Which wing is this?
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: On BA58/59
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Gatwick also saw the weekly 727 flights of Ariana, who lost their new plane at Gatwick in Jan 1969 when trying to land in thick fog on a 3rd attempt, the RVR was likely off limits, and descended too low and hit a house near Fernhill Lane.
In conclusion Heathrow was open and a diversion there was an option.
The Captain's decision to fly on to London Gatwick rather than remain at Frankfurt was not criticised: and he could have landed at Heathrow and Stansted, which were both open where the weather was better, instead of Gatwick if he felt conditions were too bad, and the aircraft could even have returned to Germany if necessary.
World Airways then leased 727's to Ariana until they replaced their 727.

Last edited by rog747; 2nd Feb 2023 at 07:03.
Dan Air's first 5 727's in 1973 and 1974 were re-fitted with around 154 seats with the 2 extra rear doors - Memory has this figure in mind - it may have been give or a take a handful.
The Galley was midships on the starboard side (as shown) with a service door.
I flew on a 154 seat DA 727 soon after their introduction in May 1973 from LGW to Palma and the seat pitch was atrocious.
I do recall the seating was reduced to 146.
The seat plan above is a DA -100 series, but without the extra doors at the back, and these seated normally 131-134 pax.
There were 3 of these, and they were often located at Berlin, but both 'types' were based there.
Wardair's 727 had 119 seats.
Rows 1-22 with 34'' pitch.

The Galley was midships on the starboard side (as shown) with a service door.
I flew on a 154 seat DA 727 soon after their introduction in May 1973 from LGW to Palma and the seat pitch was atrocious.
I do recall the seating was reduced to 146.
The seat plan above is a DA -100 series, but without the extra doors at the back, and these seated normally 131-134 pax.
There were 3 of these, and they were often located at Berlin, but both 'types' were based there.
Wardair's 727 had 119 seats.
Rows 1-22 with 34'' pitch.
