PlasticPilot.net

The UK Aircraft Accident Investigation Branch published yesterday an update of the initial investigation report. The new information available is not much:

• The plane was established on ILS with autopilot and autothrust engaged
• Autothrust comanded a thrust increase to which the engines reacted initially
• Three seconds later, the thrust of right right engine reduced
• Eight seconds later, the thrust of left engine reduced as well
• The engines did not stop and where producing more than idle thrust
• There was an adequate quantity of fuel on board

Additionally, no malfunction of autothrottles or engine control units have been detected. Investigation goes on, including inspection of all possible fuel path.

Such a high level of communication from the investigation team is slightly unusal, but I personally think it is positive as it tend to reduce the number of rumors and speculation. It is also probable that the (relatively) happy ending of this event makes it less sensitive. The AAIB would probably not communicate that much if all on board had been killed.

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