Brand new Etihad A340-600 damaged in Toulouse; several wounded
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From the Accident Information Telex issued today:
AIRBUS REGRETS TO INFORM THAT AN AIRBUS A340-600 PRODUCTION AIRCRAFT WAS INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT DURING GROUND TEST ON NOVEMBER 15TH.
THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN AIRBUS PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN TOULOUSE THE AIRCRAFT INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT, REGISTRATION NUMBER F-WWCJ BEARING MSN 856 HAD COMPLETED FINAL ENGINE RUN AND WAS EXITING THE ENGINE RUN ZONE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED A CONTAINMENT WALL AND HAS BEEN SEVERELY
DAMAGED.
ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE INFORMATION, THERE WERE NINE PERSONS ON BOARD FROM WHICH FIVE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THERE WERE NO FATALITIES.
Interesting that the engine run was completed...
AIRBUS REGRETS TO INFORM THAT AN AIRBUS A340-600 PRODUCTION AIRCRAFT WAS INVOLVED IN AN INCIDENT DURING GROUND TEST ON NOVEMBER 15TH.
THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE IN AIRBUS PRODUCTION FACILITIES IN TOULOUSE THE AIRCRAFT INVOLVED IN THE INCIDENT, REGISTRATION NUMBER F-WWCJ BEARING MSN 856 HAD COMPLETED FINAL ENGINE RUN AND WAS EXITING THE ENGINE RUN ZONE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED A CONTAINMENT WALL AND HAS BEEN SEVERELY
DAMAGED.
ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE INFORMATION, THERE WERE NINE PERSONS ON BOARD FROM WHICH FIVE SUSTAINED INJURIES. THERE WERE NO FATALITIES.
Interesting that the engine run was completed...
Glad everyone got out OK, sorry to hear of the injuries.
If they can repair it, maybe, I would imagine they would replace the hull from the production frame surrounding door 2 forward. If not able to repair, then imagine how many spare parts from this aircraft, nearly new, will be flying around on subsequent A340-6 aircraft. You may not want to fly a jinx, but you sure are gonna gets some parts
Edited first line.
If they can repair it, maybe, I would imagine they would replace the hull from the production frame surrounding door 2 forward. If not able to repair, then imagine how many spare parts from this aircraft, nearly new, will be flying around on subsequent A340-6 aircraft. You may not want to fly a jinx, but you sure are gonna gets some parts
Edited first line.
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Airbus communication
Issued at 11:45, 16 November 2007
Update on industrial accident at Saint-Martin Site
We regret to confirm that an accident occurred at the Saint -Martin site in Toulouse yesterday.
The accident occurred at 5:00 pm local time, and involved an A340-600 (MSN 856), which was carrying out engine-run-ups and was due to be delivered to Etihad in the coming days.
There were nine people on board the aircraft at the time of the accident - two Airbus employees, and seven employees of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, a service provider to Etihad Airways.
Five people sustained injuries, of which three, two from Airbus and one from Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies remain in hospital. The other two were released between yesterday night and this morning. There were no fatalities.
Airbus is providing all necessary support to the people involved and their families and a special team is providing emotional support to the flight test team.
An investigation started last night and Airbus is providing full support to the official investigation authorities in France.
Chief Executive Officer Thomas Enders, and Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier are visiting the site and those in hospital this morning.
Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of the persons concerned.
Update on industrial accident at Saint-Martin Site
We regret to confirm that an accident occurred at the Saint -Martin site in Toulouse yesterday.
The accident occurred at 5:00 pm local time, and involved an A340-600 (MSN 856), which was carrying out engine-run-ups and was due to be delivered to Etihad in the coming days.
There were nine people on board the aircraft at the time of the accident - two Airbus employees, and seven employees of Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies, a service provider to Etihad Airways.
Five people sustained injuries, of which three, two from Airbus and one from Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies remain in hospital. The other two were released between yesterday night and this morning. There were no fatalities.
Airbus is providing all necessary support to the people involved and their families and a special team is providing emotional support to the flight test team.
An investigation started last night and Airbus is providing full support to the official investigation authorities in France.
Chief Executive Officer Thomas Enders, and Chief Operating Officer Fabrice Bregier are visiting the site and those in hospital this morning.
Airbus expresses its sympathy to the families and friends of the persons concerned.
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This is what JH told the troops...
A mate of mine works for Etihad and sent over a few of their update statements - these were issued from JH himself (!) to all-staff.
All starting to make some sense now.
There were three:
This one's the FIRST - sent it out last night...
Etihad Airways has been made aware of an incident involving an Airbus A340-600 type aircraft at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France, earlier today.
We understand the aircraft was undergoing pre-delivery engine tests and sustained airframe damage as a result of the incident.
No Etihad Airways staff have been involved in this incident although I understand a number of people may have sustained injuries.
The aircraft, in Etihad Airways livery, was scheduled to be delivered to our main Abu Dhabi base in the UAE next week.
We are liaising closely with Airbus.
I will provide further information as soon as it is available.
This one was the second...
We are continuing to liaise closely with aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the French authorities following damage to an Airbus A340-600 type aircraft at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft - scheduled to be delivered to us next week - was undergoing pre-delivery tests when the incident occurred.
The airline has been made aware that a number of people have been taken to hospital following the ground incident in which the aircraft sustained significant airframe damage during routine engine performance tests.
I am deeply concerned to hear about injuries following this incident and my sympathies are with those in hospital and their families.
I remain in contact with our team in France, as well as Airbus, in order to keep fully informed of the latest developments.
Our Paris based country manager for France is en route to the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.
This is the third...
I am very pleased to report that injuries sustained to a number of people during the pre-delivery ground tests of an Airbus A340-600 aircraft are not life-threatening.
We send those involved our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Their welfare is our primary concern and our thoughts are very much with them, their family, friends and co-workers.
Injuries were sustained by workers from Airbus and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies. I have today written to the chief executives of both companies to express our sincere sympathy on behalf of every at Etihad Airways.
No Etihad Airways staff were involved in the incident.
We continue to liaise closely with Airbus in order to keep fully informed of the latest developments following the incident at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Representatives from the airline, including our Paris based country manager for France, are at the Airbus headquarters.
The aircraft involved in the incident was undergoing pre-delivery tests and was scheduled to be delivered to us next week.
My thanks to all those concerned for co-ordinating our response to this unfortunate incident.
All starting to make some sense now.
There were three:
This one's the FIRST - sent it out last night...
Etihad Airways has been made aware of an incident involving an Airbus A340-600 type aircraft at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France, earlier today.
We understand the aircraft was undergoing pre-delivery engine tests and sustained airframe damage as a result of the incident.
No Etihad Airways staff have been involved in this incident although I understand a number of people may have sustained injuries.
The aircraft, in Etihad Airways livery, was scheduled to be delivered to our main Abu Dhabi base in the UAE next week.
We are liaising closely with Airbus.
I will provide further information as soon as it is available.
This one was the second...
We are continuing to liaise closely with aircraft manufacturer Airbus and the French authorities following damage to an Airbus A340-600 type aircraft at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
The aircraft - scheduled to be delivered to us next week - was undergoing pre-delivery tests when the incident occurred.
The airline has been made aware that a number of people have been taken to hospital following the ground incident in which the aircraft sustained significant airframe damage during routine engine performance tests.
I am deeply concerned to hear about injuries following this incident and my sympathies are with those in hospital and their families.
I remain in contact with our team in France, as well as Airbus, in order to keep fully informed of the latest developments.
Our Paris based country manager for France is en route to the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse.
This is the third...
I am very pleased to report that injuries sustained to a number of people during the pre-delivery ground tests of an Airbus A340-600 aircraft are not life-threatening.
We send those involved our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. Their welfare is our primary concern and our thoughts are very much with them, their family, friends and co-workers.
Injuries were sustained by workers from Airbus and Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies. I have today written to the chief executives of both companies to express our sincere sympathy on behalf of every at Etihad Airways.
No Etihad Airways staff were involved in the incident.
We continue to liaise closely with Airbus in order to keep fully informed of the latest developments following the incident at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Toulouse, France.
Representatives from the airline, including our Paris based country manager for France, are at the Airbus headquarters.
The aircraft involved in the incident was undergoing pre-delivery tests and was scheduled to be delivered to us next week.
My thanks to all those concerned for co-ordinating our response to this unfortunate incident.
Couldonlyaffordafiver
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The wider shot makes it appear that it speared into the left wall of the testing bay. Standing by to be corrected by someone who knows TLS better than I.
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Once again, investigations Im sure will show its Fly By Wire, computers and Human /Aircraft interface to blame. Just like the other Airbus accidents. Cutting age design, only if it works. When will they ever learn. 
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Hindsight 20/20
lomapaseo
"IF the 340 is the same as other Airbus' from what I remember the park brake is a lower pressure than the foot brakes"
The PB designed to prevent the aircraft from rolling when on T/O position (among other activity). When active it will inhibit all other braking modes (No CLG braking in this mode only in normal, alternate or Ultimate), By the way the CLG Brakes and Ultimate braking mode which this airbus has additional to all other previous airbuses (normally used by the flight crew when all brakes modes have fail and or RTO(spoilers off course being deployed)! As for the brake pressure is equal and can be observed on the Triple gauge.
Horas
"Hard to believe parking brakes only for a static engine ground run you don't even do that with a Cessna" .
Not correct, it can be used when the engine is not static.
mavrik1
"It is a seriously over powered machine compared to its little brother a under powered 340-300. Engine running 340 new gens at max thrust is a scary job"
This aircraft is no more seriously powered than any other wide body aircraft.
The Trent 553 and 556 are common to both the 500 and the 600 series. the thrust normally around 53000Ib for the 500 and 56000Ib for the 600 series (understandably bigger), B7474 RR 58000Ib, A330 with GE from 63000Ib to 66000Ib, A330 PW 68000Ib. Any one with basic knowlage of the aircraft can Run the engine on these later FADEC airplanes (even Manuel from Barcelona can!) BUT knowing what to do when the shi!!!!!!!!!!t hit the fan is the Question. Remember Hindsight is always 20/20.
Tom Sawyer
"No need to stand on the brakes when doing a high power EGR on the A340, just have them covered. Done an A346 aircraft acceptance EGR at high power in that very bay".
Respectful disagree.I also have carried out an EGR on the same baby.unless you are miles from no where and nothing in front of you or in high power zone I would say yes but parking brake alone with hi power like A340-5/600....your asking for problem.I'm glad you do not live next door to my hotel!!
BAEGJJ
"Not been the best of weeks for the 340-600".
It must be the 600 season!
The photo presented by aerotransport.org , I have to say that reminded me in a way with the Pan Am B747 when it exploded over Lockerbie, on how the nose section of that aircraft separated from the fuselage which I believe lead to the MOD Section 41, please correct me if I am wrong. The A340-600 Aerial view picture represented a weakness in that section on impact !!!
I could be wrong but I feel some serious procedural mistake occurred which lead to this accident with the weak possibility of technical failure.My sincere thoughts and a wish of speedy recovery for the Ground crew tech acceptance team on board the airbus. I have no doubt that serious procedural changes will be coming out of this accident very soon and not only to Airbus.
But then again I am only a hotel owner what do I know about airplane.
Safe flying to all from Sybil,Polly and Manuel!
"IF the 340 is the same as other Airbus' from what I remember the park brake is a lower pressure than the foot brakes"
The PB designed to prevent the aircraft from rolling when on T/O position (among other activity). When active it will inhibit all other braking modes (No CLG braking in this mode only in normal, alternate or Ultimate), By the way the CLG Brakes and Ultimate braking mode which this airbus has additional to all other previous airbuses (normally used by the flight crew when all brakes modes have fail and or RTO(spoilers off course being deployed)! As for the brake pressure is equal and can be observed on the Triple gauge.
Horas
"Hard to believe parking brakes only for a static engine ground run you don't even do that with a Cessna" .
Not correct, it can be used when the engine is not static.
mavrik1
"It is a seriously over powered machine compared to its little brother a under powered 340-300. Engine running 340 new gens at max thrust is a scary job"
This aircraft is no more seriously powered than any other wide body aircraft.
The Trent 553 and 556 are common to both the 500 and the 600 series. the thrust normally around 53000Ib for the 500 and 56000Ib for the 600 series (understandably bigger), B7474 RR 58000Ib, A330 with GE from 63000Ib to 66000Ib, A330 PW 68000Ib. Any one with basic knowlage of the aircraft can Run the engine on these later FADEC airplanes (even Manuel from Barcelona can!) BUT knowing what to do when the shi!!!!!!!!!!t hit the fan is the Question. Remember Hindsight is always 20/20.
Tom Sawyer
"No need to stand on the brakes when doing a high power EGR on the A340, just have them covered. Done an A346 aircraft acceptance EGR at high power in that very bay".
Respectful disagree.I also have carried out an EGR on the same baby.unless you are miles from no where and nothing in front of you or in high power zone I would say yes but parking brake alone with hi power like A340-5/600....your asking for problem.I'm glad you do not live next door to my hotel!!
BAEGJJ
"Not been the best of weeks for the 340-600".
It must be the 600 season!
The photo presented by aerotransport.org , I have to say that reminded me in a way with the Pan Am B747 when it exploded over Lockerbie, on how the nose section of that aircraft separated from the fuselage which I believe lead to the MOD Section 41, please correct me if I am wrong. The A340-600 Aerial view picture represented a weakness in that section on impact !!!
I could be wrong but I feel some serious procedural mistake occurred which lead to this accident with the weak possibility of technical failure.My sincere thoughts and a wish of speedy recovery for the Ground crew tech acceptance team on board the airbus. I have no doubt that serious procedural changes will be coming out of this accident very soon and not only to Airbus.
But then again I am only a hotel owner what do I know about airplane.
Safe flying to all from Sybil,Polly and Manuel!
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Turin - The A345/6 has the parking brakes powered by the blue hydraulic system. The parking brake selector valve, when set, acts as a pressure reducing valve and drops the upstream pressure in the brake lines to 175 bar ( 2535 psi ), this being the pressure that holds the brakes on. The system is designed to hold the aircraft with one engine at full power provided the others are all at idle. All this of course pre-supposes that you have ample blue system pressure to start with !
Paxing All Over The World
If Busbert's posting From the Accident Information Telex issued today:
Is correct, then any and all discussion about parking brakes and chocks are irrelevant. It may then look like a handling problem when leaving the bay - possibly under own power? Those who state that they have carried out this EGR procedure 'in that very bay' might wish to comment on the procedure for entering and leaving the bay. So I would ask (as an amateur) that those who jump on the old A/B argument to close the valves feeding their mouths (or keyboard fingers if you prefer).
HAD COMPLETED FINAL ENGINE RUN AND WAS EXITING THE ENGINE RUN ZONE AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT.
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Were there any guys on the ground?
The reason I ask is that we are made to stand in front any a/c during high powered engine runs either in sight or in RT contact, (for safety reasons!!!)
Something I totally disagree with doing
Everytime I have done it though, I
myself. and always think what if..........
The reason I ask is that we are made to stand in front any a/c during high powered engine runs either in sight or in RT contact, (for safety reasons!!!)
Something I totally disagree with doing
Everytime I have done it though, I
myself. and always think what if..........
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GMDS - It's the new name for GAMCO, long established overhaul centre in Abu Dhabi. They were created with Gulf Air but since Abu Dhabi pulled out of Gulf Air ownership and created Etihad, GAMCO now look after Etihad and decided to changed their name a week or two ago.
As they have no affiliation with Gulf Air anymore the rebranding makes sense although GAMCO was a well known name in the industry.
As they have no affiliation with Gulf Air anymore the rebranding makes sense although GAMCO was a well known name in the industry.
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Can someone enlighten us what kind of company "Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies" is. Do they maintain and technically "receive" the aircraft for Etihad?
I spent a month or so in the GAMCO shop in the early 90s.