VS has just landed at LGW and are evacuating using slides. Any details??
All landing aircraft are holding south of the airport. Any diverts yet?
[Edited 2012-04-16 04:44:32]
Moderators: richierich, ua900, PanAm_DC10, hOMSaR
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Looks as though some eayJet and Norwegian flights are diverting to STN.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
G-VSXY, A333, squawked 7700, turned back to gatwick about 30 mins out. thats all i can see from flightradar.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Some flights diverting to Southampton also. TOM on approach after what appears some circling on approach.
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- flybehubby
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Agreed btblue. Aircraft on radar leaving holds still 6000ft plus and heading in STN direction.
Having checked Gatwick's arrival board I can't work out which VS flight it would be unless VS43 to LAS or VS27 to MCO came back in? Or maybe a LHR divert.
Having checked Gatwick's arrival board I can't work out which VS flight it would be unless VS43 to LAS or VS27 to MCO came back in? Or maybe a LHR divert.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
My friend is watching it, hopefully will get some pics soon.
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- flybehubby
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Apparently fire in rear hold. Smoke entered the cabin hence reason for slides
[Edited 2012-04-16 05:04:40]
[Edited 2012-04-16 05:04:40]
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Looks like it is VS027 - A333 bound for Orlando.
http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/VIR27
[Edited 2012-04-16 05:07:30]
http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/VIR27
[Edited 2012-04-16 05:07:30]
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- vikinga346
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting btblue (Reply 8): |
Yes, that's it. If you do a playback on flightradar24.com you can see the a/c reached about FL 210 and then made a rapid descent. They potentially have had to declare mayday to get the plane in that quick.... immediate landing. Supports the cargo hold fire theory as I imagine an engine failure would have needed some troubleshooting and subsequent hold...?
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- shufflemoomin
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Do passenger aircraft have fire suppression systems in the holds? How effective are these in general? Is an emergency landing and evacuation still required even if by all signs the fire is out?
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
I wonder how heavy she was when she landed... could be some over-stressing happening there that will need to be looked at.
Glad she made it back safe n sound.
Glad she made it back safe n sound.
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- vikinga346
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
GRRR! News say it was a Virgin A320
Flights in and out of Gatwick have been suspended after an aircraft was forced to make a full emergency landing due to a "technical issue".
The Virgin A320 had left Gatwick bound for Orlando when it had to return to make the landing.
A Gatwick Airport spokeswoman said: "It has made a safe emergency landing, the emergency services are on the scene and the aircraft is safe and passengers are being disembarked.
"Because the aircraft is on the runway all flights in and out of Gatwick are suspended until further notice."
Flights in and out of Gatwick have been suspended after an aircraft was forced to make a full emergency landing due to a "technical issue".
The Virgin A320 had left Gatwick bound for Orlando when it had to return to make the landing.
A Gatwick Airport spokeswoman said: "It has made a safe emergency landing, the emergency services are on the scene and the aircraft is safe and passengers are being disembarked.
"Because the aircraft is on the runway all flights in and out of Gatwick are suspended until further notice."
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Good to see she made a safe landing into Gatwick.
I'm guessing the A330 has the option to dump fuel? Is that a standard feature or an optional extra? I know that a few BA 767's that are in Longhaul Configuration (previously Shorthaul) don't have Fuel dumping equipment on them which could be very risky if they have an engine failure if they're fully laden for Nassau etc. Can fuel dump be installed after an aircraft has been built or not?
GCPET
| Quoting vikinga346 (Reply 14): I imagine she would have been very heavy.... I don't reckon they had time to dump fuel due to the rapid descent and landing. |
I'm guessing the A330 has the option to dump fuel? Is that a standard feature or an optional extra? I know that a few BA 767's that are in Longhaul Configuration (previously Shorthaul) don't have Fuel dumping equipment on them which could be very risky if they have an engine failure if they're fully laden for Nassau etc. Can fuel dump be installed after an aircraft has been built or not?
GCPET
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- planefixer
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Looks like the cargo loader is on the rear hold
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- readytotaxi
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Have a friend at LGW flying to Tenerife at 1500,she said that word is no chance of a departure before 1700.
Understandably little firm information to be had at the moment for passengers.
Looking on Flightradar lot of empty airspace around LGW, Easyjet all seem to be going to STN.
Glad everyones safe.
Understandably little firm information to be had at the moment for passengers.
Looking on Flightradar lot of empty airspace around LGW, Easyjet all seem to be going to STN.
Glad everyones safe.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting planefixer (Reply 19): Looks like the cargo loader is on the rear hold |
Supports the cargo hold fire theory.
GCPET
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Looks as though they were lucky - an hour out and lord only knows how this would have ended. Worse still, mid way over the Atlantic.
Doesn't the A330 have suppression systems in its hold for fires? Would this have been activated and thus an emergency landing declared?
Good all are safe and well.
Doesn't the A330 have suppression systems in its hold for fires? Would this have been activated and thus an emergency landing declared?
Good all are safe and well.
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- Holidaycharter
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
EZY5357 LGW-VIE just taken off.
[Edited 2012-04-16 06:09:57]
[Edited 2012-04-16 06:09:57]
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
How was the evacuation carried out? I can't see any evidence of the slides having been inflated from that picture above or the clip on the BBC News site.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Gatwick seems to be getting back to normal.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Looks like things are moving again according to FR24
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- Holidaycharter
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Outbounds moving now, been watching Nax36c inbound been holding a long while.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Reports are that Gatwick are using the standby runway 08L
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- Clydenairways
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- planefixer
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
They would not usually take the pax luggage off while the aircraft is still disabled on the runway, they would wait until it had been towed off to a remote stand.
There is one inflated slide just on the floor fwd of the aircraft. It was used in the evacuation, but crew need to enter the aircraft, so it was detached and a ladder was used to gain access to the plane by fire / ground crew.
On the BBC news website, there is a picture taken by someone on the ground, clearly showing all slides deployed with passengers on the taxiway.
[Edited 2012-04-16 06:30:31]
There is one inflated slide just on the floor fwd of the aircraft. It was used in the evacuation, but crew need to enter the aircraft, so it was detached and a ladder was used to gain access to the plane by fire / ground crew.
On the BBC news website, there is a picture taken by someone on the ground, clearly showing all slides deployed with passengers on the taxiway.
[Edited 2012-04-16 06:30:31]
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting ZSOFN (Reply 24): How was the evacuation carried out? I can't see any evidence of the slides having been inflated from that picture above or the clip on the BBC News site. |
The slides were deployed - but after the evacuation it looks like they were detached (pic on the flight global FB page shows slides detached)
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- divemaster08
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
It looks like the slides were used, and then after the "stand down" they removed them, closed the doors and brought in a stairs for the front (as the SKY shot shows)
Surprised they are allowed to do this. After the evacuation is complete and it appears everything is sorted, I would think LGW would want to remove the aircraft from the runway to clear it, and get things back into operations.
I do think that most ETOPS aircraft have to have fire suppression in the cargo. Maybe a lot of the aircraft now since the SAA incident in the Indian Ocean.
Surprised they are allowed to do this. After the evacuation is complete and it appears everything is sorted, I would think LGW would want to remove the aircraft from the runway to clear it, and get things back into operations.
I do think that most ETOPS aircraft have to have fire suppression in the cargo. Maybe a lot of the aircraft now since the SAA incident in the Indian Ocean.
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- BrianDromey
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting vikinga346 (Reply 14): I imagine she would have been very heavy.... I don't reckon they had time to dump fuel due to the rapid descent and landing. |
I don't believe the A330 has a fuel dump system, only the A340.
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- gulfstream650
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
From Wikipedia, most long-range twins (B767, B777, A310, A330) do not need a fuel-dump system, as long as they fulfill les FAR 25.119 et FAR 25.121 regulations.
They state that a jettison system is not required if the climb requirements of FAR 25.119 (Landing Climb) and FAR 25.121 (Approach Climb) could be met, assuming a 15-minute flight. In other words, for a go-around with full landing flaps and all engines operating, and at approach flap setting and one engine inoperative, respectively.
They state that a jettison system is not required if the climb requirements of FAR 25.119 (Landing Climb) and FAR 25.121 (Approach Climb) could be met, assuming a 15-minute flight. In other words, for a go-around with full landing flaps and all engines operating, and at approach flap setting and one engine inoperative, respectively.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
That's sad. All those people missing their holiday. Must be a lot of disappointed kids on that plane.
That must have been a heavy landing with all its fuel still onboard.
That must have been a heavy landing with all its fuel still onboard.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
This is now hitting the Orlando media. They're reporting the cause as smoke in the cockpit.
Cheers,
Dave in Orlando
Cheers,
Dave in Orlando
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- readytotaxi
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting babybus (Reply 37): That's sad. All those people missing their holiday. Must be a lot of disappointed kids on that plane. |
Very true, has anyone told those waiting at Orlando they won't be coming home tonight?
And on the BBC website a quote from a passenger:
Another passenger, Mark Bell, from Bracknell, said: "I knew something was wrong when we took off."
Wow.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting BrianDromey (Reply 34): I don't believe the A330 has a fuel dump system, only the A340. |
The fuel-dump system is required and so standard on the A340. It is not required, so optional on the A330. It's easy to tell if the aircraft can dump fuel as there is a nozzle attached to the 3rd flap track fairing.
Fuel-Dump system fitted (Hawaiian Air, TAM)
 Photo © Je89 W. |  Photo © AirSpeed |
Fuel-Dump system not fitted (Finnair, Eidelweiss)
 Photo © Jukka Hemila |  Photo © Tis Meyer |
Virgin Atlantic's A330's don't have the tell tale nozzle, so not able to dump fuel.
 Photo © John Farrington - FlightLineImages |  Photo © OlivierG |
Regards
CROSSWIND
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting readytotaxi (Reply 39): Another passenger, Mark Bell, from Bracknell, said: "I knew something was wrong when we took off." |
My wife is convinced of the same thing on every flight we're on. I dread the day something actually happens and I get the "See, I told you!"
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Interesting what some of the passengers have said in the BBC article....
"I knew something was wrong when we took off.
"The plane was really wobbly. The cabin crew made things worse. They were all really panicked.
"We weren't told anything other than we had to go back to Gatwick and make an emergency landing.
"We circled the airport twice before making an emergency landing. We were told to evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."
(source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17730154)
The first bit makes me laugh somewhat....but interesting to hear that the passenger's perception of the crew is that they were panicking. All the SEP training I've seen tends to assume that crew have ample time to prepare for an emergency landing (e.g. http://youtu.be/Gg8gZ92t3kw) which was clearly not the case in this incident. I dunno, possibly a factor.
"I knew something was wrong when we took off.
"The plane was really wobbly. The cabin crew made things worse. They were all really panicked.
"We weren't told anything other than we had to go back to Gatwick and make an emergency landing.
"We circled the airport twice before making an emergency landing. We were told to evacuate, evacuate, evacuate."
(source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17730154)
The first bit makes me laugh somewhat....but interesting to hear that the passenger's perception of the crew is that they were panicking. All the SEP training I've seen tends to assume that crew have ample time to prepare for an emergency landing (e.g. http://youtu.be/Gg8gZ92t3kw) which was clearly not the case in this incident. I dunno, possibly a factor.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Supposed fire in hold.....somehow my thoughts divert towards lithium batteries???
This has been an issue for a longer period already, so might, repeat, might be a reason.
Anyone with more detailed info about cargo loads on this flight?
This has been an issue for a longer period already, so might, repeat, might be a reason.
Anyone with more detailed info about cargo loads on this flight?
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting nclmedic (Reply 43): but interesting to hear that the passenger's perception of the crew is that they were panicking. |
I think the passengers, probably near panic themselves, mistake the crew rushing to get things ready for the landing and subsequent evacuation for panic. I've never experienced it myself, but I'm sure the evacuation itself can also sound like "panicking crew" when they're yelling for everyone to get out, when they're really doing just what they're supposed to be doing.
As for the "I knew something was wrong" and "the plane was wobbly" comments, those are just passengers reading some perceived problem into the problem that actually occurred.
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- syncmaster
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting nclmedic (Reply 43): All the SEP training I've seen tends to assume that crew have ample time to prepare for an emergency landing (e.g. http://youtu.be/Gg8gZ92t3kw) which was clearly not the case in this incident. I dunno, possibly a factor. |
Training is definitely important, but I think there is a big difference between the mental issues involved with training and it actually happening. With that said, I also think people over react and the crew was probably doing their job as trained.
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- readytotaxi
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting MikeCT (Reply 41): My wife is convinced of the same thing on every flight we're on. I dread the day something actually happens and I get the "See, I told you!" |
Light hearted humour.
In future,let her make all the bookings and then as the plane plunges towards the ground you can turn to her and say,"this is your fault,you booked us on this flight."
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- virgincrew
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VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
Let's just be thankful that all pax's & crew are safe.
I can vouch for VS's SEP training as being very thorough ! No-one can say how they would re-act in this kind of situation. As mentioned above, they may not of had alot of time to brief the cabin and pax's. All cabin crew hope they would act with professionlism and calmness, but at the end of the day all cabin crew are human.
I somehow think this is the last thing of their minds after being evacuated from the aircraft.
I am sure all pax's invloved will be offered the chance to continue their journey.
| Quoting nclmedic (Reply 43): The first bit makes me laugh somewhat....but interesting to hear that the passenger's perception of the crew is that they were panicking. All the SEP training I've seen tends to assume that crew have ample time to prepare for an emergency landing (e.g. http://youtu.be/Gg8gZ92t3kw) which was clearly not the case in this incident. I dunno, possibly a factor. |
I can vouch for VS's SEP training as being very thorough ! No-one can say how they would re-act in this kind of situation. As mentioned above, they may not of had alot of time to brief the cabin and pax's. All cabin crew hope they would act with professionlism and calmness, but at the end of the day all cabin crew are human.
| Quoting babybus (Reply 37): That's sad. All those people missing their holiday. Must be a lot of disappointed kids on that plane. |
I somehow think this is the last thing of their minds after being evacuated from the aircraft.
I am sure all pax's invloved will be offered the chance to continue their journey.
VS Evacuation @ LGW April 16
| Quoting hanuise (Reply 36): From Wikipedia, most long-range twins (B767, B777, A310, A330) do not need a fuel-dump system, as long as they fulfill les FAR 25.119 et FAR 25.121 regulations. |
That's not correct. Every 777 and most 767s have a fuel jettison system. Only a few older lighter weight non-ER 767-200s don't have fuel jettison.
Extended cargo fire suppression (at least 195 minutes worth of it) is required for ETOPS so the A330 would have had it.
| Quoting babybus (Reply 37): That's sad. All those people missing their holiday. Must be a lot of disappointed kids on that plane. |
No, that's a minor inconvenience. What would be sad is if the crew reacted poorly like the crew of Swissair 111 and the airplane plunged into the ocean in flames. That would be sad. Better to have kids miss a day of their holiday, than miss the rest of their lives.
I don't have all the details, but it sounds like the VS crew did exactly what they should have done and handled the situation very appropriately.
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