Air Algérie Flight 2208
| Industry | Airline |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1947 |
| Headquarters | Algiers , Algeria |
| Products | Passenger and cargo air transport services |
Air Algérie Flight 2208 was a freight service operating between Algiers-Houari Boumediene Airport in Algeria and Frankfurt Airport, Germany. On 13 August 2006, the Lockheed L-100 assigned to this route crashed in Northern Italy following a malfunction of the autopilot system. The aircraft experienced a rapid descent, impacting terrain in a lightly inhabited region near Piacenza, thereby avoiding heavily populated areas. All three crew members aboard perished; no passengers were on board, and there were no injuries or damage on the ground.
Crew
The flight team comprised Captain Mohamed Abdou, aged 43, who had accumulated over 8,200 flight hours since his promotion in April 2005; First Officer Mohamed Tayeb Bederina, 58 years old, with more than 22,800 hours logged; and Flight Engineer Mustafa Kadid, aged 51, possessing upwards of 14,600 flight hours.
Accident
The aircraft involved was a 25-year-old Lockheed L-100-30 Hercules, registration number 7T-VHG. During Flight 2208’s passage over Italy, it initiated an unexplained descent at . The pilot reported a reduction in engine power before losing radio contact with Milan air traffic control at . Efforts were made to direct the plane toward an area with fewer inhabitants.
The crash occurred between Milan and Parma, specifically in Besurica near Piacenza. The force of impact caused the fuselage to break into two main sections, scattering debris across several kilometers. A crater measuring approximately long and wide was formed at the site. Components such as parts of the rudder and elevator were discovered significantly ahead of the main wreckage. Local authorities highlighted that the avoidance of urban centers was fortunate. While there was no damage or casualties on the ground, all three crew members lost their lives.
Investigation
Following recovery of the cockpit voice recorder one week after the accident, the National Agency for the Safety of Flight (ANSV) initiated a formal investigation. The flight data recorder was also retrieved; analysis revealed that the aircraft had been cruising with the autopilot engaged when a failure warning light appeared. Approximately twelve seconds later, the autopilot disengaged, resulting in loss of directional and longitudinal control shortly thereafter. The crash transpired about 73 seconds following these events. The estimated impact angle ranged between 45° and 50°, with speed calculated between 460 and 485 knots.
Aftermath
The flight data recorder installed on the aircraft was an early model dating back to the 1960s and did not comply with current ICAO standards. In particular, it fell short of ICAO Annex 6 requirements. Consequently, ANSV recommended that the Algerian Civil Aviation Authority update outdated FDR equipment to align with contemporary safety regulations.