EASA welcomes AAIB Interim Report on B777 Heathrow accident

With regard to the accident of a British Airways Boeing 777 at Heathrow Airport on 17 January 2008, the Agency welcomes the report of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and its recommendations. EASA has worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the affected Type Certificate holders, Boeing and Rolls-Royce, in support of the AAIB investigation team.

In consultation with the FAA, it has been agreed that interim measures in response to Safety Recommendation 2008-047 will be defined through mandatory aircraft level action for the B777 aircraft equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines.

In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-048, EASA and the FAA have initiated reviews to determine the implications of the findings from this investigation for other certified aircraft/engine combinations, and will take appropriate action where necessary.

In respect of Safety Recommendation 2008-049, EASA will review the need for future rulemaking action.