On June 10, 1990, British Airways Flight 5390 took off from Birmingham, England, heading to Málaga, Spain. The flight began like any other, with 81 passengers and six crew members on board. However, just 13 minutes into the journey, disaster struck. At an altitude of 17,300 feet over Didcot, Oxfordshire, a loud bang echoed through the aircraft. The left cockpit windscreen had detached, causing explosive decompression. In an instant, Captain Tim Lancaster was sucked halfway out of the plane.
As Captain Tim Lancaster dangled outside the aircraft, his legs caught on the flight controls, preventing him from being fully ejected. Flight attendant Nigel Ogden, who was in the cockpit at the time, acted swiftly. He grabbed Lancaster’s legs and held on, despite the immense force trying to pull them both out of the plane. Ogden’s quick thinking and bravery were crucial in preventing a tragedy.
Co-pilot Alastair Atchison remained remarkably calm during the crisis. He donned an oxygen mask and took control of the aircraft, initiating an emergency descent. Atchison communicated with air traffic control, informing them of the situation and requesting an emergency landing. His composed actions ensured the safety of everyone on board.
As the situation unfolded, other crew members sprang into action. Steward Simon Rogers rushed to the cockpit, relieving Ogden, who had sustained injuries while holding onto Tim Lancaster. Rogers secured Lancaster’s legs, preventing further movement. Meanwhile, other flight attendants reassured passengers and prepared them for an emergency landing.
After approximately 20 minutes, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Southampton Airport. Firefighters and medical personnel were on standby to assist. Captain Tim Lancaster was pulled back into the cockpit and rushed to the hospital. He had suffered frostbite, fractures to his elbow, wrist, and thumb, and shock. Miraculously, he survived the ordeal.
An investigation revealed that the windscreen had been improperly installed. The screws used were too short, leading to the windscreen detaching mid-flight. The incident highlighted the importance of stringent maintenance procedures and safety checks in aviation.
Despite the traumatic experience, Captain Tim Lancaster returned to flying just five months later. His resilience and determination were commendable. The crew members involved were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. The incident remains one of the most extraordinary cases of survival in aviation history.
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