British Authorities Probe 777 Problem

U.K. aviation authorities said they’re investigating unexplained movements of the wing flap on a Boeing Co. 777 jetliner operated by British Airways Plc.

The U.K. airline cut short a flight to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and returned to London’s Heathrow Airport on Oct. 15 after “uncommanded” motions of a right-wing flap caused “minor” rolling of the aircraft, Boeing spokesman Dick Kenny said.

Investigators from Britain’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch are probing the incident, according to a spokesman for the Department of Transport. He said it’s too early to say when the branch, similar to the National Transportation Safety Board in the U.S., will complete the probe.

Boeing shares fell 37-1/2 cents at $108.75 in afternoon trading Friday.

Boeing agreed last month to modify rudders on its 737 jetliners after two unexplained crashes, one near Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1991 and another near Pittsburgh in 1994, that were preceded by rolls.

The 300-seat 777 made its first flight in 1994 and is Boeing’s newest jetliner. Kenny said no other 777 operators have reported incidents like those on the British Airways flight.