An initial report is expected this weekend into the incident involving a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER that landed short of London Heathrow”s runway 27L yesterday (17 January).
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is working with the US National Transportation Safety Board, as well as the engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce, whose Trent 800 powerplants were on the aircraft, to establish a preliminary cause of the incident.
It would appear that the 136 passengers, three flight and 16 cabin crew of flight BA038 operating from Beijing to London, had a remarkable escape as the 777 landed significantly short of the runway.
Various speculative theories have been put forward as to why the aircraft landed so short, including a sudden loss of power or bird strike, although the AAIB should clarify matters shortly.
Television pictures show extensive damage to both engines and wings of the 777, which still remains stranded on the threshold of runway 27L, although aircraft are being allowed to depart using a shortened take-off run.
”At present, my staff are involved in preliminary inquiries to establish the known facts of the accident,” said AAIB chief inspector of air accidents, David King. ”I will release an initial report within 48h of the accident, which will provide the known circumstances.
”The cause (s) of the accident can take some time to establish, but I will also release a preliminary report within 30 days. The final report may take considerably longer to produce, but I also have a duty of care to take any action we consider necessary as soon as we become aware of any safety-related aspects arising from the investigation.”
BA says that the 777 ” of which there are 42 in its fleet, and which was manufactured in 2001- underwent ”routine maintenance” just two months ago, although the carrier pointed enquires in the direction of the AAIB as to any incident cause.
”We are advising passengers to keep an eye on ba.com,” said a spokesman for the carrier. ”In terms of operations, this morning has been reasonable and 100% of long-haul [flights] are due to go and 90% of short-haul.
”The 777 is now in the hands of the AAIB, which has started its investigation.”
BA is saying that the aircraft carried out an ”emergency landing,” although it not yet known if the crew declared any emergency. The carrier”s CEO Willie Walsh, himself a former pilot, commented: ”The captain of our aircraft is one of our most experienced and has been flying with us for nearly 20 years.
”Our crew are trained to deal with these situations and our flight and cabin staff did a magnificent job, safely evacuating all 136 passengers.”
A short-haul knock-on effect is expected throughout the day as aircraft, pilots and cabin crew re-position following diversions to Stansted and Luton yesterday, although all services from Gatwick are expected to operate normally.
Heathrow also received dispensation from the Department for Transport to operate some night flights last evening and contacted local residents to advise them of this ”exceptional circumstance.”