Athens International Airport organises emergency exercises on an annual basis, aiming at ensuring the highest level of security, readiness, training, and coordination of all other parties involved in emergency situations.
The Full Scale Emergency Exercise 2006 “Aircraft Accident at the Airport”, which took place yesterday, Tuesday, November 8th, 2006, was organised in compliance with the obligations arising from the ICAO regulations. It is worth noting that this is the first emergency exercise organised by Athens International Airport during night conditions (starting time of exercise: 20:00), complicating further the rescue procedures. The following entities took part in the exercise:
Please find below the scenario of AIA’s Full Scale Emergency Exercise of November 8th, 2006:
EXERCISE SCENARIO
On the basis of the scenario, while the aircraft proceeds with take-off roll, the crew hear a loud bang and feel a considerable vibration and airframe shudder, following which take-off is rejected. According to the scenario, tyres blow out, the aircraft skids-off, the left main gear collapses ripping out the wing and rupturing the left wing fuel cell. There is an immediate ignition of the spilled fuel with direct fuselage flame impingement. The aircraft comes to a rest on the runway shoulder with a fire on its left side. According to the scenario, 100 passengers and 6 crewmembers are on board. Casualties from the accident include 2 presumed dead, 10 seriously injured and 20 injured.
Following the scenario, Control Tower declares “Aircraft Accident on the Airport”, activating the Airport Fire Corps and the other emergency rescuing authorities.
The scenario defines that, according to the relevant procedures, Airport Fire Corps forces arrive on scene and find heavy smoke and flame on the left side of the aircraft. The slope of the terrain is causing the burning fuel fire to flow from the left side, under the aircraft. Aircraft’s service doors open and passengers and crewmembers are evacuating. Airport Fire Corps forces enter the plane in order to rescue injured passengers, trapped in the aircraft. At the same time, following the relevant procedures, Airport Services of Emergency Medical Care arrive on scene and organise the triage system. Airport Hellenic Police controls access to crash venue, facilitating access of ambulances and other authorities.
- END OF SCENARIO -
Similar exercises are organised on a regular basis by Athens International Airport S.A. in compliance with the international regulations, aiming at assessing the required procedures, and ensuring the high level of training of all parties involved, as well as the sufficient preparation of all participants for emergency situations.