UK Investigators Stress Importance of Motor Skills Practice After British Airways 777 Incident
A recent investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has highlighted the significance of pilots practising motor skills during routine operations, following a close call involving a British Airways Boeing 777-200ER at London Gatwick Airport.
According to the AAIB report, the incident occurred on June 28 last year, when the 777, registered as G-VIIT, was accelerating along runway 26L. At 160kt, the first officer inadvertently began pulling back the thrust levers instead of removing his hand and preparing to pull back the control column, upon hearing the automatic ‘V1’ call-out. V1 is normally considered to be the threshold for committing to flight, to reduce the risk of overrunning during an aborted take-off.
The AAIB report states that the captain then called "rotate", and the first officer – who vocalised the error – momentarily advanced the thrust levers again before initiating the rejected take-off procedure, at about 2kt above V1. The aircraft stopped safely on the runway before intersection GR, and firefighting personnel attended and extinguished a hot-brake fire on the right-hand main landing-gear. Fortunately, none of the 334 passengers and 13 crew members was injured.
The investigation revealed that British Airways had been reviewing its procedures relating to movement of critical controls, and issued a safety notice just four days before the incident. The safety notice emphasised the need to "pause before execution" and "cognitively consider" the required action. The AAIB report notes that the carrier’s review had determined that "absence of cognitive thought and speed of execution" commonly featured during action slips – including mis-selection of flap or landing-gear.
The AAIB found "no obvious reason" for the first officer’s being primed for the error, such as a recent change of aircraft type or relevant simulator practice. However, the inquiry states that the captain of the 777 had "insufficient time" to assess the situation before the rejection, but he responded to the abort "calmly and methodically", and the crew handled the event "effectively".
The incident highlights the complex nature of the take-off roll, with pilots carrying out a series of motor actions while also mentally preparing for a possible abort. As the AAIB notes, "Pilots can improve their individual performance by mentally rehearsing what might seem like routine parts of an operation, especially after time away from flying." The investigation stresses the benefit on cognition and motor skills of practising so-called "armchair flying".
In fact, according to FlightGlobal, the AAIB report explicitly states that "the operator described taking a cautious approach to publicising specific incidents to its crew, given industry experience suggests the act of discussing mis-selections might actually prime crew towards, rather than against, making them." This cautious approach was highlighted in the safety notice issued by British Airways, which emphasised the need for crews to be mindful of their actions during critical phases of flight.
The AAIB’s recommendations serve as a timely reminder of the importance of motor skills practice for pilots. As FlightGlobal reports, the incident illustrates the importance of crews being mindful of their actions during critical phases of flight, and the benefits of regular practice and training to minimise the risk of errors.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of flight operations and the need for crews to be vigilant and prepared for unexpected events. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, it is essential that airlines and regulators prioritise safety and invest in training and education to minimise the risk of accidents.
In conclusion, the AAIB’s investigation into the British Airways 777 incident highlights the critical importance of motor skills practice for pilots. By prioritising regular practice and training, airlines and pilots can minimise the risk of errors and ensure the continued safety of passengers and crew. As reported by FlightGlobal, the incident serves as a timely reminder of the importance of safety in the aviation industry.
