What can we reasonably conclude so far:
1. The approach was grossly UNSTABLE.
2. The crew believed the Gear was DOWN, otherwise they would have notified ATC there was an issue. Recycling the gear may have resolved the issue. If finally they couldn’t select the Gear down, then the emergency services would have been deployed and fully ready for them.
“Aircraft Accident Imminent” declared by ATC prior to the wheels up landing.
3. The crew finally realised on ground contact that the Gear was not down,
and performed a “touch and go”.
4. The crew failed to appreciate that certain critical components are located on the underside of the engine, which unfortunately resulted in loss of thrust/engine failure.
5. This dreadful accident will be rich in CRM. As the CVR has now been found and if fully published, it will add greatly to the understanding of the sequence of events, and the unfortunate mind sets of the pilots.
As one Old Hand once said to me:
“learn from other peoples mistakes, as you will not live long enough to make them all yourself”
BOAC video: absolutely wonderful
Last edited by parkfell; 28th May 2020 at 10:10.
Reason: CVR found today