British Airways flight continues after losing engine

Airline Industry Information, March 3, 2005

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2005 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

A British Airways aircraft flying from Los Angeles International Airport to London's Heathrow Airport continued on its 11-hour journey after one of its four engines lost power shortly after takeoff on 19 February.

The pilot made an emergency landing in Manchester, England, because the Boeing 747, carrying 351 passengers, ran low on fuel after encountering headwinds that were stronger than expected, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said.

The FAA and British aviation officials are investigating the case to decide whether any regulations were broken. The decision not to turn back after losing an engine has reportedly raised concerns about a new European Union law which requires European carriers to reimburse passengers for substantial delays.

There is no evidence however that the airline's decision to continue the flight was influenced by the new regulation. The Boeing 747 is certified to fly on three engines and pilots are trained for such situations, said a British Airways spokesperson.

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