All the last week aircraft are taking vectors to a point and going visual when near the airport,nothing wrong with this.I live 5 Miles north/east and low flying aircraft of all airlines have come in low on the base leg for RW17 over the last few days.The sensible reply is that it was a visual approach.I think DELWY's post sums this one up best.
''a sudden thunderous sound??? this fella says,ha he must think its an F-18.