British Airways Pan and return to Heathrow
At around 23.03 last night a BA Boeing 777 had to return to Heathrow due to a strange sound coming from below the rudder pedals.
The PNF reported that they had to dump fuel for 15 mins before making an approach in 30 mins.
At 23.30 they reported that they were going to have to make a Pan call and that they will need someone to make an inspection after landing prior to taxing in.
They requested 27L for landing but the controller replied that it was not available unless they really needed it.
According to the PNF, a loud tapping sound could be heard somewhere below the rudder pedals but could not determine whether the sound was coming from inside or outside.
He also mentioned that it could have something to do with a rubber seal in the nose gear.
They left OCK at 23.32 and said that due to the nature of the problem, they were not going to exceed 250 knots. They also said that they were going to do an autoland on 27R
Speedbird 083 made an unevenful landing at around 23.55.