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Czech Investigators Probe Sudden Near-Ground Descent of TAP Airbus on Prague Approach

The aviation authority has opened a formal inquiry, classifying the January 17 occurrence as a serious incident after controller alerts.

Overview

  • The LisbonPrague TAP Air Portugal flight TP1240 in an Airbus A320neo reportedly descended to about 300 meters near Křivoklát before the crew recovered.
  • Air traffic control radar indicated the jet had dropped below its assigned altitude, and a controller warned the cockpit, according to Czech reports.
  • The Czech Air Accident Investigation Authority has launched an investigation and is reviewing ATC and radar data after designating the event a serious incident.
  • Local pilots quoted by media have suggested a possible autopilot setting or mode error, or navigation signal issues, though no cause has been confirmed.
  • A passenger described the experience as frightening, yet there were no reports of injuries or damage.