VS27 16/04/2012 - Emergency Landing at LGW.

Witnesses spoke about people falling on top of each other at the bottom of the slides, and we know several people needed hospital treatment for fractures, so maybe some passengers were sent down - with every good intention - before the slide was clear.

Two points to make here:
1) If there were passengers getting stuck at the bottom of the slide, I'm willing to bet that these are the ones who did not pay attention to the safety demo which clearly states that you have to run away from the bottom of the slide once you are at the bottom.

2) At no point will the crew be making sure that people are clear of the bottom of the slide before sending more people down. Their priority is to ensure that all passengers are off the aircraft within 90 seconds. This could very easily have been another situation like the one below, and would you have preferred the crew to have waited until everyone was clear of the slides in that one?!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China_Airlines_Flight_120

Lastly, fractures and minor injuries are an accepted side-effect of evacuating an airliner using the slides.

Lastly, fractures and minor injuries are an accepted side-effect of evacuating an airliner using the slides.

Exactly. if the situation had been significantly worse (which, thankfully, it wasn't) then we'd all be relieved that a few people had only suffered minor injuries and the odd fracture. Because it was perceived not to be so serious (i.e the aircraft didn't land on fire and disintegrate ), then this seems to be unacceptable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudia_Flight_163

This is the exact reason the crew behaved the way did.

I agree that he is probably calling the situation as he saw it, so we shouldn't criticise him for that. But he is commenting from an un-informed point of view (as most of us are). Its the media who are to blame for printing this as "fact".

That is true, although unfortunately hardly surprising. As I say, if you listen to his entire piece on BBC News, Mr Alridge's account is quite measured and in many respects complimentary towards VS and the crew. But of course his one, solitary point of criticism was seized upon and reported by the papers and online - thus taking him somewhat out of context.

But I still believe we shouldn't shoot him down for saying what he saw. Yes of course cabin crew's only priority must be to get people off the plane quickly, and to do that they must be assertive and raise their voices, as VS pointed out. But there's a fine line between being assertive, urgent and forceful yet still staying calm - which I assume cabin crew are trained to do - and screaming at people which can induce panic and be counter-productive.

Mr Alridge clearly thought it was the latter. Maybe he was right, maybe he was wrong - we don't know. But you can't expect him not to say what he saw in a live interview in the heat of the moment. If the media didn't speak to eyewitnesses during major incidents, you'd just have very dry speculation by so-called experts together with bland corporate statements trying to play it down, thus risking not reporting what actually happened. It's a fine line and ultimately it's up to the media to be responsible and carry balanced accounts from many different sources and angles.

I think the bashing of certain passengers who were actually on the flight, is a bit much. In the case of Tom Aldridge, he was conveying his experience on the plane. Whether or not the cabin crew did everything by the book in your opinions, a passenger, and more, felt that the way they handled it, did not completely help the situation.

I am also, relatively, happy with the way the media reported it. I think by nature, the media are out to sell as many papers/hits on websites as possible, and therefore will sell a story. Much though of what I have read/watched, has been pretty un biased and non committal on certain facts. Remember also that Virgin Atlantic are a British company, with mostly British people onboard, so the story will be towards the top of most news reporting outlets schedules. If, perhaps it was a local Chinese carrier for example, it wouldn't have got near as much press.

So really, I think we need to see what the investigations turn up, perhaps hear more from other passengers and the airline, and make any decisions after that. I for one won't be basing any future flights on this incident, however, it does bring the issue of paying attention to safety briefings to the fore.

But you can't expect him not to say what he saw in a live interview in the heat of the moment.

That is the crux of the matter I think, and I think Neil alluded to this in an earlier post.

Thinking about it now, I may have been a bit harsh on him...like I said its the media that are to blame. They just see somebody like him as a "rent-a-quote", and whatever you think of his comments, they do make good press...as evidenced by this conversation! He may have been articulate but he also sounded jacked up on adrenalin to me....and the press have taken of advantage of that fact. I've been in similar situations and when you've had 24 hours to reflect on it, things seem a lot different. It would be interesting to get his account of events today, after he's had time to sleep on it.

I think most people have questioned him out of some sort of protective loyalty to the crew member involved...you can argue that he's been made out to be public enemy number one, but you could argue that the crew member has too. Regrettable all round. Good to have a balanced view though, gumshoe....and you have made me question my original comments.

Would anyone have a stab at gtw - mco schedule for the next 10 days now that g-vmeg, is supposed to be going to MCO from LHR todaydue to fly out vs27 next Thursday and scheduled on an airbus now that Beauty Queen is out of action and only Mademoiselle rouge left wonder what I'll get next week as MR has been flying MAN-MCO for several days and I know they swap around between GTW and GLA.

Anyone like to take a guess ?

Have seen an update from another passenger who states that the reason the crew were yelling forcefully was due to the fact that passengers were trying to retrieve hand luggage. She goes on to say that yes it appeared chaotic but the crew were in full control.
She suffered scrapes to knees but nothing too bad and at this moment is on her way back to Florida.

She also added they have been offered return direct flights on any VA route as compo

No doubt before long someone will put their smart phone video account of yesterday's emergency landing onto 'You tube'.

Until that happens I feel it is pure speculation to decide either how appropriate or inappropriately the crew carried out the evacuation procedure. I personally would love to praise their actions and professionalism but that would be wrong because I was not actually present. Hypothetically I trust they did behave in a trained and exemplary manner.

It would appear that only one passenger has so far made any actual comment, there were nearly 300 of them so I wish someone else would speak out. I don't understand why is Mr Aldridge being critised for commenting on his assessment/opinion of the events? The post by jwoodly earlier today "There's a few of the guys I work with who were on the plane didn't want to fly today on the rescheduled flight later today. Embarrassingly the quotes "it was wobbly" and "screaming like a banshee" are also from people that work for my company. That does make interesting reading if this is a true fact.

Yes the media have sensationalised the report as they always do. The reporting of events from the recent Boat Race and The Grand National race this past weekend are prime examples of how they hype up and exaggerate stories and then print gruesome photographs to add to the dramatization. It is horrible reporting and unnecessary as there is already a dreadful tragedy, but it makes for good headlines I suppose.

My last comment, I really do not accept it was to be expected that passengers were injured and that the crew would not have checked that the ramp was clear prior to sending down another passenger. I do not believe that VS would not train staff to look first. The trauma of leaving an aircraft in that manner must have been awful and it is not always easy to quickly standup and walk away. In a practice training situation maybe, but in reality no way. Thank goodness events like this are very rare and let's hope not repeated.

We live in a world dominated by the media.
Imagine that the results had been exactly as they were, yesterday,at Gatwick, but the plane had gone up in flames, and 15 people had received minor injuries.
The captain and crew would have been hailed as heroes,and would have received awards for their efforts.
However the aircraft did not explode in flames so they are criticised.
Funny world!!!

[Neil]

Would anyone have a stab at gtw - mco schedule for the next 10 days now that g-vmeg, is supposed to be going to MCO from LHR todaydue to fly out vs27 next Thursday and scheduled on an airbus now that Beauty Queen is out of action and only Mademoiselle rouge left wonder what I'll get next week as MR has been flying MAN-MCO for several days and I know they swap around between GTW and GLA.

Anyone like to take a guess ?

It is likey the 75 will remain as the A330, with all other flights ex GLA/LGW operated by a LGW 747, of course this is all just speculation and I am sure VS are working hard to get everything operated on schedule and it's currently looking like that should be the case.

.My last comment, I really do not accept it was to be expected that passengers were injured and that the crew would not have checked that the ramp was clear prior to sending down another passenger. I do not believe that VS would not train staff to look first.

There are numerous videos on YouTube showing evacuations, but in short I would not expect the crew member to be concerned with what passengers are doing at the bottom of the slide. Their job is to get everyone off the aircraft alive within 90 seconds.

Just got home and seen this thread :0 So glad everyone ok and so glad I am on a 747 to MCO on Friday......... I will be the one studying my safety card very studiously and nervously |:)

Sunshine 8D

Sunshine, work on the basis that statistically this greatly reduces the chance of another incident and relax....I am coming back the other way via NY on friday

In actual fact, the chances don't change at all. Swat up on your a-level maths. Other than the fact there is one less aircraft in the fleet currently.

Yet more measured journalism in the Standard tonight talking about 'blind panic'. Mind you, apparently the aircraft was also an A320...

I'm not really intending to further wade into this debate, all I'll say is that if we're going to end up with a 'trial by media', then perhaps the key principle to bear in mind should be innocent until proven guilty.

I for one have not read anything that concerns me about my upcoming JFK and DXB trips. Or for that matter my hop to BHD tomorrow...

[Darren Wheeler]

There will always be problems at the bottom of the slide, but given the choice between a broken leg and dying from smoke inhalation or flames, I know what I'd choose everytime.

Just watch the A380 test evacuation and you'll see it there, along with crew being very vocal and physically assisting the testers off the aircraft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIaovi1J ... ture=share

[honey lamb]

There will always be problems at the bottom of the slide, but given the choice between a broken leg and dying from smoke inhalation or flames, I know what I'd choose everytime.

I think that one of the problems associated with the end of the slide is that some people will slide down leaning back as it it were a water slide whereas they are meant to be slid down in an upright position. That way at the end of the slide one is jerked almost immediately into an upright position on one's feet to be able to run away from the aircraft

It would appear that only one passenger has so far made any actual comment, there were nearly 300 of them so I wish someone else would speak out. I don't understand why is Mr Aldridge being critised for commenting on his assessment/opinion of the events? The post by jwoodly earlier today "There's a few of the guys I work with who were on the plane didn't want to fly today on the rescheduled flight later today. Embarrassingly the quotes "it was wobbly" and "screaming like a banshee" are also from people that work for my company. That does make interesting reading if this is a true fact.
.

Tom Alridge and Mark Bell both quoted by the BBC both work for my company and should be arriving on the replacement flight later today

I've heard from a friend of a friend who works for VA fire was cargo in hold, if this is true and there is no mechanical failure to investigate or damage to the hold, how long before the plane could be back in service ? I don't know how difficult it is to replace the shutes or how much damage the structure of the undercarriage / plane would have suffered but I understand the 330 is designed to landline this fully loaded.

I think overall the pilot's and cabin crew need to be honoured for the actions they took in ensuring that the aircraft was landed safely, no lives were lost, and albeit a few injuries people all escaped alive. After looking at some of the videos mainly the BBC video of the evacuation it showed people with bags walking away from the aircraft. Now ok I wasn't there but if you are on a plane and it is being evacuated would you not want to escape? all your items that are in the overhead hold are just items and although yes they may be items that may not be able to be replaced but is it really possibly worth risking not only your life but others by the actions you take.

I have flown virgin atlantic and I must say that I have never felt at risk at any point and I myself flew on the A333-300 in March and I must say a great aircraft but with all new aircraft things will happen and what we need to remember that all passengers and crew got off the plane safely and the crew should be praised without a doubt like those on other airlines that have had similar occurrances as they have achieved an amazing fete and should be treated no less for it. Virgin will ensure I'm sure that they receive the appropriate de-brief and after care they may require along with the passengers onboard.

Lets be happy that everyone has got off safe and the crew did an amazing job.

[Darren Wheeler]

If you want to hear some complete rubbish (IMHO) being spouted about it, check out the Jeremy Vine show for today (Tuesday) on the BBC iPlayer. One of the contributors was clearly getting frustrated by JV's inability to see how an evacuation is done.

*Warning* I accept no responsibility for anyone's stress levels while listening and any sore throats from shouting at computer are down to you.

I heard the Jeremy Vine show... Boy would he like to make the safety briefing longer!

......If an evacuation is necessary, cabin crew might push you down the slide. This is to ensure everyone can escape quickly. Inform cabin crew if you suffer from a nagging back problem. Once at the bottom of the slide, run away from the aircraft but watch out for other planes and emergency vehicles. Do not use twitter. Please refrain from telephoning the BBC or Sky News until you have been debriefed.......thanks for listening to the safety briefing.

If you want to hear some complete rubbish (IMHO) being spouted about it, check out the Jeremy Vine show for today (Tuesday) on the BBC iPlayer. One of the contributors was clearly getting frustrated by JV's inability to see how an evacuation is done.

*Warning* I accept no responsibility for anyone's stress levels while listening and any sore throats from shouting at computer are down to you.

That's a good warning! Struggled not to throw my iPad across the room!

Is it just me or is there absolutely no information on this available on the VS website? I would have thought that it would be on the "latest news" page

[Darren Wheeler]

Is it just me or is there absolutely no information on this available on the VS website? I would have thought that it would be on the "latest news" page

It was on Monday when it was all happening but has now been removed. A sign that things are pretty much back to normal as far as passengers are concerned.

Well... almost normal. Because G-VMEG was sent to MCO, Molly (G-VFAR) was sent to BOS. So BOS got an A343 instead of the scheduled A346, which left VS12 oversold tonight.