Overview
• Operator: Air Caraïbes
• Aircraft Model: ATR-72-212A
• Registration: F-OSIT
• Flight Number: TX-303
• Route: Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Fort-de-France (Martinique)
• Date: 24 January 2024
• Occupants: Passengers and crew unspecified
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Cracked right-hand windshield
Incident Summary
Air Caraïbes flight TX-303, operated by an ATR-72-212A, was departing Pointe-à-Pitre Airport (PTP) in Guadeloupe for Fort-de-France (FDF) in Martinique when the crew detected a cracked right-hand windshield during the initial climb. The pilots stopped the climb at approximately 10,500 feet and decided to return to Pointe-à-Pitre as a precaution.
The aircraft landed safely on runway 12 approximately 25 minutes after departure. The flight was subsequently cancelled, and passengers were rebooked onto later flights.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff and Climb
• The aircraft departed runway 12 at Pointe-à-Pitre Airport bound for Fort-de-France.
• As the aircraft climbed through approximately 10,500 feet, the right-hand windshield cracked.
2. Decision to Return
• The crew stopped the climb and declared a precautionary return to Pointe-à-Pitre.
• Air Traffic Control was notified, and emergency services were placed on standby.
3. Safe Landing and Flight Cancellation
• The aircraft performed a controlled return and landed safely on runway 12 about 25 minutes after departure.
• Passengers were disembarked, and the flight was officially cancelled.
4. Aircraft Inspection and Maintenance
• Technicians conducted a detailed structural assessment of the windshield.
• No additional structural damage was reported, and the windshield was replaced.
5. Return to Service
• The aircraft remained grounded for approximately 29 hours before being cleared for operations.
Investigation and Safety Measures
• Cause of the Windshield Crack
• The exact cause of the crack is under review, though thermal stress, mechanical fatigue, or manufacturing defects are possible factors.
• No bird strikes or external impacts were reported prior to the occurrence.
• Air Caraïbes and Manufacturer Response
• Air Caraïbes initiated a standard maintenance review of the aircraft’s windshield heating system and pressurization system.
• ATR engineers were consulted to determine whether similar occurrences have been recorded within the fleet.
• Future Safety Measures
• A review of windshield inspection intervals and maintenance procedures may be conducted.
• Enhanced pre-flight checks for windshield integrity could be considered to prevent future occurrences.
Regulatory and Airline Response
• Air Caraïbes Statement
• The airline confirmed the crew followed standard safety procedures and that passenger safety was never compromised.
• Affected passengers were rebooked onto alternative flights.
• Regulatory Authorities
• French BEA (Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses) has been notified but has not opened a formal investigation.
• ATR and maintenance providers will conduct routine failure analysis of the windshield component.
Safety Considerations and Recommendations
• Windshield Integrity Monitoring
• Airlines operating ATR aircraft should monitor windshield heating system functionality as part of routine pre-flight checks.
• Regular stress analysis and thermal inspections may be recommended for older ATR-72 models.
• Flight Crew Decision-Making
• The decision to return to base was in line with industry best practices, prioritizing passenger safety.
• Pilots should be reminded to monitor and report any suspected windshield anomalies at the earliest signs.
• Passenger Awareness
• Passengers should be reassured about the structural integrity of aircraft windshields, as modern cockpit windows are designed with multiple layers to withstand cracking without catastrophic failure.
Aircraft Status and Next Steps
• The ATR-72-212A remained grounded for approximately 29 hours before maintenance teams completed the windshield replacement.
• The aircraft was cleared for operations and resumed service following standard safety inspections.
• Air Caraïbes continues to monitor windshield performance across its ATR fleet to prevent similar occurrences.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 27 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
