Volcanic Ash Clouds Cause Engine Failure

June 24th, 1982

June 24th, 1982

Volcanic Ash Clouds Cause Engine Failure
How Long Ago?

42 years, 8 months, 19 days ago

Location

Jakarta, Indonesia

Category

Transportation & Infrastructure

People
  • Eric Moody
Links & References
Tags

Volcanic Ash Clouds Cause Engine Failure

British Airways Flight 009 encountered severe turbulence while flying through volcanic ash from Mount Galunggung. All four engines failed, leading pilots to perform an emergency descent. Fortunately, they managed to glide and safely land on a nearby airport in Jakarta. The aircraft experienced a total loss of power but no injuries were reported among the 246 passengers and crew aboard, showcasing the pilots' exceptional skill under pressure.

Flight experienced total engine failure mid-flight

Pilots glided aircraft successfully to safety

Incident prompted improvements in aviation protocols

No injuries reported among passengers and crew

What Happened?

On June 24, 1982, British Airways Flight 009, a scheduled service from London to Auckland, flew into a cloud of volcanic ash emanating from Mount Galunggung in Indonesia. As the Boeing 747 flew at cruising altitude, it encountered unexpectedly thick ash clouds, resulting in the failure of all four engines. This rare and hazardous situation unfolded just outside of Jakarta, where the aircraft was suddenly deprived of power, forcing the pilots to transition into an emergency descent amidst panic from the passengers. The crew, led by Captain Eric Moody, managed to keep calm, and their extensive training played a crucial role in navigating the aircraft back to safety.Despite the perilous situation, the crew successfully glided the aircraft and executed an emergency landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Remarkably, none of the 246 people onboard were injured, and the pilots received widespread acclaim for their adept handling of the crisis. This incident highlighted the dangers posed by volcanic ash to aviation, particularly in regions with active volcanoes and culminated in increased awareness and subsequent regulatory measures concerning volcanic activity and air travel safety.The event served as a crucial case study in aviation safety, leading to improvements in pilot training and operational procedures. The aviation community responded by developing better detection systems for avoiding volcanic ash and enhancing the precautionary protocols airlines employ when flying routes in proximity to volcanic regions. The heightened awareness subsequently improved the safety standards across global airlines.

Why Does it Matter?

The incident involving British Airways Flight 009 has significant implications for aviation safety protocols regarding volcanic ash. The event underscored the necessity for airlines to monitor volcanic activity closely and prompted the establishment of systems to assess ash cloud presence. It served as a catalyst for developing better training for pilots on how to manage engine failure due to ash exposure, ultimately increasing air travel safety worldwide.

Discover More Historic Events from June 24th

Military & Warfare

Wagner Group's Insurrection Against Russia's Leadership

June 24th, 2023 1 years ago

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, initiated an armed uprising against the Russian government. This dramatic move was sparked by tensions over the group's involvement in the Ukraine conflict and alleged mistreatment by the Russian military. The insurrection began in the city of Rostov-on-Don, where Wagner forces seized control of military installations, and quickly escalated towards Moscow, raising questions about the stability of President Vladimir Putin's regime. The situation evolved rapidly, capturing global attention.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade Precedent

June 24th, 2022 2 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the authority to regulate abortions is not granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. This decision effectively returns the power to regulate abortion laws to individual states. The ruling overturned the longstanding precedents set in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey, creating a significant shift in reproductive rights in the United States. It arose from the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which challenged Mississippi's abortion law.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Champlain Towers South Condominium Collapse

June 24th, 2021 3 years ago

The Champlain Towers South condominium in Surfside, Florida, experienced a sudden partial collapse during the early morning hours, leading to the deaths of 98 residents. An emergency response was initiated, involving search and rescue teams from various agencies. Initial reports indicated structural issues had been observed in the building prior to the collapse, heightening concerns over safety standards in high-rise residential buildings. Residents and families faced a crisis as they sought information about their loved ones amidst the chaos of the disaster.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Berlusconi Convicted for Abuse of Power

June 24th, 2013 11 years ago

Silvio Berlusconi, former Prime Minister of Italy, was found guilty of abusing his power and engaging in sexual acts with an underage prostitute known as Ruby. The trial revealed extensive evidence, including phone conversations and witness testimonies. As a result, Berlusconi was sentenced to seven years in prison, which he claimed was politically motivated. This significant ruling sparked widespread debate about Italy's legal system and its political implications.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Death of Lonesome George, Last Abingdon Tortoise

June 24th, 2012 12 years ago

Lonesome George, the last known individual of the Chelonoidis nigra abingdonii subspecies, died in 2012 on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos. A scientific legacy, he became a symbol of conservation efforts, highlighting the fragility of species. Researchers had unsuccessfully sought a mate for him to ensure the subspecies' survival, underscoring his unique role in biodiversity. George's passing marked a significant moment in the conservation narrative, prompting discussions on habitat preservation and the impacts of human activity on endemic species.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Julia Gillard becomes Australia’s first female PM

June 24th, 2010 14 years ago

Julia Gillard was sworn in as the first female Prime Minister of Australia after a leadership challenge within the Australian Labor Party. This significant event occurred at the Parliament House in Canberra, showcasing a major shift in Australian politics. Gillard replaced Kevin Rudd, who had served as Prime Minister since 2007. Her emergence as leader marked not only a milestone for women in politics but also signified a change in the party's direction as it approached the upcoming elections.

Continue Reading