I'm not a pilot but I've observed the UK civil aviation scene from the standpoint of an (I hope) informed observer for 40yrs.
The AAIB Special Report refers to the fire on right engine as follows:
During the approach to land, an external fire developed
on the right engine. An engine fire warning on the
flight deck prompted the crew to declare a MAYDAY.
Whereabouts on the approach was the aircraft at the time of the fire warning? It seems from press reports of eye witness observations that it was fairly late on when the machine was over Central or West London. Not a good time to G/A and head elsewhere.
Until we know the definitive answer answer to that question speculation about alternatives to Heathrow is fruitless.
Before fire was detected this was surely a 'routine' engine out landing with a certainty of reaching the runway which was absent in the Evergreen 747 case.
Or am I missing something?
Last edited by Airbanda; 4th Jun 2013 at 11:15.