Just reported on CNN the port engine is missing as it was torn off in the ditching. Divers are looking for the engine now. They hope to lift the airplane out and onto a barge.

If only one engine detached during the ditching I’m even more impressed that the plane came to a controlled stop, if that’s possible…

Ian

I’ve often wondered how it would play out if I was in the position described above.

Whenever possible I try and get a window seat near the wing and I like to watch what’s going on, e.g. the control surfaces testing and the flap/slat extension. If we were taxiing out towards the runway and I noticed that the flaps were retracted, how likely is it that I’d be able to successfully get my concerns to the flight deck before they start the takeoff roll? If I started shouting and dinging the cabin crew call button during taxiing I’d probably get either restrained or ignored!

Ian

The interim report itself can be found here:

http://www.aaib.dft.gov.uk/publications/interim_reports/boeing_777_236er__g_ymmm.cfm

Ian

Engine reverser now looking to be the likely culprit.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1050344/Madrid-plane-crash-Engine-gone-reverse-causing-crash-killed-154.html

Could it not be true that the crew had deployed the reverser in a last ditch attempt to stop? I thought that it was the right thrust reverser that had been locked out for maintenance.

I’ve been watching the coverage most of the afternoon and it’s been very traumatic, running through all the things that could have caused it. If the rumours are true and this was its second takeoff attempt after a checkover by maintenance then I especially feel for those who carried out the inspection, regardless of any blame.

RIP

BBC News channel says that Reuters says there have been no fatalities, let’s hope that is the case.

I’d guess it was something to do with this…
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/06/01/the_planet_houston_data_center_fire/

Ian