An ASL Airlines France Boeing 737-700, registration F-GZTO performing flight 5O-804 from Palma Mallorca,SP (Spain) to Aberdeen,SC (UK), was on final approach to Aberdeen's runway 16 descending through about 1500 feet MSL when the aircraft went around. The aircraft entered a hold for about 20 minutes, then positioned for another approach to runway 16 and landed safely at about 112 knots over ground about 30 minutes after the go around, emergency services were attending to the aircraft.
A passenger reported that the captain announced, that there had been an issue with another aircraft on the runway, subsequently the captain announced there was still an issue with the runway and the captain concluded that announcement: "I wish you all a safe landing." The passenger believed the aircraft would perform a high speed landing, the aircraft touched down hard, emergency services were attending the aircraft. The passenger, insisting to get some more insight, queried cabin crew repeatedly, finally a flight attendant told him, there had been an issue with the flaps.
Radar data sugested that the runway was temporary closed indeed, however reopened about 10 minutes later. About 20 minutes later the aircraft landed at 112 knots over ground, not consistent with a flaps issue.
Upon query by the AVH the passenger reported that on first approach, ending in the go-around, the passenger did not hear any sounds consistent with the landing gear being lowered, but clearly heard sounds the flaps moved into position. Just before the go-around commenced there were strange noises, sort of grinding noises, that were followed by the sounds of the engines spooling up for the go-around. About 30 minutes later, while positioning for the landing, there were sounds consistent with the landing gear extending, the first and only attempt. After landing the passenger noticed mechanics were working on the left hand engine, the engineer had opened a small flap at the bottom of the engine.
The Aviation Herald
