Crash captain praises crew
Friday, 18 Jan 2008 20:25
British Airways staff greeted the aircraft's senior officers with applause
The captain of the British Airways (BA) flight which crashed at Heathrow airport yesterday has revealed his co-pilot landed the plane.
Captain Peter Burkill told reporters his staff displayed "the highest standards of skill and professionalism" during the incident, in which no one was seriously injured.
He saved his greatest praise for senior first officer John Coward and cabin services director Sharon Eaton Mercer, who stood either side of him and received applause and cheers at BA's headquarters at Heathrow.
Mr Burkill said Mr Coward did a "remarkable job" as the handling pilot on the final approach to Heathrow.
But he could not comment on the circumstances surrounding the crash, citing the ongoing investigation by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
Aerial footage yesterday showed skidmarks on grass leading up to the aircraft, which came to rest yards short of the runway's concrete.
Eyewitnesses to the crash, which occurred at 12:42 GMT, said the plane only just cleared the airport's perimeter fence, while there was clear damage to the aircraft's left wing and landing equipment.
Mr Burkill thanked Ms Mercer for her role in evacuating passengers out of the plane, saying she did her job with "speed, efficiency and care".
"It was typical of Sharon's selflessness that she took time to check that we on the flight deck were alright before going down the chute herself," he added.
Mr Burkill emphasised all BA flight and cabin crew received regular training on dealing with emergency situations.
"Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board yesterday," he said.
"I wish those who suffered injury a speedy and complete recovery."
Prime minister Gordon Brown, whose trip to China was delayed by the accident, praised British Airways staff for the emergency measures taken after the accident.
Mr Brown said: "I think it's right to pay tribute to the calmness and professionalism of the British Airways staff and the captain and what he achieved in landing the aircraft. The speed of the evacuation we saw at first-hand, and the total professionalism and dedication of the staff.
"It's at times like these you remember you are in the hands of staff who do a remarkable job," he added.
BA chief executive Willie Walsh said he was proud of the crew onboard the flight, adding the airline would cooperate with investigators looking into the crash-landing.
A spokesman for Scotland Yard said the incident is not believed to be linked to terrorist activity.