The risk of incorrect altimeter settings

In May 2022, an Airbus A320 approaching Paris Charles de Gaulle airport was given an incorrect altimeter pressure setting, which caused the barometric altimeters on board to show that the aircraft was nearly 300 feet higher above the ground than it actually was.

The crew were unaware of the problem and didn't see the runway because of bad weather. They carried out what they believed was a normal go around and never realized that they came within six feet of hitting the ground.

In this episode we talk to aviation experts at the UK CAA and NATS to get their perspectives on what happened, the risks involved and the safety guidance in this area.

Guidance and resources mentioned in this episode

• SN-2023/003: Risk of Controlled Flight into Terrain during 3D BARO-VNAV and 2D Approaches (Altimeter Setting Procedures)
• Safety awareness video about this issue
• Information on the A320 incident at Paris Charles de Gaulle (Skybrary)