Pilot's false arm falls off as he lands passenger plane

[Karee 4,191]

(CNN) -- It's probably one of the more unusual incidents air traffic investigators have looked into, but the good news is that when a pilot's prosthetic arm fell off during landing, no one got hurt.

The 46-year-old pilot lost control in dark and windy conditions while bringing a Flybe airline turboprop plane with 47 passengers into Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland.

A report released Thursday by Britain's Air Accident Investigation Branch said the unnamed pilot's false limb became detached as he performed a "flare manoeuver" in which the nose of the plane is raised.

The pilot managed to regain control and make a "heavy landing," it said.

The February 12 incident resulted in no injuries among the passengers or four crew, but triggered an investigation.

"As he made the flare manoeuvre ... his prosthetic limb became detached from the yoke clamp, depriving him of control of the aircraft," the report said.

"He made a rapid assessment of the situation and considered alerting the co-pilot and instructing him to take control."

However, it said, because the co-pilot would not have time to take stock of what was happening, he decided the best option was to continue one-handed.

'Saftey checks'

"He did this, but with power still applied, and possibly a gust affecting the aircraft, a normal touchdown was followed by a bounce, from which the aircraft landed heavily."

The report made no comment on the incident but concluded with the pilot's own pledge to be "more cautious about checking the attachment on his prosthesis."

It said he would also brief his co-pilots about the possibility of a similar event occurring in the future.

Flybe, a UK-based low cost airline, said it had carried out its own investigation and had put into place additional safety measures.

"Flybe is proud to be an equal opportunities employer," it said in a statement.

"This, in common with most airlines, means we do employ staff with reduced physical abilities. Where appropriate, and in accordance with UK Civil Aviation Authority requirements, this does include pilots."

It said the pilot was a senior captain and one of its "most experienced and trusted" pilots.

"Following the incident, Flybe immediately undertook a detailed internal investigation from which it determined a series of additional fail-safe safety checks.

"These were rigorously tested and instigated immediately to ensure that this type of incident could not happen again."

Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/08/14/travel/plane-false-arm/index.html?hpt=hp_t3

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Well that's reassuring given that Flybe is based in my UK hometown and I've flown them before and will again when I visit the UK! Can't imagine that's a common thing for air accident investigation to look into though

[Operator 1,927]

Situational awareness, yippie-ki-yay!!!! This guy sounds like a champ.

"These were rigorously tested and instigated immediately to ensure that this type of incident could not happen again."

I've been waiting to share this video in an aviation related thread so thanks.

Not sure how to imbed the video so please click the link, It's pretty damn cool if you are an aviation geek.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=315265691983609

[Teddy B 17,252]

I've been waiting to share this video in an aviation related thread so thanks.

Not sure how to imbed the video so please click the link, It's pretty damn cool if you are an aviation geek.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=315265691983609

That was a cool vid Operator, thanks.

[Dave&Roza 748]

"He decided his best option was to continue one-handed"

Actually he was landing the airplane one-handed as most pilots have one hand on the yoke and one hand on the power controls encase power has to be added. So he had to quickly move his hand from the power controls to the yoke. Given the weight of a Dash 8, I am sure the nose dropped a bit during this exchanged and the gusting winds did not make it any easier. It was a great landing as the plane was re-usable .

Here is a different source of the same story:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-08-14/pilot-s-false-arm-came-off-in-windy-landing-accident-probe-says.html

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=315265691983609

wow

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

That was a cool vid Operator, thanks.

That has to be edited.

[Teddy B 17,252]

That has to be edited.

Why?

I'm no aviation genius, but it appear that the wing flaps which help stop the plane and force the rear of the plane down failed to deploy. looks very plausible to me.

Edited August 14, 2014 by Teddy B

[Operator 1,927]

Why?

I'm no aviation genius, but it appear that the wing flaps which help stop the plane and force the rear of the plane down failed to deploy. looks very plausible to me.

According to my dad who sent me the link and is also a retired AA (767) pilot, this guy was a "little" hot on landing and probably well in excess of the 'Vref' or 'landing reference speed'.

[spookyturtle 9,466]

When I was younger I thought my arm might fall off from jerking off.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Why?

I'm no aviation genius, but it appear that the wing flaps which help stop the plane and force the rear of the plane down failed to deploy. looks very plausible to me.

Higher speed would make it want to fly. All three points had made contact.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Higher speed would make it want to fly. All three points had made contact.

I am not an expert either just seems to be in contrast to what little I know about flight.

[Teddy B 17,252]

According to my dad who sent me the link and is also a retired AA (767) pilot, this guy was a "little" hot on landing and probably well in excess of the 'Vref' or 'landing reference speed'.

It's pretty obvious that your Dad doesn't know what he's talking about. This is VJ and no one knows more than us.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Higher speed would make it want to fly. All three points had made contact.

I am not an expert either just seems to be in contrast to what little I know about flight.

And here you are talking to yourself again. I'm a little worried about you.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

It's pretty obvious that your Dad doesn't know what he's talking about. This is VJ and no one knows more than us.

Look at the scenery behind the plane from about 400 feet to the point it goes back on the rear wheels. It's flight simulator scenery . It would take a massive amount of force to make the rear of that plane rise up like that, which I doubt is possible due to the CG and the fact that I don't think the elevator alone could generate that much lift.

Not to mention with that much weight on the nose gear , the stress alone would collapse or for sure keep it from tracking that nice straight line.

Bottom line I am calling BS. I just don't think physics support it being possible.

And here you are talking to yourself again. I'm a little worried about you.

I am glad to know you care.

Edited August 15, 2014 by The Nature Boy