Lymington yachtswoman Hannah White was among passengers aboard a flight that was forced make an emergency landing in Barcelona today.
The 31-year-old had been flying onboard a Ryanair flight from London Standsted to to Valencia, Spain, where she was due to train to set a new women’s speed sailing world record.
But the plane’s pilots were forced to emergency action this morning after a fire extinguisher went off in the cockpit – flooding it with a dangerous compressed gas.
The pilots were forced to wear oxygen masks and the aircraft then dropped to a very low altitude.
Miss White said when the pilot came over the tannoy to talk to passengers they could be heard breathing through the masks as they announced the would be forced to make a landing at the nearest airport.
Everyday is an adventure with @Ryanair!
— Hannah White (@hannahwhiteuk) March 19, 2015
The flight trucks are lined up as we make an emergency landing in #Barcelona pic.twitter.com/7jekWO6SEG
— Hannah White (@hannahwhiteuk) March 19, 2015
After the plane had been on the ground for about 30 minutes, the faulty equipment had been replaced and the palne was in the air again.
Off again! Full credit to @Ryanair staff and crew. Stressful situation dealt with brilliantly and resolved efficiently!! Next stop Valencia!
— Hannah White (@hannahwhiteuk) March 19, 2015
A Ryanair spokesman said: “This flight from London Stansted to Valencia diverted to Barcelona due to a minor fault with a cockpit fire extinguisher.
“The aircraft landed normally and was inspected by a Ryanair engineer, who replaced the fire extinguisher and cleared the aircraft to return to service.
“Customers remained on board and this flight has since departed to Valencia. Ryanair apologised sincerely to all customers affected by this diversion and short delay.
“Both pilots followed standard procedures and all crew continued to Valencia.”
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