Engines 'Did Not Respond' on Heathrow Air Crash Aircraft

Engines 'Did Not Respond' on Heathrow Air Crash Aircraft The initial investigation into Thursday's landing crash at London Heathrow Airport of a British Airways Boeing 777 has shown that the aircraft's engines failed to respond to demands for more thrust when the aicraft was on final approach.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) report said that initial analysis of the aircraft's flight data and voice recorders showed the 777's flight and approach to Heathrow's southern Runway 27L "to have progressed normally" until the aircraft was 600 ft and two miles from touchdown.

At that point, the report said, the aircraft's autothrottle "demanded an increase in thrust from the two engines, but the engines did not respond."

The autothrottle again asked for more power, but for a second time there was no reaction. After this, the AAIB said, the flight crew tried to move the throttle levers but still the engines did not respond.

With this, the 777's speed reduced and the aircraft "descended rapidly" before touching down 1,000 feet short of the runway on the grass threshold. The aircraft then skidded across the grass before coming to rest at the end of the runway.

As previously reported on Airport International, the aircraft sustained damage to its engine and wings.
All 136 passengers evacuated the aircraft quickly, with just 18 passengers being treated for minor injuries.

Heathrow Crash Flight Crew Speak to Media

Meanwhile, the aircraft's flight crew spoke on Friday to the media from BA's headquarters.
The pilot, Captain Peter Burkill, informed the press conference that his co-pilot, Senior First Officer John Coward, brought the aircraft into land.

Captain Burkill praised his colleague, saying First Officer Coward had done "a most remarkable job" in landing the 777.

He also said his other colleagues had shown "the highest standards of skill and professionalism".

"As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations. We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their place. Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board," Captain Burkill commented.

The pilot praised the emergency services for their response to the incident, and added: "I want to thank the passengers too for their calmness and good sense during extremely unfamiliar circumstances."

AAIB Crash Investigation Continues

During Friday, two large cranes were moved into position around the 777 to enable the AAIB to continue their investigations into the landing crash.

The AAIB said the investigation will now move onto "more detailed analysis of the flight recorder information, collecting further recorded information from various system modules and examining the range of aircraft systems that could influence engine operation."

The agency added they have already received technical assistance from Boeing and Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer. They said they will continue to work in conjunction with these two companies as the investigation continues.

Once again, a number of cancellations and delays were expected at Heathrow Airport today due to the south runway continuing to be out of action.

Airport International continues to advise passengers using Heathrow this weekend to check the Heathrow flight information website:

Heathrow Airport Flight Information

Source - Airport International's London Reporter