Sat, Jan 19, 2008
Wouldn't Comment On Possible Causes
As investigators work to determine what led to the emergency
landing of a British Airways Boeing 777 Thursday at London's
Heathrow Airport, the captain of the flight played down his role in
the successful outcome... giving credit instead to the first
officer, who was the flying pilot at the time.
Captain Peter Burkill said it was co-pilot John Coward's cool
handling of the situation likely saved the lives of all 136
passengers and 16 crew onboard the stricken 777, which apparently
experienced engine failure on its approach to Heathrow.
Burkill also credited the cabin crew, and the "calmness and good
sense in extremely unfamiliar circumstances" of passengers, reports
Agence-France Presse.
"Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on
board yesterday," Burkill said.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown echoed those sentiments. His
party was at Heathrow at the time of the accident, having just
returned from an official visit to China.
"I think it is right to pay tribute to the calmness and
professionalism of the British Airways staff and the captain and
what he achieved in landing the aircraft... It's at times like
these you remember you are in the hands of staff who do a
remarkable job."
Eighteen people onboard the airliner received treatment for
minor injuries after the crash. As ANN reported, Flight 38
from Beijing landed short of the runway at Heathrow, shearing off
the airliner's maingear and causing damage to both engine nacelles
and the tail in the process.
Investigators are looking into several possible causes for the
emergency, including a bird strike and even the possibility of fuel
exhaustion. A preliminary report is expected Saturday.
Burkill wouldn't speculate on possible causes, saying the
investigation continues.
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