An Iceland Air Boeing 757-200, registration TF-ISR performing flight FI-521 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Keflavik (Iceland), had been enroute at FL380 when nearing Iceland the aircraft began an early descent and descended to 1000 feet MSL about 71nm before Keflavik over the Island of Haimaey (Iceland). The aircraft subsequently climbed to 5000 feet MSL and continued to Keflavik for a safe landing about 25 minutes after reaching 1000 feet.
The airline reported this was an unapproved overflight of the town the captain grew up in during the captain's retirement flight. The airline is looking into the very serious matter internally.
Residents reported they were puzzled by a very low flying aircraft.
ADS-B data transmitted by the aircraft show, the aircraft descended to 1375 feet on standard pressure setting (1013.25 QNH) while actual ambient pressure was 1003 QNH. Therefore the transponder altitude (1375 feet) was indicating about 300 feet above actual altitude.
Map and trajectory (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth):
Passenger Video of overflight (Video: selvadore56):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIkJ7FAMYgI
The airline reported this was an unapproved overflight of the town the captain grew up in during the captain's retirement flight. The airline is looking into the very serious matter internally.
Residents reported they were puzzled by a very low flying aircraft.
ADS-B data transmitted by the aircraft show, the aircraft descended to 1375 feet on standard pressure setting (1013.25 QNH) while actual ambient pressure was 1003 QNH. Therefore the transponder altitude (1375 feet) was indicating about 300 feet above actual altitude.
Map and trajectory (Graphics: AVH/Google Earth):
Passenger Video of overflight (Video: selvadore56):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIkJ7FAMYgI
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