[REAL ATC] HYDRAULIC LOSS inbound JFK

Summary

The transcript details a tense emergency situation where an American Airlines flight 9253 declares an emergency due to a loss of center hydraulic fluid. With 231 passengers on board and approximately 4 hours of fuel, the flight requests expedited handling to Kennedy Airport. The crew communicates with air traffic control about their situation, conservation efforts, and eventual landing preparations, including coordinating with emergency services for a potential runway closure and towing of the aircraft post-landing.

Takeaways

• 🛫 The aircraft, identified as American 9253, declares an emergency due to loss of center hydraulic fluid.
• 🚨 The crew requests expedited handling into Kennedy airport and mentions the need for equipment to be standing by for the emergency.
• ⏱ They have approximately 4 hours of fuel on board, with 39,000 pounds of fuel initially and 38,500 pounds later in the conversation.
• 👥 The total number of souls on board is initially reported as 2319 but corrected to 231.
• 📍 The aircraft is directed to Kennedy airport and given clearance to maintain an altitude of 11,000 feet.
• 🔄 The crew is taking steps to conserve the remaining hydraulic fluid, indicating a serious issue with the aircraft's systems.
• 🛬 The aircraft is given clearance to land on Runway 22 left, with the crew confirming the request for this specific runway.
• 🚫 The airport is informed that the left side of the runway will be temporarily closed for inspection due to the emergency landing.
• 🚁 Emergency vehicles are confirmed to be on standby, ready to assist with the landing and potential post-landing issues.
• 🛑 The aircraft is expected to stop on the runway, with plans for the aircraft to be pinned and towed off due to the hydraulic issue.
• 🔄 There is a mention of the taxiways being poor, suggesting that the aircraft may have difficulty taxiing after landing.

Q & A

What is the emergency situation described in the transcript?

The aircraft is losing hydraulic fluid from its center system and has declared an emergency, requesting expedited handling.

What is the flight number of the aircraft experiencing the emergency?

The flight number is American 9253.

What is the estimated fuel remaining on board the aircraft?

There is approximately 4 hours of fuel remaining on board, with 39,000 pounds of fuel initially on board.

How many souls are on board the aircraft?

There are 231 souls on board, as mentioned in the transcript.

What is the aircraft's request regarding the runway?

The aircraft requests to land on Runway 22 left due to the emergency.

What altitude is the aircraft maintaining initially?

The aircraft is initially maintaining an altitude of 11,000 feet.

What steps are being taken to conserve the remaining hydraulic fluid?

The crew is taking unspecified steps to try to conserve the remaining hydraulic fluid, but the specific actions are not detailed in the transcript.

What is the estimated landing weight of the aircraft in pounds?

The estimated landing weight is approximately 35,000 pounds.

What is the condition of the runway after the emergency landing?

The transcript mentions that the runway will be temporarily closed for inspection after the emergency landing.

What is the plan for the aircraft after landing?

The plan is to have the aircraft pinned and towed off the runway due to the hydraulic issue.

What is the final action taken by the air traffic control regarding the runway?

The air traffic control confirms that Runway 22 left will be closed after the emergency landing.

Outlines

00:00

🛫 Emergency Landing Coordination

The first paragraph details an emergency situation where an aircraft, American 9253, is losing hydraulic fluid and declares an emergency, requesting expedited handling to land at Kennedy Airport. The crew communicates with air traffic control about their situation, including the amount of fuel on board, the number of souls on board (2319), and the steps they are taking to conserve the remaining hydraulic fluid. They receive instructions to maintain a certain altitude and proceed to a specific fix for landing. The conversation also includes preparations for emergency equipment on the ground and the acknowledgment of the emergency by the control tower.

05:02

🚁 Aircraft Emergency and Ground Procedures

The second paragraph continues the narrative of the emergency landing, with the aircraft American 9253 coordinating its approach and landing with air traffic control. The crew informs the tower of their inability to use the nose wheel for steering post-landing and requests a tug to tow the aircraft off the runway. They also receive updates about the runway conditions and are given instructions to hold their position if necessary. The communication includes a discussion about the closure of a particular runway due to the emergency and the coordination with emergency vehicles on standby.

Keywords

💡Emergency

An emergency in the context of aviation refers to an unforeseen situation that poses a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft, its crew, or passengers. In the script, the crew of American 9253 declares an emergency due to a loss of hydraulic fluid, which is critical for the operation of flight controls and other systems. This sets the tone for the urgency and potential danger faced by the crew and passengers.

💡Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid is a liquid used in hydraulic systems to transmit power, typically in the form of a pressure, enabling the operation of various components such as flight controls, brakes, and landing gear. In the transcript, the loss of hydraulic fluid is the primary issue faced by the flight crew, highlighting its importance in maintaining the aircraft's functionality.

💡Expedited Handling

Expedited handling in aviation means prioritizing an aircraft's needs, such as clearance and support, due to a critical situation. The crew requests expedited handling, indicating the severity of their situation and the need for swift assistance from air traffic control and ground services.

💡Fuel On Board

Fuel on board refers to the amount of fuel currently in the aircraft's tanks. It is a critical parameter for flight planning and safety. The script mentions '4 hours fuel on board,' which helps assess the flight's endurance and the time available to manage the emergency before landing.

💡Standby

In aviation communication, 'standby' is a directive for the recipient to wait for further instructions. It is used when the situation is evolving, and immediate action is not required. In the script, the crew is asked to 'standby' while air traffic control coordinates the emergency response.

💡Souls On Board

This phrase refers to the number of people on the aircraft, emphasizing the human aspect of the situation. In the transcript, 'total Souls on board, 2319' indicates the scale of the emergency, as it involves a large number of passengers and crew members.

💡Direct Kennedy

This term indicates a direct flight path to Kennedy Airport, bypassing other waypoints or routes. The crew is cleared to proceed 'direct Kennedy,' which is part of the expedited handling to ensure a quick and safe landing.

💡Final Approach Fix

The final approach fix is a navigational point from which an aircraft begins its final descent to land. In the script, the crew is directed to the 'Final Approach fix for 22 left,' which is part of the air traffic control's guidance for a safe and efficient landing.

💡Runway

A runway is a flat surface where aircraft take off and land. The script mentions 'Runway 22 left,' which is the specific runway assigned for the emergency landing, indicating the direction and side of the runway to be used.

💡ILS

ILS stands for Instrument Landing System, a set of instruments and antennae that provide guidance to an aircraft during its final approach and landing. The crew is cleared to the ILS for '22 left,' which is critical for a safe landing, especially in an emergency situation.

💡Tug

A tug is a vehicle used to tow aircraft on the ground when they are unable to move under their own power. The script mentions the need for a 'tug to tow us off,' indicating that the aircraft may not be able to taxi after landing due to the hydraulic fluid loss.

Highlights

The aircraft declares an emergency due to loss of center hydraulic fluid.

Request for expedited handling into Kennedy Airport with approximately 4 hours of fuel on board.

Aircraft carrying a total of 2319 souls on board, with 39,000 lbs of fuel.

The crew is taking steps to conserve the remaining hydraulic fluid.

The aircraft is cleared to proceed directly to the Final Approach fix for Runway 22 left.

Aircraft is maintaining 11,000 feet altitude as requested by air traffic control.

Crew reports the problem with the center hydraulic system of the Boeing 767.

The aircraft is given instructions to maintain 4,000 feet altitude.

American 9253 is proceeding to the Final Approach fix, updating its position and altitude.

Crew requests information on the runway condition and is informed about good braking but poor taxiways.

Aircraft is cleared for an emergency landing on Runway 22 left.

Crew indicates that the aircraft will slow down and request normal speed for final approach.

Emergency vehicles are standing by for the aircraft's arrival.

Aircraft is instructed to switch to ILS 22 right due to temporary runway closure.

Crew confirms that they will request to be towed off the runway due to hydraulic issues.

Aircraft is given clearance to land on Runway 22 left with emergency procedures in place.

Crew is warned about the possibility of the runway closing after their landing.

Final communication before landing, confirming approach and emergency protocols.

Transcripts

Washington Center americ

9253 yes sir uh we are starting to lose

our Center hydraulic uh fluid uh we're

declaring an emergency at this time

requesting expedited handling into

Kennedy fuel on board uh approximately 4

hours fuel on board 39,000 lb of fuel

and uh standby for the souls on board

total Souls on board

2319 253 broke up again 200 many 231

sir92 53 clear Direct Kennedy and just

maintain

11,000 11,000 directly K how about if we

head for the Final Approach fix rway 22

left 253 you cleared as requested

maintain 1 1000 over out 301

ner ner thank you sir and do you want

equipment standing by yes sir we're

going to need the equipment standing by

2.32

2532 American 95 2

sir New York Center good evening

American 9253 is with you out of flight

level 212 for 11 111,000 proceeding

direct to the Final Approach fix for 22

left let know

anything one Niner and I'll let you know

sir uh our problem is we're uh we're

losing fluid out of the center hydraulic

switch on the 767 is a big hitter we're

we're taking steps to uh try to conserve

the fluid and uh I'll let you

know okay thank you 9253 uh when we get

a c just give me Souls on board

remaining in

time on board total Souls on board

231 fuel remaining in time is

approximately 4

hours contact

[Applause]

now 1257 thank you for your help sir

good

night approach American 20 uh 9253 heavy

with you passing 15,000 for 1 1,000 we

have information x-ray

MGA 9253 heavy Roger flighting

040 at Runway 22 left breaking action

reported good 22 rights is fair I

understand your emergency did you have a

preference on the runway yeah American

9253 heavy uh right turn 040 we're going

to request uh 22 left today please and

yes we are an emergency 9253 heavy Roger

and when I will say fuel in pounds for

me all right fuel in pound right now is

38,500 we'll be landing with about I'm

going to call it

35 thank you much 9 253 heavy Al 3017

maintain 4,000

3017 down to 4,000 for American 9253

heavy American 9253 heavy amend altitude

maintain 5,000 American 92 53 heavy down

to 5,000 now americ 9253 heavy they

maintain 2000 American 9253 heavy out of

five for

two americ 9253 heavy we have a normal

speed on

finalight American 9253 at this point

yes we will normal speed all right 9253

we're going to start slowing down9

253 T 1898 for me they're going to

temporarily close the left side where

the emergency lands to inspect the

runway swi your Runway to ILS 22 right

okay we'll switch to 22 we playing on 22

right now Cactus

1898 American 9253 heavy turn left

hitting 31 0 American 9253 Left Turn 3 1

0 American 9253 heavy5 miles from zpo

turn left hitting 250 maintain 2000

established localizer clear Island

Runway 22 left to Pro American 2253 left

turn 250 cleared the ILS to 22 left from

uh

2000 American 9253 heavy contact K Tower

Niner point1 good day American 2253

heavy 11 n.1

soong Kennedy Tower American 22 I mean

uh sorry that's 9253 heavy we are

approaching zalo for Runway at 22 left

and we are in emergency

aircraft good even wi is 25 2 to left

and the emergency vehicles are standing

by America 9250 3 heavy Court to land on

22 left thank you and 4 99 you with me 9

is with you where are you

99 on Yankee and zul tell that emergency

aircraft from Jeff blue 302 that the

breaking action is uh good but the taxi

ways are poor all right thanks

yeah 92 F3 heavy on cop je said the

break I go down the runway but when you

turn off it's four so you know just take

your time when you get off okay we're uh

we've just we still got good hydraulic

pressure I think we're going to stop on

the runway and have them uh pin the

aircraft and tow us in so you can plan

for that all right um and if you're able

to turn off do do so as well if not then

we'll work it out okay sir I don't think

I'm even going to give it a shot with

the way we are right now everybody one

check when is uh 250 with three good and

99 I think you told me I forgot are you

on Echo or or Fox Bravo 99 is on Echo

right 99 on Runway 22 left C on to 22

left from Echo car9 and if he can't get

off expect the runway to close 9 hours

here Amer 20 53 you can uh you can hold

wherever you like and I understand

you're going to stay there and um you

need the something pin the nose wheel

yeah American 9253 we need uh we need to

get towed Off The Runway we're uh

we're yeah just just uh send a tug to

tow us off all right buddy you copy that

I understand at this time four right two

two left is closed car N I know Roger

four right two to left close thank you

9253 can position and can't take ground

point and she's talking with emergency

vehicles and I already told the port

vehicle what's going on okay American 92

53 heavy going to ground 21