D-AXLA

On November 27, 2008 at 16:46 local time (15:46 UTC), an Airbus A320, equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500 engines, German registration D-AXLA, serial number 2500, impacted the Mediterranean sea during approach to runway 33 at Perpignan Rivesaltes airport (LFMP) in Perpignan, France. The aircraft impacted the sea approximately 7 kilometers from the coastline and is reportedly submerged 30-40 meters below the surface of the water. The French Navy is currently conducting recovery efforts, which include the use of remotely controlled vehicles (ROV).

The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile (BEA) of France is investigating the accident. As the state of design for the IAE V2500 engines, the NTSB will send a U.S. Accredited Representative to assist the BEA with their investigation. An NTSB powerplants specialist and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and IAE will accompany the U.S. Accredited representative as Technical Advisors.

All inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the BEA at:

Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation civile

Bâtiment 153

Aéroport du Bourget

93350 Le Bourget

France

Website: http://www.bea-fr.org