Ryanair flight landed at Manchester with 363 kg of fuel after storm diversions, AAIB report finds

A Ryanair flight diverted to Manchester during Storm Amy last October landed with about 363 kg of fuel remaining, well below the 1,100 kg final reserve mandated for the aircraft, according to an Air Accidents Investigation Branch report.

The flight, FR3418 from Pisa to Prestwick, was operated by Malta Air using a 737-800 registered 9H-QBD, and arrived over Scotland as the storm brought strong gusting winds.

At Prestwick, the crew received wind shear alerts and carried out two wind shear escape maneuvers. After the second go-around, the crew asked to divert to Manchester but were refused, the AAIB said. The report states the reason for the refusal was not established but appeared to result from a breakdown in communication between units within Manchester Airport, and that the diversion request should have been accepted under the airport's and handling agent's policies. A declaration of a fuel emergency at that point would have allowed the diversion, but the crew did not consider their situation met the requirements.

The aircraft then flew to Edinburgh, where another landing attempt was thwarted by windshear. The crew set up for a second approach but, after reviewing the company manual and the remaining fuel, elected to declare an emergency and divert to Manchester.

The report also notes that better communication at Manchester Airport could have averted the situation.