Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Flybe de Havilland Dash 8-400, G-FLBC, flight BE-130: Engine fire - diverted to Belfast International Airport

A Belfast-bound plane was forced to make an emergency landing at the international airport after one of its engines caught fire.

Fire crews, police and paramedics attended the scene on Tuesday evening as the Flybe flight, with 76 passengers and four crew on board, prepared to land at Belfast International.


Before it was diverted it was heading for Belfast City Airport before the fire broke out in the engine.


The plane landed just before 7pm and no one was injured in the incident.


After the plane landed a picture emerged on social media which showed protective foam sprayed around the aircraft as a precautionary measure.


Flybe confirmed that a "small engine fire" on flight BE130 sparked the emergency.


Passengers told UTV of their frightening experiences.


Simon Tiernan was in Scotland on business and was returning to Belfast on the early evening flight.


He described the incident as "terrifying and nightmarish".


The 31-year-old told UTV: "It was rough and I'm just pleased to be alive - I don't quite think it has quite sunk in to be honest.


He added: "People sitting closest to the fire were in a bit of a panic.


"But there was a jovial atmosphere among the other passengers and I have to say the crew were absolutely fantastic."


A statement from Flybe added: "At no time was the safety and well-being of passengers compromised.


"Flybe operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with all manufacturers' guidelines."


One of the runways at the International has been closed, but a second remains functional.


The NI Ambulance Service confirmed that no one had been injured, but one person required further assessment in hospital.


Eight ambulance crews, two rapid response vehicles and one hazardous area response team were among the emergency responders.


Graham Keddie, managing director of the International, told UTV that the incident would be investigated by the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch.


"We were advised to take it on to our runway," he said.


"Obviously the captain called a full emergency and it landed at Belfast International. It was not one of our aircraft, but diverted to us from Belfast City as we have the ability to take full emergencies."


He added: "For the passengers on board, it must have been a major issue - but they are all safe which is the main conclusion.


"From our point of view, our guys have handled it superbly. We are still there and this will continue through the night."


Source:  http://www.u.tv



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