BA emergency landing blamed on failed maintenance checks

Air accident investigators say a maintenance failure is to blame for the emergency landing of British Airways jet at Heathrow last month.

The fan cowl doors on both engines had been left unlatched during maintenance checks, according to a report from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).

The doors became detached as the aircraft took off, puncturing a fuel pipe on the right engine of the Airbus A319, bound for Oslo.

When an airframe was also punctured, the 50-year-old pilot decided to return to Heathrow.

On the approach, an external fire developed on the right engine, so the flight crew declared a mayday.

The flight made an emergency landing at Heathrow and all 75 passengers and five crew were evacuated via the escape slides, without injury.

The three crew were later praised for their efficient actions.

The incident, on the morning of May 24, led to the temporary closure of both runways at London Heathrow.

In its report, the AAIB said fan cowl door latches are difficult to see "unless crouched down so that the bottom of the engine is clearly visible".

It said Airbus had recommended airlines strictly adhere to maintenance procedures following previous instances of fan cowl door separation on the A320 family of aircraft, which include the A319.

Last year Airbus said there had been 32 reported fan cowl door detachment events, 80% occurring during take-off.

On some occasions, significant damage was caused to the aircraft but none of the events resulted in a subsequent fire.

The report said: "This event has shown that the consequences of fan cowl door detachment are unpredictable and can present a greater risk to flight safety than previously experienced."

BA chairman Keith Williams said: "We welcome the publication of the AAIB interim report. We continue to co-operate fully with the investigation team and can confirm that appropriate initial action has already been taken in accordance with the AAIB’s safety recommendation to Airbus.

"We regret we are precluded from releasing or discussing any additional details while the AAIB investigation is ongoing.

"We commend the professionalism of the flight crew for the safe landing of the plane and the cabin crew and pilots for its safe evacuation.

"We continue to offer our full support to those customers who were onboard the flight."

by Bev Fearis