Egyptian Airline Faulted for 'Abnormal' Flight Path

Note to all airline pilots flying over France: Don't deviate. The crew of a Luxor Air jet flew what French air officials characterized as "a completely abnormal" flight path over the city of Nantes. As a result, the French government has banned the Egyptian airlines from flying over the country. Michel Wachenheim, director-general of France's Civil Aviation Authority, said Luxor Air's flying rights in France were suspended during a investigation into the March 21 flight from Luxor, Egypt, to Nantes in western France.

French officials claim the MD-83 made a 1.2-mile deviation during its landing approach, where it overflew the urban center of Nantes at an altitude of 660 feet. None of the 104 passengers and 10 crew aboard were injured.

"This was a very low altitude and completely abnormal trajectory with respect to its normal flight path," Wachenheim said. After landing safely on its second attempt, the plane left Nantes quickly. "Visibly, they were very rushed," Wachenheim said.

France's Bureau of Accident Investigation has asked Egyptian authorities for information about the flight crew, and background on the plane and airline, which is a small privately owned company. France has notified other European countries about the investigation.

FMI: www.luxorair.com.eg