New Delhi, October 5 (IANS). A British Airways flight from London to Chicago declared an emergency while flying over Ireland. The aircraft then transmitted the internationally used 7700 emergency transponder code and descended to an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet.
According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, British Airways flight BA295 was en route to the Atlantic Ocean when it sent an emergency signal. The incident attracted the attention of aviation experts and aviation observers due to the plane's sudden descent and transmission of code 7700.
However, at present it is not clear what type of problem had arisen in the plane. The 7700 code transmitted by aircraft denotes a general emergency and is used when notifying air traffic control of the need for immediate assistance.
According to experts, the 7700 code indicates that the aircraft is facing an emergency, but it does not provide information about its cause. This could be due to technical glitches, medical emergencies or other operational reasons.
British Airways did not immediately release any official information as to what was the reason for declaring the emergency. Detailed information regarding the condition of the aircraft and its subsequent flight is awaited.
The incident follows another high-profile aviation emergency a few days ago, in which flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted from Dubai to Tel Aviv following an alleged attack in the cockpit.
In that case the aircraft had broadcast the 7700 as well as the 7500 code. The 7500 code usually indicates a situation such as unlawful interference with the aircraft or possible hijacking.
According to reports, the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft was carrying 174 passengers and crew when the incident occurred on September 30. The plane descended rapidly after an alleged cockpit dispute. The plane was later landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
However, officials have clarified that the incident on British Airways flight BA295 has no connection with the flydubai case. At present both the incidents are being treated as separate cases.
Only after detailed information comes from aviation authorities and British Airways will it become clear what was the real reason behind BA295 declaring emergency. At present, the process of investigation and technical evaluation is likely to continue.
–IANS
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