NEW YORK- National Airlines (N8) faced an engine fire indication during a transatlantic flight, prompting an immediate diversion to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). The Boeing 747 crew reported the issue early and coordinated with controllers to manage the emergency safely.

The aircraft headed toward New York City while the crew declared Pan Pan, completed a fuel dump, and requested an approach suitable for an engine-out condition.

National Airlines 747 Emergency

The incident began when the National Airlines crew advised New York Center of an engine fire alert that prevented the aircraft from crossing the Atlantic. The airline instructed the crew to divert to New York JFK, and communication with controllers intensified as the situation developed.

The crew declared Pan Pan to prioritize handling but stopped short of a Mayday. ATC supported them through altitude changes, navigation clearances, and fuel dumping procedures.

New York Center and Approach continuously checked in to ensure the crew had everything required to manage the single-engine issue.

After fuel dumping, the aircraft was cleared direct to the CAMRN waypoint at 11000 feet. The crew initially requested runway 31L but explained they could not conduct the RNAV Z 13R approach with one engine out. Approach then offered ILS 4L, which the crew accepted because it provided a long, stable final suited to the aircraft’s condition.

Fuel Status and Approach Setup

During the descent, controllers requested the aircraft’s fuel quantity. The crew reported 118000 pounds remaining, confirming they had enough for the approach and landing phase.

ATC assigned multiple headings to guide the 747 toward the localizer for runway 4L. The crew maintained 2000 feet until established on the ILS and then transferred to Kennedy Tower.

Tower confirmed emergency services were in position as a precaution and cleared the aircraft to land on runway 4L. The landing took place without further issues.

Once on the ground, the crew advised they did not require additional emergency assistance. ATC instructed them to exit via taxiway Charlie and proceed to their stand. The crew thanked controllers for their support throughout the event.

Pilots and New York ATC Comms

Here’s a detailed transcription of communication between National Airlines Boeing 747 pilots and New York ATC as flagged by You Can See ATC:

{ts:16}
Pilot: National 483, good evening.
ATC: National Cargo 4830, good evening.

{ts:25}
Pilot: Requested altitude on New York Center, 4830.

{ts:41}
Pilot: This evening, which prevents us from crossing the Atlantic. The company has requested us to divert to JFK.

{ts:54}
ATC: National 10 and Santan.
Pilot: National Cargo 4830, 744, we have an engine fire indication.

{ts:81}
Pilot: Pan-Pan. Kennedy, Kennedy.

{ts:102}
ATC: National 48, contact Washington 132.9.
Pilot: 132.9, National Cargo 4830.

{ts:124}
ATC: Just verifying you’re here with me again, 4830.
Pilot: 4830.

{ts:131}
ATC: I just wanted to make sure you’re on the frequency. I got you here at 24. Just let me know when you’re completed with the fuel dumping.
Pilot: Roger, we’ll let you know when we complete the fuel dump, JetBlue 483.
ATC: Thank you. 4830.

{ts:147}
ATC: We’ll continue the descent for you. Descend and maintain 18,000.
Pilot: Going to maintain 18,000. Roger, descend 18,000. National Cargo 4830.

{ts:155}
ATC: You can contact New York 118.97. They are aware. Just let them know when you’re done with your fuel dumping.
Pilot: Thanks for your help, 4830.

{ts:177}
Pilot: National Cargo 4830, New York Center.
ATC: Roger, I have been briefed. If you need any assistance, let me know, please.

{ts:196}
Pilot: You’ll get it completed in 10 minutes.
ATC: Okay. National Cargo 4830, cleared direct to CAMRN. Cross CAMRN at 11,000 if able. Speed is your discretion.
Pilot: CAMRN 11,000, Cargo 4830.

{ts:221}
ATC: Runway 31, National Cargo 4830. Do you have a request for the runway?
Pilot: Okay, I will pass that along.
ATC: National Cargo 4830, contact New York Approach 128.12. Take care.
Pilot: 128.12. Thank you, 4830.

{ts:256}
Pilot: Approach, good morning, National Cargo 4830. We’re descending to…
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, New York Approach, depart CAMRN 050. For the runway assignment, I know you’re requesting 31 left. Are you able to do the RNAV Z to 13 right?

{ts:273}
Pilot: Uh, we’re… Oh, okay. Stand by, we’ll get back to you.
ATC: Approach, National Cargo 4830.

{ts:283}
Pilot: Now we’re not comfortable doing that approach with an engine out. So we would request the ILS.

{ts:288}
ATC: Cargo 4830 heavy, instead of ILS 31 left, which is the opposite direction from what we’re doing now. What about ILS 4 left? I can give you a long final for that.
Pilot: Affirm, we can accept 4 left.

{ts:304}
ATC: National Cargo 4830, roger. Expect runway 4 left approach.

{ts:315}
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, maintain 2,000. Do you have an update on your fuel remaining in pounds?
Pilot: Roger, descending to 2,000.
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, maintain 2,000, and when you can, update on fuel remaining in pounds.
Pilot: Fuel on board is 118,000 lbs.

{ts:346}
ATC: 4830 heavy, thank you. Turn left heading 270.
Pilot: 270, next 4830.

{ts:361}
ATC: Cargo 4830 heavy, turn right heading 310.
Pilot: Right 310, next 4830.

{ts:377}
ATC: Turn right heading 360.
Pilot: Right heading 360, National Cargo 4830.

{ts:387}
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, 12 miles from CRSTL. Turn right heading 010. Maintain 2,000 till established on the localizer. Cleared ILS runway 4 left approach.
Pilot: Right 010, runway 4 left.

{ts:404}
ATC: 4830 heavy, contact Kennedy Tower 123.9. Good day.
Pilot: 123.9, bye-bye.

{ts:414}
Pilot: Kennedy Tower, National Cargo 4830, established localizer runway 4 left.
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, runway 4 left. The emergency department is standing by as a precaution. Wind is calm.

{ts:456}
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, roger. Do you know where you park?
Pilot: 263.

{ts:465}
ATC: Okay. National Cargo 4830 heavy, if you want to continue down 4 left, you can exit via Charlie. Do you require any further assistance with the emergency equipment?
Pilot: Negative.
ATC: National Cargo 4830 heavy, left turn Charlie, taxi to the ramp.
Pilot: Roger, taxi to the ramp, 4830. Thank you. Thank you for your help.

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