On December 29, 1998, approximately 2150 local, a Northwest VA 747-200, Flight NWCH2A, experienced a "nose gear" landing at London's Heathrow Airport. None of the 11 crew members or 280 passenger were injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The scheduled flight, which departed Chicago O'Hare Intl, Illinois, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. An IFR flight plan had been filed, and there was no report of an ELT activation.

In a post-accident interview, the pilot said that the controller gave him a bad approach, and there was much communication confusion. With reduced visability and darkness, the 747 made contact with the nose wheel first, resulting in substantial structural damage and tire damage.

No problems with the engine were found in a post-accident investigation.