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A British Airways Boeing 777 has made an emergency crash landing at London Heathrow.

The 136 passengers and 16 crew members escaped down the emergency chutes once the aircraft had come to a stop. Six passengers were taken to hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The south runway has now been closed as the aircraft is still there. All of Heathrow’s fire services were called to the scene as well as six ambulances. The area around the aircraft was sprayed with foam as were the engines to prevent a fire as they were very hot.

The north runway is still open although flights, including Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s flight to China, were delayed. This was due to one runway obviously being closed and no fire cover for the rest of the airport as they were all attending the British Airways aircraft.

The aircraft was said to be flying unusally low when it was approaching the runway. Debris was flying everywhere and there was a very loud bang when the plane came down short of the runway. It then skidded along and slightly turned before coming to a stop at the beginning of the runway. The engine was also said to be a lot louder than normal.

BA have commended the cabin crew onboard the aircraft for an excellent and efficient evacuation. Onlookers have also praised the pilot as he was desperate to get the plane down and did so well considering he was struggling. There was a lot of dirt coming up from the grass where the plane landed and the pilot was said to be struggling to keep the plane straight.

Sparks were reported to be coming from the aircraft as it drifted along the concrete once it came off the grass, followed by an awful lot of smoke. The aircraft is damaged with a collapsed undercarriage and damage to the right wing and its engine. The wheels also came off after the plane touched down on the grass.

Some flights that were bound for Heathrow have now been diverted to Stansted and Luton.

BA have now set up a telephone helpline for any concerned friends or relatives of people that were on the aircraft. This is 0800 3894193.

Posted in Airline News, Airport News, British Airways

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