Dispatched to LAS with neither alternate nor contingency fuel; an Airbus flight crew declared a fuel emergency and proceeded direct to PHX when microburst alerts at LAS precluded landing.
Synopsis
Dispatched to LAS with neither alternate nor contingency fuel; an Airbus flight crew declared a fuel emergency and proceeded direct to PHX when microburst alerts at LAS precluded landing.
Narrative
LAS forecast to be VFR with gusty winds. We departed with a normal fuel load; no alternate or contingency fuel. On arrival to LAS we began the ILS 25L approach. During the approach; Tower announced a microburst alert; 30 KTS for Runway 25L. We discontinued the approach. Tower asked if we would like an approach to Runway 01 as they did not have any alerts for that runway. We agree and got a vector to Runway 01. While proceeding to 01; Tower announced a microburst alert of 30 KTS for Runway 01. We requested holding to evaluate the situation. [We were] cleared to hold at BLD as published. In holding; called Dispatch and requested alternate information; given PHX or ONT for alternates. During the hold; Tower informed us there were no alerts for 25L. Informed Dispatch we were departing the hold for 25L and if we didn't get in; we were diverting to PHX. Dispatch said he would ACARS time and burns if needed. On final to 25L Tower announced another microburst alert; 30 KTS for 25L. We executed a missed approach. When handed off to Departure we informed them of our intent to divert to PHX and declared minimum fuel. Initially [we] received easterly vector to intercept a LAS departure to an arrival into PHX. Declared an emergency and informed ATC we were direct PHX. Proceeded direct PHX to a five mile VFR final to Runway 26. We landed with approximately 1;900 LBS of fuel remaining.
Second reporter narrative
The Captain and I were very aware of our fuel situation and we knew if we were going to divert; it had to be ASAP because we were already eating into our reserve. With the possible divert options of PHX; ONT or even RNO; we were in a fairly critical fuel state from the beginning due to no fuel planned for a divert (no designated alternate). Just prior to departing holding we agreed that if this approach was unsuccessful; we were immediately diverting to PHX.With other aircraft diverting behind us; it became evident that our fuel status was going to dictate traffic priority which didn't seem to be happening as Center started giving us vectors for traffic separation into PHX. We declared an emergency and requested direct to the airfield for a landing on Runway 08. Phoenix Approach informed us that 8/26 was closed. They then informed us the runway was open but expect landing on 26. We set up for a short visual final to Runway 26. Landing and taxi in was uneventful other than landing with approximately 1;800 LBS of fuel. Following landing; #2 engine was shut down and we taxied in single engine. [We] arrived in the blocks with 1;500 LBS of fuel.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.