British Airways plane caught fire and closed Gatwick runway after pilot forgot left and right
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Revealed: Reason for plane fire that closed Gatwick runway
- A British Airways flight caught fire at Gatwick Airport after the co-pilot mistakenly pulled back on the wrong control during takeoff, a report has revealed.
- The error on June 28, 2024, described as an "action slip", resulted in a rejected takeoff, a brake fire, and an emergency stop.
- None of the 347 passengers and crew were injured, but the incident caused a runway closure, flight diversions, and cancellations.
- The experienced co-pilot, who had over 6,000 flying hours, couldn't explain the mishap.
- The captain stepped in to “calmly and methodically” bring the plane to a halt and alert air traffic control, according to the report.