Air France Flight 422, an Airbus A300, took off from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia, bound for the French Caribbean on the ill-fated flight. Shortly after departure, severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and turbulent winds, challenged the aircraft's performance. Witnesses reported the aircraft struggling to gain altitude and then losing control, leading to its tragic crash just minutes after liftoff. There were no survivors among the 53 passengers and crew onboard, stirring a significant outcry for stringent aviation safety measures.

The subsequent investigation conducted by Colombian authorities and the French Bureau of Accident Investigation unveiled critical findings around cockpit communication, weather assessment, and adherence to operational guidelines. These findings raised questions about the airline's operational protocols and pilot training, highlighting the need for improved procedures in challenging weather conditions. Changing trends in aviation safety protocols emerged as a response to this and similar incidents.

As airlines worldwide grappled with ensuring passengers' safety, tragic events like the crash of Flight 422 prompted regulatory bodies to review aviation safety standards more rigorously. Recommendations from the investigations resulted in enhanced training for pilots, a reassessment of flight operation protocols during adverse conditions, and greater emphasis on communication within the cockpit during all flight phases.