CAA to probe BA over three-engine flight

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reportedly launched an investigation after a British Airways Boeing 747 flew across the Atlantic with only three of its four engines working. As reported by News From Abroad, the plane has just taken off from Los Angeles with 351 passengers when a power surge led to the loss of an engine. But, instead of returning to the Los Angeles, the flight continued on towards the UK but had to land at Manchester rather than Heathrow because of a shortage of fuel. The carrier claimed that the plane was safe and that it was allowed to fly on three engines. But now, the Daily Mail reports, the CAA has ordered an investigation following a request from its counterpart in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA’s policy, the newspaper reports, is for a plane to put down at the nearest available airport – and the organisation reportedly has the power to fine carriers or even ban them from using particular airports. The Mail suggests that even if the CAA finds in BA’s favour, the FAA is unlikely to accept the verdict. The carrier is quoted as saying that it would never compromise the safety of its passengers. Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad