Phuket

Nanook · #**141** 17-09-2007, 15:09

First of all my best wishes for the injured people and my condolances for the families of the people that lost their lives.

A plane crash is always terrible, but it will not stop me from flying. It is the same as when you see a a big car crash that looks disgusting, but still you continue to drive. I have flown a lot and will be flying. Actually tomorrow evening again.

I have been with airlines that had fatal crashes and been on airports where big accidents happened before. It's all joss (as the Chinese say) or karma. We cannot control it.

As I was home late yesterday, I only heard about the crash late last night. This morning I called my GF and the first thing she asked if I heard about the crash and if we would still be flying to Phuket this Saturday. Of course, I replied. I could sense that she was pretty tensed about it. She only flew one time only. I tried to ease her mind, telling her that I flew so much and nothing happened. I can imagine she feels some what concerned, but let's see how it is later this week.

aussie45 · #**142** 17-09-2007, 15:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by capdagde

Does anyone know if Phuket airport has ILS? My mate who is a BA pilot says a plane lands itself - I always get over my fear of flying by thinking about that - thinking about the traffic at Phuket airport it certainly should have ILS.

And of course, condolences again....

AC

An ILs does not land the aircraft. Basically it gives the pilots guidance. I was in the cockbit of an Ansett B767 coming into Perth one clear night and they were practising an Instrument Landing, they had pillows in front of the windows in the cockpit. When the check captain removed the pillows we were substantially off course and they had to do some pretty severe corrections to get it back on course. Real white knuckle stuff.
There are automatic landing systems but I don't know if they have one at Phuket

Goong · #**143** 17-09-2007, 15:23

Sincere condolences to all involved.
This route is one that we have all done many times and something like this sure gives you a reality check. At times i treat life like a dress reharsal but something as tragic as this makes you realise how precious it really is.
Carpe Diem

floppy · #**144** 17-09-2007, 16:14

sent a chiver down my spine when I saw it on tv..we all know that airport so well and I just couldnt imagine something happening like that in phuket..

capdagde · #**145** 17-09-2007, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by faultytowers

Yes it does , here is a link. But remember , no amount of equipment can take into account "mother nature".

Thanks FT - your point taken...

AC

sarsbuk · #**146** 17-09-2007, 16:35

Such a shocking and sad event... To think I was there just 2 weeks ago!

Mr Floatplane · #**147** 17-09-2007, 16:37

Phuket has an ILS on Runway 27 - it is NOT suitable for auto-land.

It is a Cattogary1 ILS (Cat1 : DH 200)

- Basically to land the pilot must be visual with the runway environment (landing lights/PAPI or runway threshold) by 200 feet above ground level (Decision Height) if not, then the pilot must conduct a missed approach (go around).

“An ILS does not land the aircraft”

correct

“Basically it gives the pilots guidance”

Correct, but to that you can add, an ILS signal may be coupled to an autopilot/autoland system to provide glide-slope and tracking input all the way down onto the runway. (However a Catogary1 ISLis not protected as much for signal interference compared to a CAT III ILS which is suitable for auto-land)

“I was in the cockbit of an Ansett B767 coming into Perth one clear night and they were practising an Instrument Landing, they had pillows in front of the windows in the cockpit. When the check captain removed the pillows we were substantially off course and they had to do some pretty severe corrections to get it back on course. Real white knuckle stuff.”

They must have been sh*t pilots! Flying an ISL is not particularly difficult. If they did not know they were substantially off course until looking outside, then they should not be flying.

Of course staying on track is a different matter if the weather conditions exceed the aircraft limitations!

It is interesting to read the thread from people in Phuket at the time, obviously the weather was terrible at the time, however the Phuket aerodrome weather is shown as not bad at all: 12 knot winds, 3km visability, light rain, scattered cloud at 1,500 feet…( For anyone interested see VTSP weather below).

Still, a micro burst is hard to detect until you are in one, and then it is probably too late. ( Doppler Radar maybe the answer, as developed after the Denver wind shear crash 20 years ago)

Phuket weather:

VTSP 161030Z 29011KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1006 A2973
VTSP 161000Z 27009KT 3000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1006 A2973
VTSP 160930Z 27008KT 3000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 23/22 Q1006 2972
VTSP 160900Z 27012KT 1000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 24/23 Q1006 2973
VTSP 160830Z 24012KT 4000 SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 26/24 Q1006 A2971 VCSH NW
VTSP 160800Z 27007KT 4000 SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 26/24 Q1006 A2972 VCSH N
VTSP NIL
VTSP 160700Z 33003KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1007 A2975
VTSP 160630Z 33004KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1007 A2976

capdagde · #**148** 17-09-2007, 16:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Floatplane

Phuket has an ILS on Runway 27 - it is NOT suitable for auto-land.

It is a Cattogary1 ILS (Cat1 : DH 200)

- Basically to land the pilot must be visual with the runway environment (landing lights/PAPI or runway threshold) by 200 feet above ground level (Decision Height) if not, then the pilot must conduct a missed approach (go around).

“An ILS does not land the aircraft”

correct

“Basically it gives the pilots guidance”

Correct, but to that you can add, an ILS signal may be coupled to an autopilot/autoland system to provide glide-slope and tracking input all the way down onto the runway. (However a Catogary1 ISLis not protected as much for signal interference compared to a CAT III ILS which is suitable for auto-land)

“I was in the cockbit of an Ansett B767 coming into Perth one clear night and they were practising an Instrument Landing, they had pillows in front of the windows in the cockpit. When the check captain removed the pillows we were substantially off course and they had to do some pretty severe corrections to get it back on course. Real white knuckle stuff.”

They must have been sh*t pilots! Flying an ISL is not particularly difficult. If they did not know they were substantially off course until looking outside, then they should be flying.

Of course staying on track is a different matter if exceeds the weather conditions exceed the aircraft limitations!

It is interesting to read the thread from people in Phuket at the time, obviously the weather was terrible at the time, however the Phuket aerodrome weather is shown as not bad at all: 12 knot winds, 3km viability, light rain, scattered cloud at 1,500 feet…( For anyone interested see VTSP weather below).

Still, a micro burst is hard to detect until you are in one, and then it is probably too late. ( Doppler Radar maybe the answer, as developed after the Denver wind shear crash 20 years ago)

Phuket weather:

VTSP 161030Z 29011KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1006 A2973
VTSP 161000Z 27009KT 3000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1006 A2973
VTSP 160930Z 27008KT 3000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 23/22 Q1006 2972
VTSP 160900Z 27012KT 1000 RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 24/23 Q1006 2973
VTSP 160830Z 24012KT 4000 SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 26/24 Q1006 A2971 VCSH NW
VTSP 160800Z 27007KT 4000 SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 26/24 Q1006 A2972 VCSH N
VTSP NIL
VTSP 160700Z 33003KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1007 A2975
VTSP 160630Z 33004KT 3000 -RA SCT015 BKN110 BKN300 25/24 Q1007 A2976

Is anyone else not reassured???

AC

Mr Floatplane · #**149** 17-09-2007, 16:50

And this is what happens to an MD80 (same type as the one that crashed in Phuket) when it hits the runway too hard…

Don’t watch if you don’t want to!

Aircraft Crash Landing

Sirgezza · #**150** 17-09-2007, 17:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Floatplane

And this is what happens to an MD80 (same type as the one that crashed in Phuket) when it hits the runway too hard…

Don’t watch if you don’t want to!

Aircraft Crash Landing

I came in on the same flight 2 weeks ago. After touchdown the plane took a long time to come to a halt. Is there reverse thrust on the engines of a MD80?

capdagde · #**151** 17-09-2007, 17:07

No thanks....

Hobbsy · #**152** 17-09-2007, 17:29

interesting how the tail breaks off in much the same way as reported in the phuket disaster.

butterflyblonde · #**153** 17-09-2007, 17:50

While many people around the world feel the shock and sadness regarding these disasters, it feels just that little bit more personal to us that go there same as the Tsunami disaster which affected myself and many others on a deep level.

We all make that trip from BKK to PHKT and know any one of us could have so easily have been there, wrong place, wrong time.

My thoughts are with the affected families and the souls that perished. R.I.P

Nicke · #**154** 17-09-2007, 17:57

I went to Bangkok Phuket Hospital today, checkup for Ead as she is pregnant.

I saw several tv teams and a bunch of jornalists with cameras. They also had Air crash information centre provided to the media.

visa2003 · #**155** 17-09-2007, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nicke

I went to Bangkok Phuket Hospital today, checkup for Ead as she is pregnant.

I saw several tv teams and a bunch of jornalists with cameras. They also had Air crash information centre provided to the media.

Congratulations to you and EAD, and my heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones!!!
Seems to be the way of the world though, doesn't it???? Checks and balances!!!!

sierradelta · #**156** 17-09-2007, 18:20

The news here in Australia said something about one Aussie bloke that was on the plane was also in the Tsunami disaster?

Talk about WTF…sounds too much like Bruce Willis in that movie Unbreakable with Samuel L Jackson…spooky eh!

I have to get a picture of this chap to keep in my wallet so as if he comes within 100M of me…I can run like fcuk the other way.

Whew…what are the odds of that if it is true?

I reckon I would buy a couple of lottery tickets eh! (or better still…think about writing a book).

Nautilus · #**157** 17-09-2007, 18:23

sierradelta, yeah i read that too, i think he survived the tsunami also.

He called his mother and i think she is on the way to see him.

He must be one lucky guy.

landofsmiles · #**158** 17-09-2007, 18:39

Just back from the airport. Looks like reopening within the next hour.

The approach road alongside the runway was open to traffic but there was really nothing much to see. The main crash site is about half way down the runway but the opposite side of the road and there are just loads of very small pieces over a stretch of about 200metres up the bank. Looks like any substantial bits have been removed and taken to a hangar already.

omgMiami · #**159** 17-09-2007, 18:48

gahh =( So tragic, my thoughts goes out to the people involved in this terrible accident.

welshmike · #**160** 17-09-2007, 18:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by sierradelta

The news here in Australia said something about one Aussie bloke that was on the plane was also in the Tsunami disaster?

Talk about WTF…sounds too much like Bruce Willis in that movie Unbreakable with Samuel L Jackson…spooky eh!

I have to get a picture of this chap to keep in my wallet so as if he comes within 100M of me…I can run like fcuk the other way.

Whew…what are the odds of that if it is true?

I reckon I would buy a couple of lottery tickets eh! (or better still…think about writing a book).

love your reply and its true he lives here in perth so i think i'll take your advice. 55555555555

MrDK · #**161** 17-09-2007, 20:15

Just read this ... been on a weekend away from news and communication.
Sincerely hope no board members were victims of or in anyway had connections to this tragic events.

shanghai · #**162** 17-09-2007, 20:20

So far one Irish guy missing and three in hospital on the critical list. Thoughts and prayers for all associated with this tragedy.

Mai Chob · #**163** 17-09-2007, 21:55

Sorry to hear this news and my sincere condolences to all who lost friends or family in this...

cgyfireman · #**164** 17-09-2007, 22:29

Awful news.The one Canadian on the plane is making big news in Canada....says
a guy kicked out a door or she was a goner.

Hobbsy · #**165** 17-09-2007, 22:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

He must be one lucky guy.

or exceptionally UNlucky? depends on your point of view.

unlucky to be in 2 disasters but lucky to survive.

andmel · #**166** 17-09-2007, 23:12

Here is a video shot by a survivor of the accident

Nettavisen - - Dette er helt sinnssykt!

Don’t watch if you don’t want to!

ultras*depor87 · #**167** 17-09-2007, 23:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by andmel

Here is a video shot by a survivor of the accident

Nettavisen - - Dette er helt sinnssykt!

Don’t watch if you don’t want to!

very impressive video, what a tragic accident !!!

SeanCally · #**168** 18-09-2007, 00:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by andmel

Here is a video shot by a survivor of the accident

Nettavisen - - Dette er helt sinnssykt!

Don’t watch if you don’t want to!

from looking at that i cant see anyone helping ?

Papa John · #**169** 18-09-2007, 01:29

Condolences to all those involved in this tragedy.

We take for granted and assume that things will always be normal when we get on an airplane. In most cases this is true, however in this case we have been dealt a gut wrenching incident in the middle of our paradise.

What a sad day.

eric-the-viking · #**170** 18-09-2007, 05:11

Terrible teribble tragedy our thoughts go to all those and their families.

Mr Lucky · #**171** 18-09-2007, 06:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

12Go has a history of trouble and warnings..

Are you thinking of Phuket Air? I wasn't aware that 12Go or Orient Thai had a history of warnings.

I've always flown LCCs without much worry, but it does occur to me: any good pilot is going to shoot for a job with the higher-paying majors - 12Go, Nok and AirAsia pilots are the ones who couldn't land a job at THAI.

Nautilus · #**172** 18-09-2007, 08:00

Got this from the local papers.

Taxi driver Adnan Pombisut claimed that business was slightly better than on normal days when the Phuket airport was closed.

“Many people did not know that the airport was going to be closed, so I drove them there and dropped them back to the hotel again when they realised that their flights had been cancelled. So instead of a one-way fare, they paid for a return trip,” he said.

Mr Lucky · #**173** 18-09-2007, 08:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nautilus

Got this from the local papers.

Taxi driver Adnan Pombisut claimed that business was slightly better than on normal days when the Phuket airport was closed.

“Many people did not know that the airport was going to be closed, so I drove them there and dropped them back to the hotel again when they realised that their flights had been cancelled. So instead of a one-way fare, they paid for a return trip,” he said.

Nice. Did he also make money driving tourists to the beach after the tsunami?

Jack_Wow · #**174** 18-09-2007, 10:58

I am no fan of our islands taxi drivers however the remarks about the Tsunami needs comment.
Many, not all, but most taxi drivers were heroes that day, they gave rides, shelter and even clothing and money to victims.

Mr Lucky · #**175** 18-09-2007, 11:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jack_Wow

I am no fan of our islands taxi drivers however the remarks about the Tsunami needs comment.
Many, not all, but most taxi drivers were heroes that day, they gave rides, shelter and even clothing and money to victims.

Point well-made. In years in Thailand I met far more good taxi drivers than bad. My comment was directed only at the driver mentioned in the article.