| Executive Summary: | The aircraft was scheduled to fly from London Heathrow to Harare, Zimbabwe and was loaded with 101,100 kg of fuel. After a normal start up and taxi, the aircraft took off from Runway 27L expecting to fly a Midhurst 3G Standard Instrument Departure. Immediately after takeoff, an aircraft at the runway holding point reported a trail of smoke from the rear of the departing aircraft and a smell of fuel vapour. This was acknowledged and the aircraft continued on its planned departure, climbing to 6,000 feet amsl. As there were no abnormal indications on the flight deck and nothing visible from within the aircraft, the crew considered it likely that they were leaking fuel from the centre tank. This was reinforced by further reports from the ground and other aircraft of a two-mile vapour trail from the rear of the aircraft. The pilots decided to dump fuel in order to reduce the aircraft's weight to maximum landing weight and to return to Heathrow. An emergency was declared and the aircraft transferred to a discreet frequency whilst ATC directed the aircraft over the sea during the ensuing 25 minutes of fuel dumping. With approximately 4,000 kg of fuel remaining in the centre tank, an ILS approach was made to Runway 27L. There were no reports of any fuel leaking during the approach and the landing was made with minimum braking in order to keep the brake units as cool as possible. The Airfield Fire and Rescue Service met the aircraft and reported some vapour emanating from the left main landing gear wheel unit but no apparent fuel leaks. As a precaution, the left engine was shutdown and the aircraft was taxied back to a stand where the passengers were disembarked normally. |
