The results of the BA 3 engine flight from LAX
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/mai.../10/cnba10.xml
BA avoids prosecution for engine failure flight
By David Millward, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 10/08/2006)
British Airways has avoided prosecution by the American authorities for flying a jumbo jet across the United States and the Atlantic after an engine failed.
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The carrier was facing the threat of action by the Federal Aviation Administration, including a $25,000 (£13,000) fine after being accused of operating a plane when it was not fully airworthy.
This followed an incident in February 2005 when one of the Boeing 747's four engines failed shortly after take-off from Los Angeles. Instead of returning to LA, the pilot carried on, making an emergency landing at Manchester 11 hours later.
It emerged yesterday that the FAA decided not to proceed against BA following discussions with both the airline and the Civil Aviation Authority in Britain. The CAA backed BA and insisted the plane was airworthy. It also questioned the FAA's rights under international law to act against a foreign-registered airline. However the FAA said it had been given assurances by BA that the airline had "changed its procedures" for operating a four-engine aircraft when one has failed.
BA said yesterday the guidance its air controllers would offer a pilot in the event of a similar incident had changed. Now, a spokesman said, it was more likely that the pilot would be told to turn back or land at another airport en route.
A spokesman said: "We are pleased that the US Department of Transportation is taking no further action against British Airways. We have always maintained that we operated this aircraft in strict accordance with the CAA's regulations."