Captain Nearly Ejected During Flight Emergency
June 10th, 1990
June 10th, 1990

How Long Ago?
34 years, 9 months, 5 days ago
Location
Southampton, England
Category
Accidents & Tragedies
People
- Tim Lancaster
- Alastair Atchison
Links & References
Tags
Captain Nearly Ejected During Flight Emergency
British Airways Flight 5390 faced a dramatic emergency when a cockpit blowout caused Captain Tim Lancaster to be partially ejected from the aircraft. The plane, a BAC One-Eleven, had just taken off from Birmingham International Airport in England. The crew's quick response and emergency protocols ensured a safe landing at Southampton Airport, remarkably without any fatalities. The incident highlighted critical issues regarding aircraft cabin integrity and emergency procedures.
Captain nearly ejected during flight failure
Flight was a British Airways BAC One-Eleven
All 87 onboard survived the emergency
Event led to aviation safety regulation changes
What Happened?
During British Airways Flight 5390, a significant incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Birmingham International Airport. The aircraft, a BAC One-Eleven, experienced a catastrophic failure when a cockpit window blew out, causing a sudden loss of cabin pressure. Captain Tim Lancaster was partially sucked out of the cockpit, with only his legs remaining inside the aircraft. This terrifying moment posed a severe risk to both him and the flight crew, necessitating immediate action to ensure the safety of all onboard. The co-pilot, Alastair Atchison, quickly assessed the situation and took control of the aircraft, whilst cabin crew and passengers assisted in stabilizing Captain Lancaster, who was exposed to high altitudes and winds.The co-pilot successfully maneuvered the plane back to Southampton Airport, executing a safe landing that underscored the training and determination of the flight crew. Upon landing, emergency services were ready to assist, and remarkably, all 87 passengers and crew members survived the incident. Investigations into the incident revealed deficiencies in aircraft maintenance and highlighted the need for improved safety measures regarding cockpit integrity in commercial airliners. The incident became widely reported and raised public awareness about the safety regulations in air travel.
Why Does it Matter?
The incident involving British Airways Flight 5390 is intriguing as it exposed vulnerabilities in the design and maintenance of aircraft, particularly related to cockpit integrity. The event led to changes in regulations concerning aircraft inspection and maintenance practices, influencing safety standards across the aviation industry. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of emergency training for flight crews and the resilience required in crisis situations.
Discover More Historic Events from June 10th
Malawi Plane Crash Claims Ten Lives
A plane crash occurred in Malawi, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals, including Vice President Saulos Chilima. The tragic incident took place during a domestic flight, causing national shock and mourning. Witnesses reported a failed ascent shortly after takeoff, leading to the aircraft crashing in a remote area. Rescue teams faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions while attempting to reach the site of the incident.
Continue ReadingOpportunity rover sends final message
After an impressive mission lasting nearly 15 years on Mars, the Opportunity rover transmitted its last message back to Earth in June 2018. The rover's primary scientific investigation was designed to explore Martian geology and climate, enabling enhanced understanding of the planet’s past and its potential for life. Throughout its mission, Opportunity overcame numerous challenges, including a dust storm that ultimately led to its final communication in June, which signaled the end of its operations. The rover was last heard from on June 10, 2018, concluding an extraordinary journey of exploration.
Continue ReadingShooting at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
An elderly gunman opened fire at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, fatally injuring a security officer. The shooter, James Wenneker von Brunn, was subdued by other security personnel on-site. The incident raised significant concerns about security at national memorials and the rise of hate crimes.
Continue ReadingSudan Airways Flight 109 Crash Overview
Sudan Airways Flight 109, a domestic flight en route from Port Sudan to Khartoum, experienced difficulties upon landing at Khartoum International Airport. The aircraft collided with a building, resulting in the deaths of 30 people. The crash occurred amid adverse weather conditions, leading to the aircraft overshooting the runway. The incident raised questions concerning aviation safety and the adequacy of emergency protocols in such situations.
Continue ReadingSpirit Rover Launches for Mars Exploration
The Spirit rover was launched by NASA, marking the start of a significant Mars exploration mission. This spacecraft was designed to conduct extensive geological analysis and search for evidence of past water on the Martian surface. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, emphasizing NASA's commitment to advancing our understanding of Mars. Spirit would ultimately land on Mars in January 2004, aiming to uncover clues about the planet's history and potential for life.
Continue ReadingFirst Direct Neural Communication Experiment
Kevin Warwick, a professor at the University of Reading, conducted the world’s first direct electronic communication experiment between two human nervous systems. In this groundbreaking experiment, Warwick implanted a microelectrode array in his own arm and connected it to the internet, allowing him to send and receive signals from another participant in a different location. This significant advancement aimed to explore the connectivity of human nervous systems and set the stage for future research in cybernetics and neural interfaces.
Continue Reading