SIA plane returns to Changi Airport after loss of
cabin pressure
By Patwant Singh, Channel NewsAsia |
Posted: 02 February 2008 2008 hrs
SINGAPORE : A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200 plane
flying to Beijing had to return to Changi Airport some 90 minutes
after takeoff due to loss of cabin pressure on Saturday
afternoon.
Officials say Flight SQ 802, carrying 232 passengers and 13 crew,
suffered loss of cabin pressure at an altitude of 36,000
feet.
So the pilot sent the plane first to 32,000 feet and then to 10,000
feet.
Because of the rapid 6-minute descent, oxygen masks were
deployed.
However these were safely removed once the plane reached 10,000
feet, and was stable.
SIA says the captain, in accordance with safety procedures,
immediately initiated a return to Singapore - the nearest suitable
airport.
The plane landed safely and without incident at 1.48pm local
time.
Passengers were transferred to a different aircraft to continue
their journey to Beijing.
SIA says a detailed investigation is underway and apologises to
passengers inconvenienced by the delay. - CNA/ch
Link