by the impact.

The position of sea surface impact on the approach runway extended centreline. [Reproduced from the Official Report]

Investigation

An Investigation into the Accident was carried out by the Moroccan Bureau d’Enquêtes et Analyses (BEA) in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 principles. The FDR and 2 hour CVR were both removed undamaged from the aircraft and their relevant data were subsequently downloaded successfully.

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