Heathrow Crash

I read recently that a double engine failure is like about a million to 1 or something ridiculus. If the APU was trying to get going then there would be some sort of major malfunction to disable both engines.

My money is still on fuel shortage, may even have a faulty fuel gauge.

The fact there was no fire and the tanks must of ruptured in the wings due to the under carriage puncturing it.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by DanDare

I read recently that a double engine failure is like about a million to 1 or something ridiculus. If the APU was trying to get going then there would be some sort of major malfunction to disable both engines.

My money is still on fuel shortage, may even have a faulty fuel gauge.

The fact there was no fire and the tanks must of ruptured in the wings due to the under carriage puncturing it.

More information about APU here

[TimTucker]

Originally Posted by gettin2dizzy

you'd be surprised how close the planes are to running out of fuel when they land; every kg transported uses additional fuel and causes more stress on the airframe on landing. Airlines have a very small profit margin so run as close to running out of fuel as they can. If you sit on a runway for 45 mins delayed; chances are they'll add more fuel as you won't have sufficient.

I've sat on runways for more than an hour waiting to take off and I can't say I've ever noticed a bowser come alongside to top us up before we head for the skies.

I think you'll find that the airlines try to run the planes as near to the limit as they can, but this limit is something like enough fuel for another thiry or forty-five minutes flying time. After all, if they come in on fumes and found something on the runway, then what could the pilot do?

There was a story a few years ago about Malaysian Airlines having their UK landing rights suspended because they were flying jets into Heathrow with fuel levels below this safe limit.

Another thing to consider is the fact that in order to gain its airworthiness certificate, a plane has to be able to safely execute a fully laden landing -- that's at its maximum cargo and passenger weight AND full of fuel -- and then stop as quickly as possible.

Airline pilots have to check fuel usage every 25 mins or so I believe so if they're a quarter of the way there and have used more than a quarter of their fuel they know they're in the crap. If the pilots had any idea it was low on fuel, they'd know ages beforehand and would have diverted surely. Unless they were playing chicken with it, like we all do when on reserve

Originally Posted by arenalife

if they're a quarter of the way there and have used more than a quarter of their fuel they know they're in the crap

No way That figures

Probably just wanted to see exactly what mileage you can get for a 777 til empty Check with boeing website forum for an upcoming boast on mileage

[SoulKiss]

"According to a Heathrow worker who spoke to pilot Peter Burkill, the
aircraft "shut down and lost power" when it was at 400ft and around 20
seconds from landing."

[Viney]

Originally Posted by Warthog

No way surely, if they were that low they would know about it and would have diverted to somewhere closer!!

M4? M25?

[Viney]

Originally Posted by DanDare

My money is still on fuel shortage, may even have a faulty fuel gauge.

Or a two stage flashing light

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

More information about APU here