British Airways flight called mayday on approach to Heathrow

Earlier this month, a British Airways flight approaching Heathrow Airport issued a “mayday” distress signal, according to a report from France’s accident investigation authority. The incident involved an Airbus A320 traveling from Dusseldorf Airport in Germany on July 6. After experiencing two stall warnings during its descent, the aircraft ultimately landed safely with no further complications.

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has confirmed it is looking into what it has described as a “serious incident.” While British Airways acknowledged its cooperation with the AAIB investigation, the airline stated it is legally restricted from providing additional comments at this time. The French Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses (BEA) explained that the trouble began when a data system malfunction triggered the first stall warning as the plane neared Heathrow.

In response to the initial warning, the flight crew switched the aircraft to “alternate law,” a flight control mode that reduces some automated safety protections. Subsequently, a second stall warning occurred while the plane was at approximately 3,000 feet, which was likely just a few miles from the airport. The prior urgency call was then escalated to a mayday, signifying a situation of immediate danger.

The BEA’s statement cited information from the AAIB, though the UK agency did not directly confirm this attribution. The AAIB emphasized that the investigation will be conducted via correspondence, without dispatching an on-site team. Aviation safety expert David Gleave noted that mayday calls can vary in seriousness, and urgency messages are not uncommon. He explained, “You could have sick passengers on board who need urgent medical attention… so it’s up to the captains’ discretion as to what they call, but it’s very unusual for it to be a significant failure on board the aeroplane.”

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