On December 29, 1998, about 21:50 local, a Northwest VA 747-200, Flight NWCH2A
attempted a landing at London's Heathrow Airport for fuel. Due to the reduced
visability and darkness, the pilot lost sight of the runway. Communication
and instructions from the approach controller also played a factor. The nose
wheel contacted the ground first, causing substansial damage. Visual meteorological
conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Chicago, IL enroute to
Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow, Russia. IFR flight plan had been filed for the
flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The plane was evacuated. None of the
480 passengers or 11 crew members were injured.
Probable Cause
-Communication problems between approach contol and pilot
-Recovery of nose-down attitude not performed; pilot-in-command