Martin Alder's letter (Flight International, 20-26 January) deploring the gradual disuse and possible closure of runway 23 at London Heathrow airport reminded me of a landing on that runway I witnessed in October 2000.
There was low cloud, heavy rain, a fierce crosswind and windshear reported on the landing runway, 27L. I watched a Japan Airlines Boeing 747-400 on approach to 27L make a late decision to go around.
A few minutes later I was surprised to see this aircraft land on the 1,960m (6,435ft) runway 23. Despite a wet surface, the aircraft had stopped before reaching the intersection with 27L.
High winds are common in the UK. Could closing 23 before a third runway is built increase congestion in London area airspace by leading to more holding and go-arounds in extreme weather conditions?
David Carsberg Congleton, Cheshire, UK
Source: Flight International
