The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch has published its report on a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 that landed in Manchester with only 363 kg of fuel after multiple failed landing attempts in Scotland. The aircraft, operating flight FR3418 from Pisa to Glasgow Prestwick, carried extra fuel for Storm Amy but still entered a fuel emergency after diversions, go-arounds and weather disruption.
The investigation says strong winds and windshear forced repeated aborted approaches at Prestwick and then Edinburgh before the crew declared Mayday and headed for Manchester. The report places the first aborted landing attempt and the Manchester touchdown about one hour and 45 minutes apart, during which the aircraft’s extra reserve was fully consumed.
The AAIB attributes part of the handling problem to coordination failures at the diversion airport, where Manchester initially did not accept the aircraft despite capacity being available. Manchester later reminded stakeholders that diversion landings should be accepted when space exists and that the decision does not rest with the handling agent. The case has direct relevance for dispatch fuel planning, alternate-airport acceptance and severe-weather diversion procedures.