kanderson1965

Has it been confirmed as pilot error?

brutha

It did seem to be the consensus of those I spoke to at the airport, but of course this was just their opinion, and it wasn't anyone really in a position to know!

For sure the plane overshot all the yellow markers, I have a photo showing that... But as to why, I have no idea!

rapidex

The Pilot cannot see the yellow markers.That's why they have a guidance system.

328

Just in case anyone was disappointed that FT hadn't turned up anyone who was actually on board then I have to confess to having been on yesterday's BA428.

The incident itself was fairly uneventful. We were hardly moving; there was a bit of a clattering noise and the plane came to a halt, but no more violently than if we'd just stopped on the brakes at the expected position at the gate.

There was a short delay in turning off the seatbelt signs and then an announcement from the flight deck to say that the "brakes had failed" as we'd pulled on to the stand. After some delay we disembarked via steps at the rear and all had the chance to walk past the left wing to enter the terminal. I'm sure there are plenty more photos out there - the one linked to on Twitter isn't a great angle.

The cabin crew flew back to LHR on the 1140 departure which was itself delayed for a while due to weather-related air traffic restrictions.

BOH

I don't believe for one second that was the real cause

BApilotinsider

Could you care to elaborate given your obvious expertise?

kanderson1965

The reason for asking is that it would have a bearing on exception circumstances. My reply to your original question was simply factual in that it is a possible reason why EU compensation would not be payable.

I an however surprised that you were not offered an alternative flight as the incident occurred in the morning rather than late evening.

brutha

I live in one of the more remote parts of the UK - we don't have hourly flights from Heathrow sadly

BA were fine as to rebooking and hotel provision and so on, no complaint from my side on that. They got me back to the UK yesterday, just the last connection couldn't be done on the same day.

BTW, understood re: reason for asking , I can see the point as to whether it was under BA's control or not.

Break failure makes sense - from what I can make out, I guess my chances of compensation will depend on whether that was down to BA maintenance or the component itself. Does anyone know if it will be possible to find out? Or do they keep these things quiet?

BTW, on a side note: whilst reading up on this, it seems that "late arrival of inbound aircraft" can be considered an "extraordinary circumstance" (this is just a page on the net, don't know how trustworthy!) - perhaps this is why they still insist on giving this silly excuse in other cases!

irishguy28

Most airlines will claim that anything that causes them to delay or cancel a flight is an "extraordinary circumstance".

Whether human error/negligence/guidance system failure/brake failure is "extraordinary" or not, it should not be a valid excuse to deny you compensation.

FLT001

Anyone know the reg of the plane? Thanks.

irishguy28

See post 24.

nivsy

I was on the AMS superb terrace when this incident happened although due to the vicinity of the gate was unable to view the event. When the aircraft was towed around to D90 I observed what appeared to be a horizontal dent/scratch on the skin above the door. I have a pic of the aircraft although quite difficult to spot the damage..(still figuring how to upload pics on this site!)

kanderson1965

Ah, I understand now, I think the BA definition of remote part of the UK is "not London".

T8191

You're new here, aren't you!

London Airways is, to a large extent, a reasonable epithet.

kanderson1965

If I was that new, I wouldn't point out the errant use of an exclamation mark in place of a question mark.

BTW have you got rid of the flies yet?