The 747 was being operated on a scheduled passenger flight from
Singapore to Frankfurt with four pilots, 14 cabin crew and 378
passengers. At the time of flight planning in Singapore, the
terminal aerodrome forecast for Frankfurt indicated
CAVOK2 conditions at the estimated time of arrival
(ETA), and there was no requirement to plan for an alternate
aerodrome. The fuel uplift at Singapore for the flight to Frankfurt
was in accordance with the operators Civil Aviation Safety
Authority (CASA) of Australia-approved fuel policy. The 747
departed Singapore on 27 July at 1521. The ETA for Frankfurt was
0319 on 28 July.
The 0220 Frankfurt routine aviation weather report obtained by
the crew included information that CAVOK conditions existed, with
no significant changes expected. The crew of the 747 commenced
descent into Frankfurt at about 0300, and the Frankfurt automatic
terminal information service provided the crew with information
that CAVOK conditions existed. As the 747 approached position GED,
which was 35 NM from Frankfurt, the air traffic controller
instructed the crew to enter a holding pattern at GED. As the 747
was in the holding pattern, radio transmissions from the crews of
other aircraft alerted the crew of the 747 that the weather
conditions at Frankfurt had suddenly deteriorated, and that there
were thunderstorms and heavy rain showers at the aerodrome. The
crew elected to divert the 747 to Munich, where it landed without
further incident. A number of other international flights were
similarly affected. Because of the unexpected and unscheduled
diversion from Frankfurt, the reserve fuel remaining on board the
747 when it arrived at Munich was less than that required by the
operators CASA approved fuel policy for the planned flight.
The BFU is the independent German government entity responsible
for the investigation of accidents and incidents in Germany. The
Australian Accredited Representatives role in the investigation has
been to provide the BFU with information about the aircraft and its
operation, crew details, and a record of discussion taken during an
interview conducted with the pilot in command of the aircraft. The
BFU will publish the Final Report related to the investigation of
this occurrence.
Footnote:
1 Clause 5.18 - The State of Registry, the
State of the Operator, the State of Design and the State of
Manufacture shall be entitled to appoint an accredited
representative to participate in the investigation. Clause 5.23 Any
State which on request provides information, facilities or experts
to the State conducting the investigation shall be entitled to
appoint an accredited representative to participate in the
investigation.
2 CAVOK Visibility 10 km or more; no cloud below 5,000
ft or below the highest minimum sector altitude, whichever is the
greater, and no cumulonimbus; no precipitation, thunderstorm,
shallow fog, low drifting snow or dust devils.