On 12 May 2010, Afriqiyah Airways Flight 8U771, an Airbus A330 (registration 5A-ONG), departed Johannesburg-O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB/FAJS), South Africa at 21.37 local time, and was due to arrive at Tripoli International Airport (TIP/HLLT), Libya at 6.20 local time. The aircraft was carrying 93 passengers and 11 crew. The aircraft crashed short of the runway and was completely destroyed. With the exception of one 8 year old boy, all passengers and crew died in the accident.
The Irwin Mitchell Aviation Law Team are analysing the possibility that the aircraft fly by wire system may have caused or contributed to the crash of this almost new aircraft. The Aviation Team has significant experience of investigating and litigating Airbus accidents (Air France A330, Qantas Flight 72 A330) where the flying computers caused or contributed to the loss of control of the aircraft.