Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

BA pilots praised for landing stricken 747

Peter Woodman,Press Association
Wednesday 30 June 2010 03:52 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Air accident investigators have praised British Airways pilots for safely landing a jumbo jet with 283 passengers aboard after a problem on take-off.

The London-bound Boeing 747 had just got off the ground at Johannesburg airport when one of the flaps automatically retracted, putting the aircraft in danger of stalling.

The crew prevented the stalling and were able to land back at Johannesburg in what was described as a "serious incident" in a report by the South African Civil Aviation Authority's accident investigation division.

The report into the incident on May 11 last year said it was partly the crew's "timely and skilful response that prevented this serious situation becoming an accident".

The report also said "the flight crew should be commended for the professional way that they controlled the aircraft" and that they "ensured the safety of the 283 occupants on board the aircraft".

A BA spokesman said: "We have co-operated fully with the report into the event from last year.

"We are extremely proud of the crew and they are a credit to the airline. Our customers can fly with British Airways in the knowledge that we have among the best trained and professional crew in the aviation industry."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in