Tue, Oct 11, 2005
Echoes Of Athens Disaster Causes Fear Among British
Passengers
On any other airline, it might have
been considered merely a bad run of luck. But on a Helios Airways
737, it was eerily reminiscent of the Greek tragedy that left 121
people dead after their plane lost cabin pressure.
Twice over the weekend, a Helios 737 was forced to turn back on
flights from Cyprus because of faults detected in the air
pressurization system. Although the suspect pressurization valve
didn't control the flow of air to the cabin, the captains in both
cases decided turning back was the right thing to do.
As Aero-News extensively reported in real time, a
Helios 737 became a flying ghost ship on August 14th when it lost
cabin pressure at altitude. The aircraft flew deep into Greece,
escorted by two fighters, and eventually crashed when it ran out of
fuel.
The two incidents over the weekend were the latest in a series
of problems that have plagued Helios flights since the August
tragedy.
"Recent forced landings are worrying, particularly in the case
of Helios taking into account its small fleet," Transport Minister
Haris Thrassou said, quoted by Reuters.
Helios voluntarily grounded the 737-800 after the second
incident on Sunday -- just before the Cypriot Transport Ministry
ordered it to do so. The aircraft was checked by Boeing mechanics
as well as Transport officials before being returned to
service.
"Safety was, is and will continue to be our first and only
priority," Helios marketing and sales manager Nicos Anastassiades
said, also quoted by Reuters.
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