Contaminated Fuel Could Be Factor In January 17 Landing
Accident
British Air Accident Investigation
Branch inspectors continue to study the fuel system of the British
Airways Boeing 777-200ER that crash-landed last week at Heathrow
Airport in London. While the exact cause of the January 17 accident
has not yet been established, investigators are looking closely at
the possibility of a fuel flow interruption or fuel contamination,
reports The Seattle Times.
As ANN reported last week,
the AAIB -- which initially indicated the 777’s Rolls Royce
Trent 895 had failed to respond to the auto-throttle command -- now
says both engines spooled up when commanded, but thrust levels soon
reduced. The number two (right) engine reduced thrust after about
three seconds, while the number one (left) engine reduced after
about eight seconds.
This appears to be consistent with post-crash photos, which show
considerable fan damage to number one, while number two is
relatively intact. Investigators say both engines continued to
produce thrust at an engine speed above flight idle, but far less
than commanded thrust.
The 777, with 136 passengers and 16 crew, lost power about two
miles from touchdown at a height of 600 feet.
Investigators say "All possible scenarios that could explain the
thrust reduction and continued lack of response to throttle-lever
inputs are being examined," and add that flight data recorder
information indicates normal performance from both engine control
commands and the auto-throttle.
The accident resulted in few injuries, mostly from exiting the
aircraft. The co-pilot has been highly praised for his skill in
clearing the houses near the end of the runway and putting the
aircraft into the grass.
Also, good news for passengers and investigators alike: the jet
survived largely intact, a significant help in determining the
cause of the accident.
After fueling in Beijing, the aircraft flew nonstop to London,
arriving with "adequate" fuel on board according to officials. The
flight apparently encountered extremely cold temperatures of -60 to
-75 degrees Celsius while flying over Russia and northern Europe.
Such low temperatures are normally not a problem with jet fuel, but
could adversely affect potentially contaminated fuel.
The accident was the first crash of a 777 in more than a dozen
years of flying extremely long-haul routes all over the world.
The investigation continues, and ANN will bring you updates as
they become available.