Topic: Plane with 153 crashes off Comoros, child rescued (AP)

Another sad day for aviation.. I am at a loss of words for the victims.

Here what´s known so far:

On the a/c:

A310 (so no FBW, before you all start comparing to AF 447).

a/c seems to be an A310-300 first delivered in 1990 and had been in service with Yemenia since October 1999. Manufacturer's serial number was 535 and it was registered as 70-ADJ.

It had 51,900 flight hours spread across 17,300 flights.

Powered by Pratt and Whitney engines PW4152.

Reuters reports that the plane was inspected in France in 2007, some faults were detected and since then it has not flown in France.

The French transport minister says Yemenia was not on a blacklist but was subject to stricter checks and was to be interviewed by the EU safety committee.

Yemen's transport minister says the plane thoroughly examined in May.

On the accident:

One 5 yr old survivor found apparently.

Indeed "interesting" terrain, esp at night: Approach charts here: http://www.ais-asecna.org/en/atlas/comores/moroni.htm

Approach vid for Rwy 02 (NOTE they probably went in for Rwy 20), gives an idea of the surroundings you see on the maps: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCG3tjxPRTQ

The published intrument charts mention: "Risk of turbulence on approach for RWY 02 and windshear on short final with winds from the South-East"

Wx (METAR airport around crash time): FMCH 292300Z 21025G35KT 9999 FEW020 25/16 Q1017 TEMPO 18015G30KT=

Don't know how to read a METAR? Read METAR FAQ (mentions gusts of 30kts)

(and for the time period):

The airport weather from 29-2200z till 30-0000z;

FMCH 292200Z 18022G33KT 9999 FEW020 24/17 Q1018 NOSIG=
FMCH 292300Z 21025G35KT 9999 FEW020 25/16 Q1017 TEMPO 18015G30KT=
FMCH 300000Z 21025G35KT 9999 FEW020 25/17 Q1016 TEMPO 19014KT=

Rattler