Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Other / Unknown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Executed Go Around / Missed Approach; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Weather; Human Factors; Aircraft
[We] diverted to a nearby airport due to poor visibility and lack of alternate fuel. Took off and proceeded to our destination. [We] went around due to deteriorating visibility and no sight of runway. On go around; alerted by EICAS message and saw center hydraulic quantity rapidly decreasing (about .37). [We] leveled at 7;000 FT; coordinated with approach to return to our alternate. Lowered landing gear as a precaution; and fluid level decreased to .06. Captain declared emergency; notified Dispatch; and coordinated with the flight attendants for the emergency landing. I ran the QRH checklist. Shot a 12 mile final in VMC and we notified Tower to roll the AARF and that we planned to stop straight ahead due to total center hydraulic pressure failure. Uneventful landing; AARF confirmed brake temperature normal and tires OK. I talked with operations three times; but a tug did not arrive to tow us to the gate until 50 minutes after landing. Controllers all deserve an A grade: they couldn't have been more helpful and made this incident much easier to deal with as we ran the checklist and briefed the passengers and crew. AARF response and help was outstanding; as well. Unfortunately; I can't say the same for the company. Despite repeated calls; and even a cell phone conversation with Dispatch; we sat on an active runway at night; closing it down; for 50 long minutes. I feel safety was jeopardized for other arriving flights during a very busy time. Another Captain we met on the van; diverting behind us; told us he was within minutes of having to divert; with minimum fuel; because we were stuck on the runway. An emergency aircraft; holding on an active runway; needs to be removed promptly. Sadly; that did not happen.
B767-300 First Officer reports diverting due to weather and low fuel. Fuel is added and another attempt is made; this time resulting in a go around and an EICAS message for low Center Hydraulic system quantity. An emergency is declared and flight returns to departure (diversion) airport. Center system fluid is completely lost when the gear is lowered and the aircraft is stranded on the runway for 50 minutes waiting for a tug.