French aviation authorities highlight critical vulnerabilities in Airbus A320 operations

During its approach from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), which began at 9:30 UTC and included multiple clearances from CDG-based ATC controllers, the aircraft descended dangerously close to the ground before initiating a go-around maneuver. At one point, it missed colliding with terrain by just six feet.

Following this near-miss event, which was declared a 'serious incident' by BEA investigators, six additional safety recommendations were issued. These recommendations address various contributing factors including human error in QNH communication, inadequate operating procedures for both crews and ATC, lack of robust onboard systems like Ground Proximity Warning Systems (GPWS), delayed MSAW triggers, and insufficient responses to alerts.

The BEA warned that unless European Union regulations change before 2030—specifically those driven by Regulation (EU) 2018/1048 known as ‘IR-PBN’—the safety of approaches could decline as more ILS approaches transition to baro-VNAV landings.

The six new recommendations include reassessing controlled flight into terrain risks related to incorrect QNH settings for baro-VNAV approaches; maintaining approach safety despite ‘IR-PBN’ regulations; implementing ground systems to detect incorrect QNH settings; equipping aircraft with Terrain Awareness Warning Systems (TAWS); training controllers to respond effectively to MSAW alerts; and establishing a Safety Management System (SMS) within France’s air traffic control provider DSNA.