Control tower noticed part missine

Press, 13 April 1989, Page 1

Control tower noticed part missine

NZPA-AAP Sydney The captain of yesterday’s Concorde flight was unaware of the plane’s broken rudder until he was alerted by the control tower at Sydney. Captain David Leney said that at 44,000 ft after leaving Christchurch he “felt a very slight bang” but had no idea what it was. He experienced no more problems until the plane was descending into Sydney, when it began vibrating. “But I had no idea what had happened, if anything had happened at all,” said Captain Leney. As the Concorde approached Sydney, flight controllers in the tower noticed a section of the rudder was missing and alerted emergency services, who stood by as the plane landed safely. Captain Leney did not realise what the problem was until after landing. “My immediate reaction was that something had hit the aeroplane, but how could it?” The Concorde, • carrying 97 wealthy Americans for the round-the-world trip, was due to leave Sydney on Friday but Captain Leney said the departure could be delayed depending on how long the repairs took. A team of specialist Concorde engineers were to be flown from London to Sydney today with the necessary rudder part to work on the damaged jet. Dr Bob Lee, the acting director

of the Bureau of Air Safety Investigation in Canberra, said: “We have taken custody of the aircraft’s flight recorder.” The crew would be interviewed. Concordes have been involved in a number of minor incidents but there have been no serious accidents involving loss of life. Mr Paul Bowe, the southern region manager for Air New Zealand, said there had been no maintenance work done by airline staff before the Concorde left Christchurch. “Our only involvement with the aircraft was in cleaning the cabin and seat covers, helping to start the aircraft engines and assistance in towing it to the departure gate.” The Concorde’s departure from Christchurch yesterday afternoon attracted thousands of sightseers who lined roads around the airport for a vantage point. The Christchurch Airport terminal was packed with travellers, sightseers and airport workers pausing to watch the airliner take off. The airport company chief executive, Mr George Bellew, said the Concorde’s visit had been a tremendous success for the South Island. “I have also heard, although it is as yet unconfirmed, that the Concorde may be returning to Christchurch next February with another party of visitors,” he said.