Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Huge delays after Heathrow crash-landing

Monday 09 December 1996 00:02 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hundreds of flights to and from Heathrow airport were delayed yesterday after a plane carrying 45 people crash-landed.

The left undercarriage of the KLM Dutch National Fokker 50, a twin-engined turboprop, collapsed after landing, causing the aircraft to spin round.

The pilot had become aware of a problem with the landing gear when a warning light came on during the flight from Rotterdam. He informed air traffic control, who alerted the emergency services. Passengers said the pilot circled Heathrow for 45 minutes while he tried to get the landing gear to work.

Sherif Fahmy, a 35-year-old Egyptian businessman, said: "When we landed the first touch was fine, but then we felt the main undercarriage bar break and the left side of the plane just went down with a tremendous bang." Fire engines smothered the aircraft with foam as it was evacuated.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in