A fire broke out on a British Airways Boeing 777 aircraft at Gatwick Airport in June last year, following an error made by the co-pilot during take-off. The incident occurred with 334 passengers and 13 crew members onboard. Though no injuries were reported, the event led to the temporary closure of Gatwick Airport the second busiest in the UK for 50 minutes and the cancellation of 23 flights.
According to an official investigation, the fire was caused by overheated brakes resulting from a reduction in engine thrust during take-off. The report revealed that the co-pilot unintentionally pulled back the left thrust lever with his left hand instead of removing it as per procedure. This action inadvertently reduced power output at a critical moment when the aircraft was accelerating down the runway.
During standard take-off procedures, the co-pilot is expected to support the thrust levers with the left hand until the engines reach full power, then remove it while preparing to pull back on the control column with the right hand. However, in this case, the co-pilot mistakenly pulled back on the left lever, leading to a significant reduction in thrust.
Upon realizing the error, the co-pilot aborted the take-off. The aircraft safely came to a stop well before the end of the runway. While the immediate response avoided a potential catastrophe, the unintended thrust reduction led to overheating in the braking system, eventually causing a fire.
The co-pilot later expressed surprise at his own actions, noting that he had no explanation for the mistake. He reported feeling well-rested and alert at the time of the incident, adding to the mystery behind the error.
The investigation concluded that while the incident was serious, the crew’s response was swift and effective in maintaining safety. The findings underscore the importance of procedural adherence and situational awareness in high-stress aviation environments. Despite the confusion between left and right hand actions, the co-pilot’s quick decision to abort the take-off likely prevented a more dangerous situation.
Following the incident, the airline reaffirmed its commitment to safety, emphasizing that the flight crew managed the situation professionally and brought the aircraft to a safe stop. Passengers were later accommodated on alternative flights.
The event has prompted a review of cockpit procedures and pilot training, particularly around the importance of muscle memory and clear mental mapping during critical flight phases like take-off. Aviation experts suggest that while such errors are rare, they highlight the need for continuous training and vigilance, even among experienced flight crews.
The incident also drew attention to the complex interplay of human factors in aviation safety. While modern aircraft are equipped with numerous systems to aid pilots, human judgment and action remain pivotal. This case serves as a reminder that even small lapses in concentration or coordination can have significant operational consequences.
Ultimately, while no one was hurt, the disruption and potential danger posed by the incident underscore the essential role of pilot training, error recognition, and emergency response protocols in keeping air travel safe.
