British Airtours Flight 28M Engine Fire Incident

August 22nd, 1985

August 22nd, 1985

British Airtours Flight 28M Engine Fire Incident
How Long Ago?

39 years, 6 months, 20 days ago

Location

Manchester, England

Category

Accidents & Tragedies

Links & References
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British Airtours Flight 28M Engine Fire Incident

British Airtours Flight 28M suffered an engine fire during takeoff from Manchester Airport, causing the pilots to abort the flight. Unfortunately, the evacuation procedures were inefficient, and tragically, 55 people lost their lives, primarily due to smoke inhalation. This incident highlighted critical issues in emergency response and evacuation protocols in aviation.

Boeing 737-200 involved in incident

Emergency landing aborted during takeoff

Poor evacuation procedures led to fatalities

55 people died from smoke inhalation

What Happened?

British Airtours Flight 28M, operated by a Boeing 737-200, was preparing for takeoff from Manchester Airport when it experienced a catastrophic engine fire. Just after the aircraft began its takeoff roll, smoke entered the cabin. The pilots quickly aborted the takeoff and initiated an emergency landing. Despite their prompt actions, the plane came to a halt on the runway with a significant amount of the aircraft engulfed in flames.

As evacuation procedures were activated, passengers attempted to exit through the emergency slides. However, the crew's response was hindered by poor training and a lack of clarity in the evacuation protocol. Many passengers became disoriented and were unable to evacuate in a timely manner, leading to a panic-like atmosphere inside the cabin. The ensuing smoke inhalation caused severe harm, accounting for the majority of fatalities among the 137 individuals on board.

In the aftermath of the incident, investigations revealed deficits in aircraft evacuation procedures and underscored the need for more rigorous training for flight crews. This event became a case study for the aviation industry, leading to reforms in safety regulations and improved training protocols to better handle emergencies. The findings prompted significant changes in how airlines prepare their crews for passenger evacuations.

Why Does it Matter?

The incident involving British Airtours Flight 28M is significant as it drew attention to critical safety protocols and the importance of effective emergency response in aviation. As a result, stricter regulations were implemented regarding evacuation procedures and crew training. This event is often referenced in aviation safety discussions and educational programs, emphasizing the dire importance of preparation and effective communication during emergencies.

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