El Al plane returns to London after engine fails

Captain Ilan Margalit told "Globes" that a flight attendant informed him that flames were seen in the number 4 engine.

An El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. (TASE: ELAL) plane that departed from London to Tel Aviv last night, was forced to return and make an emergency landing at Heathrow, due to a breakdown in an engine. The Boeing 747-400 carried 411 passengers and crew.

The plan reached an altitude of 26,000 feet when a bang was heard in the area of the right wing and the number 4 engine began to lose power. An odor of burning was smelt in the cabin.

Captain Ilan Margalit (58) told "Globes" that a flight attendant informed him that flames were seen in the number 4 engine. "We immediately took fire suppressing measures in the engine, something we've been trained an uncountable number of times in the simulator. We did it from memory, without the need to consult the manual." These actions included shutting down the engine, closing the engine's fuel line, and pulling the fire suppressing handle, which arms the fire suppressant bottles. "Since there was no indication of fire in the engine, the bottles were not used," he added.

Margalit is a 17-year veteran of El Al, and is an Israel Air Force colonel (reserves), who flew F-15s.

Margalit declared an emergency. "I called Mayday, Mayday, Mayday to the London control tower and immediately turned around to land at Heathrow. We were back on the ground within 15 minutes."

Margalit said, "Although this happens to a pilot once in a lifetime, the plane was not in danger. I could have continued to fly to Tel Aviv on three engines, but we're educated at El Al not to take any risk. Safety is paramount. I declared an emergency, not because the plane was in danger, but because to get the full attention of the Heathrow control tower and all the quiet to fly without disturbances."

"After we handled the breakdown, I declared an emergency and began the descent. I updated the crew through the steward, and then I updated the passengers. I spoke with the passengers, updated them on the details, and told them that everything was all right, that the plane was under control, and that the landing would be completely routine. After landing, I went to the cabin, and of the 411 passengers and crew, there was only one panicked passenger. The passengers told me that they didn’t panic because of my explanations. They said that I calmed them down and gave them assurance."

Margalit said that an emergency that endangers a plane is the loss of both engines on the same side, but added, "We're trained for that too." He said that the plane was 16 years old and has a lifespan of 30-35 years.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 5, 2012

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012

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