Flybe plane makes two 'precautionary landings' at Belfast International
27.11.07
A Flybe plane made two unscheduled touchdowns at Belfast International Airport last week. The incidents, on Tuesday and Friday, both occurred when a flap problem was identified on a Flybe 'Embraer 195', described by the airline as 'a state of the art aircraft'. On both occasions the plane was operating flight BE974 from Gatwick to Belfast City Airport.
The incident on Tuesday was described by a Flybe spokeswoman as 'a minor technical problem'. She denied press reports there had been a major failure of the flaps on the plane and pointed out it had landed safely.
On Friday the plane's software identified 'a possible technical issue' and the captain once again diverted to Belfast International to benefit from its longer runway [9120 feet compared to 6000 feet at Belfast City]. The spokesperson described this as a 'purely precautionary measure.'
The spokesperson added: 'On both occasions when a flap problem was identified, flight deck opted for a diversion to Belfast International, even though in both events, the longer runway was not actually needed. Flybe has 100% confidence in the performance of the Embraer 195.' It is to replace its ageing fleet for BAe 146's with the planes.
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