UAL900 - LHR to SFO diverted to Iqaluit
Nov 5, 2022, 6:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 13
UAL900 - LHR to SFO diverted to Iqaluit
UAL900 from London Heathrow to San Francisco was diverted to Iqaluit (Canada) because of vibrations. A recovery aircraft was sent from Denver to Iqaluit a short while ago. Where can I find what exactly happened to the flight?
Nov 5, 2022, 7:55 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,419
What kind of information are you looking for? Your post has most of the details.
Currently planning to continue with the new frame at 02:00.
Sometimes people on the flight or insiders post more here, we'll see. Not sure what connectivity there is on the field at YFB - I assume the pax are stuck on the aircraft unless it was evacuated.
Currently planning to continue with the new frame at 02:00.
Code:
0900/05NOV
P LHR/OUT 104P L00.29 EST OFF 127PAWAITING FLT
P LHR/OFF 125P
P YFB/ON 333P
P YFB/IN 338P
F YFB/ETD 200A
P SFO/ETA 435P E00.05
F SFO/ETA 500A L13.20
D FCF/* LHR SFO * MAINTENANCE DIVERSION * AMENITIES - YES *
SKED LHR ORIG 1235P GTD B31 SHIP 3954☨
SKED LHR ORIG 1235P GTD B31 SHIP 3954
SFO 440P TERM GTA G1
Nov 5, 2022, 8:02 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,464
Might not find that out unless you get a true insider. Announcements in cases like these tend to be limited to, 'We have an issue with an engine and cannot continue to San Francisco. We'll land safely in Iqaluit and get a replacement aircraft for you.'
Nov 5, 2022, 8:07 pm
#5
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
If it is a minor, routine issue, doubt you will learn more
if it is a serious event, https://avherald.com/ may eventually have more details -- nothing yet
Not all diversions will rise to that level
Nov 5, 2022, 10:58 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,025
Yeah - UA pilots, IME, are very forthcoming to passengers about issues affecting departure or the flight itself. The only commercial aviation diversion I was ever on for a mechanical problem was a BOS-EWR flight that returned to Boston w/ pilot explaining the issue (loss of hydraulics). Back up hydraulics got us back to a runway lined w/ fire equipment.
I'm guessing the pilots explained the reason for the diversion to Iqualuit to the passengers. The primary question the passengers probably had about the ordeal was "Where the heck is Iqualuit???". I had to look it up on Google Earth when Denver was mentioned as the source of the relief a/c, out of curiousity..
I'm guessing the pilots explained the reason for the diversion to Iqualuit to the passengers. The primary question the passengers probably had about the ordeal was "Where the heck is Iqualuit???". I had to look it up on Google Earth when Denver was mentioned as the source of the relief a/c, out of curiousity..
Nov 5, 2022, 11:54 pm
#7
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: NT Australia
Programs: QF WP
Posts: 4,160
YouTube is often a good source, I think the good people of Iqaluit often upload videos of these diversion planes landing and a bit of commentary. I found this one which is not overly contributory but there may be others
Nov 6, 2022, 12:51 am
#8
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,280
I think you had all the information in your original post. There was unexplained vibrations that developed enroute and the crew didn’t feel comfortable continuing the flight. Until a tech ops or maintenance inspection is completed, there is unlikely to be any thing further as to the source of the vibrations, there could be hundreds of potential causes.
Regardless, beyond that, UA is likely considering this to be a maintenance issue in terms of controllability purposes and all diversions are controllable for amenities purposes - which is also clear from the notes for the flight another poster shared.
Regardless, beyond that, UA is likely considering this to be a maintenance issue in terms of controllability purposes and all diversions are controllable for amenities purposes - which is also clear from the notes for the flight another poster shared.
Nov 6, 2022, 2:34 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: All around the world
Programs: Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 607
There are photos on Instagram if you search for Iqaluit.
While diversions are rarely a good thing, I’d be pretty happy about having to spend a few hours in a place like Iqaluit. Looks interesting and it’s not a place I’d otherwise go on purpose.
While diversions are rarely a good thing, I’d be pretty happy about having to spend a few hours in a place like Iqaluit. Looks interesting and it’s not a place I’d otherwise go on purpose.
Nov 6, 2022, 5:40 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
How many people on this plane would even have had suitable.clothing to venture outside in -15C weather?
Nov 6, 2022, 6:01 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 597
A few more details here: https://onemileatatime.com/news/unit...nadian-arctic/
Since this is Flyertalk, the important question is whether EU261 applies :-)
Since this is Flyertalk, the important question is whether EU261 applies :-)