Disaster avoided as aircraft lands too fast

There were no reports of injuries Saturday evening when a Virgin Atlantic aircraft allegedly came in too quickly for landing at VC Bird International Airport, touching down later than it should on runway 7.
Flight VS 082 from San Juan, Puerto Rico arrived at 10:27 p.m. for an 8:35 p.m. departure to London Gatwick Saturday evening.

The cockpit crew reportedly could not stop the Boeing 747 aircraft in time to turn around at runway 10, before taxiing to the gate, causing it to go past the LIAT hangar.

When the speed was reduced and the aircraft came to a stop, a tug was dispatched to push back the 747 and set it back on course to turn around and head for the gate.

The incident could have caused serious damage to the carrier’s front landing gear and nose, if it veered totally off course.

There was a further delay, but clearance was eventually given after inspections were carried out. Flight VS 082 departed Antigua at 12:33 a.m. Sunday.

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