747 AF in Rio..1985 .. just a tiny cable gone....
 

amazing how a small (ruptured) cable can change fate.... W/O, no casualties..

in french, just see the pics.... tells everything !

event : http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19851202-0

and pics...

http://www.crash-aerien.com/forum/le...?highlight=rio

In France we have a saying (related to car safety belts)

better a small click than a big chock

that goes for cables as well !!

by the way the engineer who sent me those pictures was in the team that (successfully) repaired the Delhi AF747 combi !

this one was hopeless... write off !

I had a similar event happen to me in 1121 Jet Commander on an engine replacement test flight back in the late 1970s. After takeoff the number 1 engine thrust lever would not move, staying at takeoff power. Finally after a lot of radio conversations between us, the overhaul facility and General Electric I was given permission to shut the engine down with the fire handle.

The reason for hesitating to shut an engine down running a full power with the fire handle is that such action can cause a lot of damage to the engine. Which it did, the hydraulic pump cavitated and contaminated the aircraft's hydraulic system and the oil pump suffered similar damage.

So, back to the hotel for another few days.

However, in the case of the Air France 74 I am curious as to why the crew did not use the fire handle to shut the engine down when it ran away to full power. One engine being damaged is a lot cheaper than the whole aircraft being written off.

It seems a little hasty to declare the airframe a write off . . .

I was in Rio when that happened. It was on the TV news within half an hour (they have roaming TV teams there). By that time, some quick-thinking person had painted out 'Air France' on both sides of the fuselage, as is evident from the pictures, though the tail logo was still visible. I was told by someone who worked in the media there that Air France went to a lot of trouble ;) to keep the incident as quiet as possible.

Hi ya,

<<747 AF in Rio..1985 .. just a tiny cable gone....>>

I have read somewhere, that a contributing factor was unfavorable winds, that pushed the from the runway.

Do you know where a accident report can be found?

Regards,

Stubenfliege