Latest update:


"Since the issue of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) 1st
Preliminary Report on Friday 18 January 2008 at 1700 hrs, work has
continued on all fronts to identify why neither engine responded to
throttle lever inputs during the final approach. The 150 tonne aircraft
was moved from the threshold of Runway 27L to an airport apron on Sunday
evening, allowing the airport to return to normal operations.

The AAIB, sensitive to the needs of the industry including Boeing, Rolls
Royce, British Airways and other Boeing 777 operators and crews, is
issuing this update to provide such further factual information as is
now available.

As previously reported, whilst the aircraft was stabilised on an ILS
approach with the autopilot engaged, the autothrust system commanded an
increase in thrust from both engines. The engines both initially
responded but after about 3 seconds the thrust of the right engine
reduced. Some eight seconds later the thrust reduced on the left engine
to a similar level. The engines did not shut down and both engines
continued to produce thrust at an engine speed above flight idle, but
less than the commanded thrust.

Recorded data indicates that an adequate fuel quantity was on board the
aircraft and that the autothrottle and engine control commands were
performing as expected prior to, and after, the reduction in thrust.

All possible scenarios that could explain the thrust reduction and
continued lack of response of the engines to throttle lever inputs are
being examined, in close cooperation with Boeing, Rolls Royce and
British Airways. This work includes a detailed analysis and examination
of the complete fuel flow path from the aircraft tanks to the engine
fuel nozzles.

Further factual information will be released as and when available. (AAIB)"