The Pilot Outside the Plane
On June 10, 1990, British Airways Flight 5390 suffered an explosive decompression when an improperly installed windshield blew out at 17,000 feet, sucking the captain halfway out of the aircraft. Quick actions by the crew and an emergency landing saved him and the passengers.
The Miracle Survival
The Blowout: Due to incorrectly sized bolts installed during a maintenance check, the left cockpit windshield gave way.
The Captain: Captain Tim Lancaster was violently forced out of the window by the sudden pressure drop. His legs became tangled in the flight controls, which kept him from being completely swept away.
The Crew: Flight attendant Nigel Ogden, who was in the cockpit at the time, immediately grabbed Lancaster and held onto his belt. Other cabin crew members rushed in, taking turns holding the captain’s legs and body while dealing with the roaring, sub-zero winds for about 20 minutes.
Pilot Action: First Officer Alistair Atcheson assumed command of the BAC One-Eleven aircraft. He managed to regain control of the dive, leveled the plane at a breathable altitude, and executed a harrowing emergency landing at Southampton Airport.
The Aftermath: Captain Lancaster suffered from severe frostbite, bruises, and fractures but miraculously survived and returned to flying duty within months. The crew members were later awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air.
Report Sabih Salik
