United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - 30 July UA 724 [HNL-SFO] Takeoff Aborted - Control Issue

Hard brake. Hard stop. Fire rescue rolled to check tires. Maintenance needs to check landing gear.

Update. Three HFD checks on tires. Back at the gate.

Pilot said accelerated to 140 knots (need 162 for takeoff) and airspeed hesitated. He wasn't sure if he was about to lose an engine or it was windsheer. He says wind sheer. He called it a dramatic stop. We are at the gate for another hour while maintenance goes through its checklist.

Two FAs timed out and left. Two came on board from the HNL base. Easy update called and we are now set for a 4:00PM departure.

Were you on the reef runway?

Were you on the reef runway?

Yes. Pilot is standing in front of me talking to people.

Two events airspeed stopped accelerating and side sway.

Interesting - never had a hard stop. Glad to see the post not asking what the compensation is for a hard stop... and even more glad it's a long runway and all is well.

Interesting - never had a hard stop. Glad to see the post not asking what the compensation is for a hard stop... and even more glad it's a long runway and all is well.

Not here, but there is a woman in 2F who hasn't shut up about getting compensation for this.

The pilot has been fantastic, answering all questions, making regular announcements. He even came on the PA to say he was going to do the walk around and not to worry, he will be back. :D

Not here, but there is a woman in 2F who hasn't shut up about getting compensation for this.

The pilot has been fantastic, answering all questions, making regular announcements. He even came on the PA to say he was going to do the walk around and not to worry, he will be back. :D

Compensation because the pilot was sucessful in ensuring passenger safety. What have we come to? She should take surface transport to the mainland.

Compensation because the pilot was sucessful in ensuring passenger safety. What have we come to? She should take surface transport to the mainland.



Unreal, A high speed reject is among the most dangerous things that happen in big airplanes. It sounds as if it was handled very well. You can google aborted takeoffs and high speed rejects and see some of the outcomes. Tell 2F that she should be very happy that the Capt did such a good job. Also, nice to be on 8R since it's a long runway.

Amazing story. Glad you're all safe. Assume you were taking off in direction of water? Sure want to get the calculations right in that situation. Sounds like less 20 seconds to V1?

There's a recent thread in which certain individuals are saying that airplanes fly themselves so the arguments about pilot training being important are bogus and that pilots basically aren't "entitled" to their professional level wages since all they do is show up and sit there while the plane does everything for them.

This thread should be required reading for all of them.

I had to look it up to be sure...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rejected_takeoff

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UA 724 | Mon., Jul. 30, 2012
Departs : HNL - Arrives : HNL
United Flight 724

Departure Date: Mon., Jul. 30, 2012

Status: Returned to Gate

Departed:
Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Scheduled: 12:35 PM
Actual: 12:42 PM
Terminal: diamond head concourse
Gate: 8


Arrived:
Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Scheduled: 8:30 PM
Actual: 2:06 PM

I had to look it up to be sure...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rejected_takeoff

Rejected take offs are not every day, but they aren't all that uncommon. See them frequently on Avherald. My only experience was on a United DC-8 CLE-DEN some years ago.

Tell the woman she should be very happy with the comp she already got......she's alive :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Unreal, A high speed reject is among the most dangerous things that happen in big airplanes.
Oh really ??
I have a Commercial Pilot's License, but am just a Cessna jockey myself, so not really qualified to speak for the "big ones".
I can say after many years working as an Ops AAgent in the AA Ramp Tower at DFW that Rejected Takeoffs (RTO) are a fairly common occurrence. High speed, not as common, but also not rare.

My years at DFW I can only recall one RTO that didn't end with the plane taxiing off the runway. If you googled it, I doubt you'd have much of a problem finding the AA70 RTO.
However, I doubt you'd find much on a dozen or so other high speed RTOs that happened on my watch. Like today's event, they can be hair raising to the passengers, but in the long term are not news worthy. IMHO, I wouldn't say that being able to Google RTOs that didn't end as planned means they're "among the most dangerous things that happen in big airplanes".
High speed RTOs are a specific item practiced every 6 months in the simulator during Recurrent Training. The crews are prepared for them because they do happen.

It sounds as if it was handled very well.
^^^

Tell the woman she should be very happy with the comp she already got......she's alive :rolleyes::rolleyes:

+1
Sounds like the captain did an amazing job. ^

I'm home now. The Captain and F/O and crew were outstanding.

It's funny what you remember when these things happen so fast. I keep flashing back to me and the woman sitting next to me in Row 1 with our feet planted firmly on the floor trying to keep us in our seats. It brings a whole new reality to giving your searbelt an extra tug like the pilots always say. It reminded me of Fred Flintstone stopping his car.

The woman behind me was thrown forward into my seat when we came to a stop, but she was okay. The Purser said she was plastered to her backward facing seat and in 37 years of flying she had never been through an aborted take off.

I was in an aisle seat or I would have snapped a picture of the HFD person in the metallic fire suit cautiously approaching the plane to take the heat reading on the tires. It looked like a sci-fi movie.

When we finally returned to the gate the pilot told us later that UA had human factors people on the plane immediately to interview the pilot and F/O to make sure they were okay to fly.

The FAs started drink service when we were at the gate and served us hot nuts and later the snack basket.

There were 2 folks from F who left the plane when we returned to the gate.

There was only one inflight passenger incident. The purser handled it beautifully with diplomacy and grace. I don't know what the issue was, but this mother of 2 small children was having a meltdown and was boiling over with anger. I did chuckle when the seatbelt light went on and the woman had to return to her seat muttering all the way back to Y. My guess is that someone asked the captain to do that. I spoke with the purser later and told her she handled the situation beautifully. She said the woman just needed to vent. In the end we landed 3 hours late, which under the circumstances wasn't bad at all.

Special thanks to all the FAs who remained on board, even though they timed out.

I can't answer mitchmu's question, although the pilot was saying something about V and some numbers to one of the passengers asking questions. He did put his hand to his chest and patted it twice and said we were that close, during that conversation.

The purser said she was required to read a message from the pro team which was basically the same apology language in the email I received from customer service when I landed--although they just said it was a flight delay. 15000 miles, $350 ecert or 20% off economy flight.

I'm glad to be home, but still slightly wired from the experience.

Oh and thanks to whomever it was who made the thread title more clear. :D

My years at DFW I can only recall one RTO that didn't end with the plane taxiing off the runway. If you googled it, I doubt you'd have much of a problem finding the AA70 RTO.

NTSB Special Investigation Report here:
http://libraryonline.erau.edu/online-full-text/ntsb/special-investigation-reports/SIR90-01.pdf

AV Herald report (www.avherald.com/h?article=4538872a)

A United Boeing 777-200, registration N212UA performing flight UA-724 from Honolulu,HI to San Francisco,CA (USA), rejected takeoff from Honolulu's runway 08R at high speed at about 12:59L (22:59Z). The crew subsequently reported they had encountered a control issue at about 120 KIAS and aborted reaching a maximum speed of 145 KIAS and requested emergency services to check their brakes and tyres.

I'm home now. The Captain and F/O and crew were outstanding.

It's funny what you remember when these things happen so fast. I keep flashing back to me and the woman sitting next to me in Row 1 with our feet planted firmly on the floor trying to keep us in our seats. It brings a whole new reality to giving your searbelt an extra tug like the pilots always say. It reminded me of Fred Flintstone stopping his car.

The woman behind me was thrown forward into my seat when we came to a stop, but she was okay. The Purser said she was plastered to her backward facing seat and in 37 years of flying she had never been through an aborted take off.
...

Your experience has me thinking. Would you have been able to hold on to an infant at the initial unexpected deceleration, and continue to hold onto them during the continuous deceleration? Junior Boiflyer has made 4 round trips as a lap infant during his first year, another one coming up, and maybe 2 or 3 more before he hits two. Just curious what you think.

Oh really ??
I have a Commercial Pilot's License, but am just a Cessna jockey myself, so not really qualified to speak for the "big ones".
I can say after many years working as an Ops AAgent in the AA Ramp Tower at DFW that Rejected Takeoffs (RTO) are a fairly common occurrence. High speed, not as common, but also not rare.

I will point out that the poster you quoted probably has some experience with the "big ones," based on his username and his posts in another thread.

Pat - glad to know you and everybody else are okay. Thanks for your detailed and interesting posts.

It's one of those instances when we can all be grateful for the skill and professionalism of pilots, not to mention your pilot's communication with the pax. ^

Tell the woman she should be very happy with the comp she already got......she's alive :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Wonder what compensation she would have requested if she needed to swim back to shore :rolleyes:

Geez, some people....:rolleyes:

I have only had 2 in my life, and both on the same day, same plane. I was flying TWA ORD-STL, all flights cancelled except this one TWA flight. We were in high speed all the sudden we slam the brakes. Yikes, a bit scary but nothing big. About an hour later, still snowing, bad, we try to take off. Captain says it's safe no issues. We'll, big bang and boom and we slam on the brakes again. Captain makes a comment the 3rd time is a charm, We'll I and half the plane get off and decide to get a refund. Flight did go out an hour later.

UA724 on 7/30 was operated by a PMUA 777... N212UA. Glad all were safe.

Great video of an RTO performed during the 777 certification process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpjBxD0Rhg

Oh really ??
I have a Commercial Pilot's License, but am just a Cessna jockey myself, so not really qualified to speak for the "big ones".
I can say after many years working as an Ops AAgent in the AA Ramp Tower at DFW that Rejected Takeoffs (RTO) are a fairly common occurrence. High speed, not as common, but also not rare.


RTO may not be uncommon, but that's not to say that the poster you quoted was incorrect that RTO are among the most dangerous things for a big airplane. The poster did not say that RTO are necessarily dangerous in an absolute sense, but rather that there are few things that are more dangerous in a relative sense. I am also only a lowly Cessna Jockey, but I have to believe that few things occur on a big plane that are more dangerous than RTO. Of course, that RTO generally go without a hitch speaks volumes to how safe airline flying is.

Your experience has me thinking. Would you have been able to hold on to an infant at the initial unexpected deceleration, and continue to hold onto them during the continuous deceleration? Junior Boiflyer has made 4 round trips as a lap infant during his first year, another one coming up, and maybe 2 or 3 more before he hits two. Just curious what you think.

I have taken my kids as lap infants a number of times (sometimes I would buy a ticket). I always held them tight on takeoff, but I wouldn't be surprised if an event like this would have sent them flying into the seat in front. Something to think about for sure.

Re: the lap infant issue - just came off an intra-European LH flight this past weekend. There was a guy with a lap infant - they hand out special seatbelts for them that attach to the adult's seatbelt. Was pretty interesting.

Re: the lap infant issue - just came off an intra-European LH flight this past weekend. There was a guy with a lap infant - they hand out special seatbelts for them that attach to the adult's seatbelt. Was pretty interesting.

I saw the same type of seatbelt on my CX flights last month.

Your experience has me thinking. Would you have been able to hold on to an infant at the initial unexpected deceleration, and continue to hold onto them during the continuous deceleration? Junior Boiflyer has made 4 round trips as a lap infant during his first year, another one coming up, and maybe 2 or 3 more before he hits two. Just curious what you think.

That's an excellent question. I don't know how many lap infants were on the flight, but no one on board was injured. I would think if you were alert during takeoff and had a firm hold on the infant in anticipation of an event like this you would be in a better situation. Like I said, the woman behind me was thrown into my seat. If she had a lap infant, it would have had some sort of injury. Many people braced against the seat in front of them. Since I was in row 1 my only choice was the Fred Flintstone stance. I would like to think that I would have diverted that energy to holding onto an infant and just let the seatbelt hold me back.

Pat - glad to know you and everybody else are okay. Thanks for your detailed and interesting posts.

It's one of those instances when we can all be grateful for the skill and professionalism of pilots, not to mention your pilot's communication with the pax. ^

Indeed! The fact that the pilot came out into the cabin and was willing to talk to anyone and answer questions helped tremendously with keeping the passengers calm and confident. The Captain is SFO based. I have his card. The Purser was one of the regulars on the route and knows me well. I was glad they were on board!

UA724 on 7/30 was operated by a PMUA 777... N212UA. Glad all were safe.

Great video of an RTO performed during the 777 certification process:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpjBxD0Rhg

I was glad to be on a PMUA 777 with a PMUA crew. :D

Re: the lap infant issue - just came off an intra-European LH flight this past weekend. There was a guy with a lap infant - they hand out special seatbelts for them that attach to the adult's seatbelt. Was pretty interesting.

I've seen those belts on many international carriers and always wondered why we didn't have them here.

I've seen those belts on many international carriers and always wondered why we didn't have them here.

The FAA forbids them (http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/):

Also, supplemental lap restraints or "belly belts" are not approved for use in both airplanes and vehicles in the United States.


Yes, I'd rather have one for an infant than nothing at all.

The FAA forbids them (http://www.faa.gov/passengers/fly_children/crs/):

Yes, I'd rather have one for an infant than nothing at all.

I have read that the danger with those belly belts is that the adult can crush the baby -- which they deem worse than having the baby thrown as a projectile.

Tell the woman she should be very happy with the comp she already got......she's alive :rolleyes::rolleyes:

Bingo.:D

Oh really ??
I have a Commercial Pilot's License, but am just a Cessna jockey myself, so not really qualified to speak for the "big ones".
I can say after many years working as an Ops AAgent in the AA Ramp Tower at DFW that Rejected Takeoffs (RTO) are a fairly common occurrence. High speed, not as common, but also not rare.

My years at DFW I can only recall one RTO that didn't end with the plane taxiing off the runway. If you googled it, I doubt you'd have much of a problem finding the AA70 RTO.
However, I doubt you'd find much on a dozen or so other high speed RTOs that happened on my watch. Like today's event, they can be hair raising to the passengers, but in the long term are not news worthy. IMHO, I wouldn't say that being able to Google RTOs that didn't end as planned means they're "among the most dangerous things that happen in big airplanes".
High speed RTOs are a specific item practiced every 6 months in the simulator during Recurrent Training. The crews are prepared for them because they do happen.


^^^

I can assure you that you cannot compare a propeller powered Cessna to a large and heavy airliner. This is not to put down the Cessna. The many decisions that have to be made in a split second can have a lot of consequences.

While our takeoff speeds are all calculated based upon the environmental conditions and weights. A heavy airplane on a hot day stopping from 150 Knots can cause a huge amount of brake energy which can lead to brake fires, dangerous blown tires, etc. Add on top of this an emergency evacuation with fire equipment rolling etc, it can be bad news. Obviously, a lot of variables and far too many to talk about here but as you know those of us that fly heavy airplanes train regularly in these high speed rejects. And it's a good thing as most of the outcomes are like this one. However, it only takes a few small things for these to go wrong. The airplanes are obviously getting better as well with many having RTO brake settings. Although, some cheaper airlines may not pay for that option as it's an option just like a car. I have flown 757s with and without them.

Also, they can be a lot more than hair raising for passengers. Lap children especially. It's why I always bought my kids their own seats when they were under 2.

People have become so accustomed to flying uneventfully they don't think about these things happening. Instead they complain when they were saved by superior airmanship. An example, I never take my shoes off until airborne in case of a high speed reject and an emergency evacuation.




RTO may not be uncommon, but that's not to say that the poster you quoted was incorrect that RTO are among the most dangerous things for a big airplane. The poster did not say that RTO are necessarily dangerous in an absolute sense, but rather that there are few things that are more dangerous in a relative sense. I am also only a lowly Cessna Jockey, but I have to believe that few things occur on a big plane that are more dangerous than RTO. Of course, that RTO generally go without a hitch speaks volumes to how safe airline flying is.

I have taken my kids as lap infants a number of times (sometimes I would buy a ticket). I always held them tight on takeoff, but I wouldn't be surprised if an event like this would have sent them flying into the seat in front. Something to think about for sure.


Thank you for clarifying this for me as this is what I was basically saying. And see my comment above amount infants.

Only RTO I recall was many years ago at JFK in a 727. The #2 engine stalled (with a loud bang) due to a crosswind gust. The pilot said that wasn't that unusual on "the rocket". Had to have been EA or AA. I don't remember how fast we were going, but it was... exciting.

Back to the HNL RTO: Definitely good to have been on 8R. Theoretically, the Space Shuttle could have landed on 8R in an emergency.

N212UA sounds very familiar; I'm sure I've been on it. Isn't that one of the 2-class domestic 777's they keep on the HNL routes?

Your experience has me thinking. Would you have been able to hold on to an infant at the initial unexpected deceleration, and continue to hold onto them during the continuous deceleration? Junior Boiflyer has made 4 round trips as a lap infant during his first year, another one coming up, and maybe 2 or 3 more before he hits two. Just curious what you think.

I bet a 777 coming from hi in the middle of summer had a few lap kids (unless they ended up claiming empty seats). We had several on our west coast flights last weekend.

Holding on to 20lb kid is not that hard, the force is only 1/10 of what one feels being a 200lb adult.

N212UA sounds very familiar; I'm sure I've been on it. Isn't that one of the 2-class domestic 777's they keep on the HNL routes?
It is, and given that there are only 6 of them, your odds are pretty good. ;)

I bet a 777 coming from hi in the middle of summer had a few lap kids (unless they ended up claiming empty seats). We had several on our west coast flights last weekend.

Holding on to 20lb kid is not that hard, the force is only 1/10 of what one feels being a 200lb adult.

Over the 4th of July week, there were dozens of lap infants on the plane. It looked like a convention! Yesterday, there were lots of small children, but no infants that I noticed parading by me in the aisle. We were in that plane for a long time--they did not let any passengers off at the gate unless you were going to rebook and fly at some other time--and I didn't hear any infants wailing away as I would expect them to. Heck the adults were making more noise than the kids.

I bet a 777 coming from hi in the middle of summer had a few lap kids (unless they ended up claiming empty seats). We had several on our west coast flights last weekend.

Holding on to 20lb kid is not that hard, the force is only 1/10 of what one feels being a 200lb adult.

You're forgetting the g-forces exerted by the deceleration. That 20 pound kid is probably closer to 60 or 80 and if one isn't prepared for it, well......

In the "it's a small world" department, my mom and her +1 was on the flight, sitting a row behind the OP (so, no, she was not the one demanding compensation).

They were on their way to LAS, so they obviously missed their connection. Upon landing, they were rebooked to a flight this morning and given a hotel voucher for the Crowne Plaza in Foster City.

Your experience has me thinking. Would you have been able to hold on to an infant at the initial unexpected deceleration, and continue to hold onto them during the continuous deceleration?
There are many instances in which lap infants can become projectiles ... even just moderate turbulence. The NTSB has been "trying for years" (http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-501083_162-6564141.html) to convince the FAA to require that all passengers (including infants younger than 2 years old) have seats.

An example, I never take my shoes off until airborne in case of a high speed reject and an emergency evacuation.
I'm happy to see that I'm not the only person who does this. I'm not crazy after all!

I've only had one RTO and it was so long ago I don't exactly remember where I was flying to or from (though I do think it was AA LAX-HNL in the mid 80's).

Only RTO I recall was many years ago at JFK in a 727. The #2 engine stalled (with a loud bang) due to a crosswind gust. The pilot said that wasn't that unusual on "the rocket". Had to have been EA or AA. I don't remember how fast we were going, but it was... exciting.

Back to the HNL RTO: Definitely good to have been on 8R. Theoretically, the Space Shuttle could have landed on 8R in an emergency.

N212UA sounds very familiar; I'm sure I've been on it. Isn't that one of the 2-class domestic 777's they keep on the HNL routes?



Very common problem on the 727 given the location of the No.2 Engine. It is common practice in a crosswind to spool up the outboard motors first and get rolling a bit before bringing the No.2 up to takeoff power to avoid compressor stalls.

The one time I had an RTO - ORD, summer, A320 or 319 - we were moving pretty fast when a confused pax started shouting about "fire" - it was just condensation from the AC kicking in as the engines revved up. But FA could not see, and so knocked on the cockpit door, and we slammed on the brakes. Anyway it blew 3 tires (they have the plugs so not an instant flat) and at the gate I over heard the mechanics telling the pilot that the brakes were indeed rated to stop the plane at that speed - but only once. So the aircraft was taking out of service. Fortunately, being ORD, a replacement was available within an hour.

Yes I leave my shoes on during the takeoff roll too ;)

....I never take my shoes off until airborne in case of a high speed reject and an emergency evacuation.....

+1
Major piece of wisdom buried in a long post. I see some pretty experienced looking flyers kicking off shoes well before gear up. I too never pull off the shoes till we are up and away. An abort followed by a ground evac is not the ideal time to figure out where your shoes slid off to....

Amazing story. Glad you're all safe.

There's a recent thread in which certain individuals are saying that airplanes fly themselves so the arguments about pilot training being important are bogus and that pilots basically aren't "entitled" to their professional level wages since all they do is show up and sit there while the plane does everything for them.

This thread should be required reading for all of them.I agree with Mitch on all accounts! ^ This is what I was thinking, as well. Pay the pilot; because regardless of how routine, a computer can't perform as fantastic!


United Flight 724

Departure Date: Mon., Jul. 30, 2012

Departed:
Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Scheduled: 12:35 PM
Actual: 12:42 PM

Arrived:
Honolulu, HI (HNL)
Scheduled: 8:30 PM
Actual: 2:06 PMWho says UA isn't an on-time performer! :p Two hour flight to/from Hawaii? Must be a record.


I was glad to be on a PMUA 777 with a PMUA crew. :D Doh!! ...and the zingers fly.. ;)

...we were moving pretty fast when a confused pax started shouting about "fire" - it was just condensation from the AC kicking in as the engines revved up. But FA could not see, and so knocked on the cockpit door, and we slammed on the brakes. No worries here. better a false alarm than battling a fire at 10,000 feet while attempting to land (while potentially damaged). While this kind of behavior may elicit scorn once the truth was sorted out, sometimes it takes this kind of courage to be safe.

Thanks for sharing Pat (with lots of numbers). I think this reinforces the pilot strike issue, at least from a passenger standpoint.

This reminded me of that PBS 777 documentary, there's a youtube clip showing the wheels catching on fire after a rejected take-off. (approximately the 2:20 mark) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXpjBxD0Rhg

On the light side, if the pilot couldn't stop the plane, if he turned slightly right, could they use the seaplane runway in Keehi Lagoon? :)

In the "it's a small world" department, my mom and her +1 was on the flight, sitting a row behind the OP (so, no, she was not the one demanding compensation).

They were on their way to LAS, so they obviously missed their connection. Upon landing, they were rebooked to a flight this morning and given a hotel voucher for the Crowne Plaza in Foster City.
Your mom was so cute, she asked me if I belonged to a group called FlyerTalk. I showed her my luggage tag. She remembered me from the Coast to Coast in flight DO MLK weekend 2008.

I agree with Mitch on all accounts! ^ This is what I was thinking, as well. Pay the pilot; because regardless of how routine, a computer can't perform as fantastic!

^

Who says UA isn't an on-time performer! :p Two hour flight to/from Hawaii? Must be a record.
LOL! 12:42 was when we originally departed the gate. 2:06 was our return to the gate. Our little 1:24 journey to the end of the runway and back. :D

Doh!! ...and the zingers fly.. ;)
Sorry, I couldn't resist. :D

Thanks for sharing Pat (with lots of numbers). I think this reinforces the pilot strike issue, at least from a passenger standpoint.
You're welcome. I have found a variety of useful and educational information in this thread. I will always be alert during takeoff, no matter how long the delay and how hot it is in the plane. I will always make sure I give my seatbelt an extra tug.

But seriously, do all you people really take your shoes off when you're in the air????:D I never do unless I am on an international flight and am going to sleep.

Whether or not it reinforces pilot strike issues, it certainly does reinforce my respect for them and the excellent skills they have.

....I never take my shoes off until airborne in case of a high speed reject and an emergency evacuation.....

+1
Major piece of wisdom buried in a long post. I see some pretty experienced looking flyers kicking off shoes well before gear up. I too never pull off the shoes till we are up and away. An abort followed by a ground evac is not the ideal time to figure out where your shoes slid off to....

Agreed. In fact this is mentioned in SQ safety videos, to keep them on during takeoff/landing

No worries here. better a false alarm than battling a fire at 10,000 feet while attempting to land (while potentially damaged). While this kind of behavior may elicit scorn once the truth was sorted out, sometimes it takes this kind of courage to be safe.
This made me think of the Aloha Airlines flight 243 passenger who noticed a crack in the fuselage on boarding but didn't report it. Presumably she assumed that maintenance or the flight crews had noticed and it was ok.

This made me think of the Aloha Airlines flight 243 passenger who noticed a crack in the fuselage on boarding but didn't report it. Presumably she assumed that maintenance or the flight crews had noticed and it was ok.

I think if I found an item in an airsick back I would have taken a look before reporting it. I think most people would do the same. I wouldn't even think about a bomb with all of the searching going on these days. So yeah, I think this one was a bit silly.

I think if I found an item in an airsick back I would have taken a look before reporting it. I think most people would do the same. I wouldn't even think about a bomb with all of the searching going on these days. So yeah, I think this one was a bit silly.

Huh? Did you misread "crack in the fuselage" as "item in airsickness bag"? Because otherwise I'm infinitely confused by this post...

An example, I never take my shoes off until airborne in case of a high speed reject and an emergency evacuation.


There is a thread from several years ago about an evacuation on one of UA's Paris-to-US flights (can't remember which), where the OP noted that many people had to jump out of the plane without shoes onto a cold and wet runway. I'd never really thought about it until then, but now I always keep my shoes on until well airborne.

RTO happened to me twice in 1 day (same plane) about 15 years ago. I remember a group of passengers returning from a conference having the FA in tears with their complaints about the delay after the second event. They finally got dressed down by an off duty pilot who was also a passenger on the flight. I finally got home about 8 hours late. but no complaints - happy to be in one piece.

Huh? Did you misread "crack in the fuselage" as "item in airsickness bag"? Because otherwise I'm infinitely confused by this post...

I was commenting on a similar story that happened the same day but forgot to include the link:

http://articles.cnn.com/2012-08-01/travel/travel_united-flight-diverted_1_suspicious-object-fighter-jets-plane

There is a thread from several years ago about an evacuation on one of UA's Paris-to-US flights (can't remember which), where the OP noted that many people had to jump out of the plane without shoes onto a cold and wet runway. I'd never really thought about it until then, but now I always keep my shoes on until well airborne.

I'll never understand passenger behavior at PAR. I am not sure if it are French pax or those from North Africa, or even clueless Americans, but every time I've landed at CDG, regardless of airline, there are scores of people who leap out of their seats even before the aircraft has vacated the runway.