Investigation Summary
The flight was conducting a non-precision LOC/DME approach to Runway 09. Due to morning fog and sun glare, the crew lacked sufficient visual references at the Minimum Descent Altitude (MDA). The Captain initiated a go-around but, due to a somatogravic illusion caused by the aircraft's acceleration, he perceived the nose was too high. He applied aggressive nose-down side-stick inputs. The First Officer did not effectively monitor the flight path or intervene, and the aircraft struck the ground at 262 knots.
Final Conclusions
The investigation concluded the primary cause was the lack of common coordination between the crew and the Captain's inappropriate control inputs during a go-around. Spatial disorientation (somatogravic illusion) caused the pilot to believe the aircraft was pitching up excessively, leading him to drive the aircraft into the ground. Fatigue and inadequate CRM were cited as contributing factors.
Video Analysis
The Tragic Crash of Afriqiyah Airways Flight 771 — An analysis of the spatial disorientation and crew coordination failures that led to the crash of an Airbus A330 in Tripoli.
Watch on YouTube ↗If playback is blocked, the owner has disabled embedding — use the link above.
Systems & Failure Modes
Side-stick Priority Logic
On Airbus aircraft, if both pilots move their sticks simultaneously, the inputs are algebraically summed unless one pilot presses a priority button.
GPWS
Ground Proximity Warning System provided multiple alerts in the final seconds, which were ignored by the crew.
Auto-Thrust
The system functioned correctly, providing the requested thrust for the go-around maneuver.
Interesting Facts
- 01The only survivor was a 9-year-old Dutch boy found in the wreckage.
- 02The aircraft was nearly brand new, delivered to the airline only nine months prior.
- 03The Captain had 511 hours of experience on the A330 type.
- 04The crash occurred during a period of 'radiation fog' common in Tripoli during early morning.
- 05The flight data recorder showed dual side-stick inputs, but the First Officer's inputs were insufficient to override the Captain's.
Safety Actions & Advisories
CRM Training Enhancement
Afriqiyah Airways was directed to improve Crew Resource Management training, specifically focusing on go-around procedures in low visibility.
Spatial Disorientation Awareness
Recommendations were made to include somatogravic illusion scenarios in flight simulator training for all A330 operators.