While preparing for take-off on the runway in Las Vegas, the left engine of UK-bound British Airways flight 2276 suddenly caught fire, caused by a "catastrophic failure of the engine" . The plane was said to be carrying 157 passengers, as well as 10 crew members and 3 pilots.
British Airways Flight on Fire
The pilot, Chris Henkey was praised for his calm and "textbook" response to the fire. Moments after realising the engine was alight, Henkey was said to have calmly asked air traffic control for fire crews before evacuating the entire aircraft. There were only minor injuries, but they were mostly caused by passengers sliding down the inflatable chutes, reports Sky News.
"It was a textbook emergency evacuation under difficult conditions because that smoke was thick, black and acrid," said Aviation Expert Julian Bray.
Chris Henkey o\is from Reading, Berkshire and has over forty years of experience with British Airways. His family were quick to sing his praises, with his fiancee, Kenka Nevolna, saying, "He's a hero. He's a great man with a warm heart, and generosity, and I'm very proud of him." Henkey, 63, is due to retire next week.