Date: 201711
Local time of day: 0001-0600
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: IMC
Weather elements / visibility: Fog
Light: Night
Aircraft: A320
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Takeoff / Launch
Airspace: Class E ZZZ
ATC / advisory: Center ZZZ
Aircraft component: Navigation Database
Component problem: Design
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Not Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Human-Machine Interface
Second reporter function: First Officer; Pilot Flying
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Returned To Clearance; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Airspace Structure
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: We arrived at the airport [45 minutes before] departure. Weather was 002 OVC; calm winds; with fog. Our departure would be night; IMC. ZZZ is surrounded by significant terrain hazards (see Ops Alert ZZZ Terrain Hazards). For best terrain avoidance; we requested to depart runway XX with the ZZZ SID. FMGC was programed with runway XX; ZZZ; direct ZZZZZ. Both pilots checked the route; and agreed that it was correct. We also built the engine failure procedure in the fix page. Preflight briefing included a detailed discussion of the T procedure and terrain avoidance. The [SID] departure on runway XX requires a runway heading to intercept the 155 radial inbound to ZZZ (VOR). Taxied out and took off on runway XX. At about 800 feet AGL the flight director commanded a left turn. FO was flying and initially turned to the left and then said; 'this isn't right; we should be going to ZZZ (VOR)'; and rolled out of bank. The FMGC showed ZZZ (VOR) as the 'from' point; and ZZZZZ as the 'to' point even though we were approximately 5 miles south of ZZZ (VOR). I programmed the FMGC to proceed direct to ZZZ (VOR). Center called and asked if we were on the SID; and I replied that we were direct ZZZ (VOR). Climbing through 7000 feet we were cleared direct ZZZZZ.The reason for this report is that I am concerned that there may be an anomaly in the FMGC database for this airfield (this aircraft is [from a foreign air carrier]). I am virtually certain that we programmed the FMGC correctly. The FMGC directed us to turn miles prior to the first fix on the departure in mountainous terrain in IMC conditions; and I am not certain that we would have had terrain clearance if we followed the Flight director. Quick recognition from FO kept us from following the erroneous flight director commands. I am hoping that someone 'a lot smarter than me' could look into the data base; and possibly fly this departure in the simulator. It may save some other crew from making a hard left turn into terrain during night IMC conditions at ZZZ.

Callback: The reporter stated generally the FMC is dead on with very little variation. The reporter stated that in IMC conditions they wanted to avoid terrain so they chose to use the TAKEOFF MINIMUMS; (OBSTACLE) DEPARTURE PROCEDURES. The reporter stated that after takeoff the FMC wanted to take them in the opposite direction from the procedures so they reprogrammed the FMC to take them to a waypoint in the opposite direction to avoid terrain and proceeded without further disruption. The reporter also stated that he feels this may only be an anomaly for this airport and would like to fly this procedure in the simulator to ensure this procedure is programed correctly. The reporter also stated he would not like to see someone else fly this in IMC conditions; not knowing the area; and getting in terrain trouble. The reporter stated that very often if someone is taking off North and heading South; the FMC is programed to take the shortest route without regards to terrain to take you to your destination.

Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


Synopsis: A320 flight crew reported the FMC directed the aircraft's autopilot to turn in the wrong direction.