A British Airways Boeing 777-200ER operating from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare was forced to turn back to the UK on October 5 after experiencing a technical issue and making a rapid descent over Ireland.
British Airways Flight BA295, operated by the Boeing 777-200ER registered G-VIIA, departed Heathrow Terminal 5 at approximately 11:10 BST for its scheduled service to Chicago. The aircraft climbed to around 36,000 feet before beginning a rapid descent while over Ireland. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft descending to approximately 9,000 feet.
The crew selected the 7700 transponder code, indicating a general emergency, before turning the aircraft back towards London.
Rapid Descent Over Ireland
According to flight tracking data, BA295 descended approximately 27,000 feet from its cruising altitude to around 9,000 feet within several minutes.
Such a descent is consistent with the procedures used following certain in-flight emergencies, including a possible pressurisation problem. British Airways has not confirmed that cabin depressurisation was the cause of the incident.
The Boeing 777-200ER remained airborne after the descent while the crew assessed the situation and coordinated with air traffic control.
Simple Flying reported that the aircraft was returning to Heathrow amid reports of a possible cabin pressure issue. As stated above, the precise nature of the technical problem remains unconfirmed as of publication of this article.
Boeing 777 Returns To London
After turning back towards the UK, G-VIIA spent several hours flying before landing safely at Heathrow.
The aircraft had been operating a long-haul service and therefore had considerably more fuel onboard than would normally be required for an immediate landing.
Flight-tracking data shows that the aircraft ultimately completed the return to Heathrow approximately four hours and 47 minutes after departing London. British Airways confirmed that the aircraft had experienced a technical issue and that the pilots returned to Heathrow.
The aircraft eventually landed safely and passengers disembarked normally. The airline is working to assist affected passengers with their onward travel.
G-VIIA’s History
The aircraft involved, G-VIIA, is one of British Airways’ Boeing 777-200ERs and has been part of the carrier’s long-haul fleet for decades.
There were no reported injuries following the incident, with passengers able to disembark normally after the aircraft returned safely to Heathrow.
