A progress report by the Mali investigators stated that the crew of an MD-83 that crashed in July 2014, killing all 116 on board, likely failed to use anti-icing systems.
The aircraft, operated by Swiftair on behalf of Air Algérie, had departed Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso on a flight to Algiers, Algeria. The plane reached the cruise altitude of 31,000 ft and the autopilot was used in altitude hold mode and the auto-throttle speed (Mach) hold mode.
Analysis of the recorded parameters by the flight data recorder, indicates that about two minutes after the leveling off at FL310, the engine pressure ratio (EPR) value became become incoherent in relation to other engine parameters. This anomaly occurred on the right engine and about 55 seconds later on the left engine. These false readings were probably caused by an obstruction of
Approximately 20 seconds after the start of the aircraft stall, the autopilot disconnected. The plane then suddenly rolled to the left until it reached 140° bank angle and 80° nose down pitch.
- Interim statement (PDF, in French)
- ASN Accident Information Air Algérie flight AH5017
- ASN Incident Information June 2002 MD-82 Spirit Airlines
- ASN Incident Information June 2014 MD-83 Swiftair