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.

FMI: www.britishairways.com