Runway shut down, flights cancelled, no injuries in dramatic Gatwick mishap
Fire on the Tarmac
A British Airways flight aborted takeoff after the co-pilot pulled the wrong control during departure.
Flight BA2279 was set to leave London Gatwick for Vancouver on 28 June 2024. But instead of lifting off, it skidded to a halt. The co-pilot mistakenly used the wrong hand during a critical moment, triggering a chain reaction that ended in flames.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) released its findings on Thursday. The report detailed how the co-pilot should have used his left hand to manage the thrust levers. Meanwhile, his right hand was meant to pull back on the control column.
Instead, he pulled back with his left hand.
Speed, Confusion, and Fire
This small error had big consequences. The jet had already reached 190mph on the runway. The mistake forced the captain to perform a high-speed rejected takeoff.
Friction from the hard braking led to overheating. A fire broke out on the right main landing gear.
Airport fire crews responded quickly. They doused the flames and ensured the safety of all passengers and crew. Thankfully, none of the 347 people onboard were injured.
Chaos at Gatwick
The incident caused major disruption. Gatwick’s main runway had to shut down temporarily.
Sixteen incoming flights were diverted. Another 23 departures were cancelled.
The AAIB praised the captain’s quick thinking. He remained calm and followed protocol, bringing the Boeing 777 to a safe stop.
Air traffic control was alerted immediately. Emergency services were on the scene within minutes.
Veteran Pilot, Unusual Error
The co-pilot had logged more than 6,000 flying hours. He told investigators he felt rested and well before takeoff.
He could not explain the mistake. Investigators called it an “action slip” — a simple but critical lapse.
Such slips often occur when a person’s brain sends instructions that don’t match the physical action. In aviation, they can have serious consequences.
British Airways Responds
British Airways issued a statement shortly after the report.
“Safety is always our highest priority,” said a spokesperson. “Our pilots brought the aircraft to a safe stop. We apologised to customers, and our teams worked hard to get them moving again.”
Despite the scare, no long-term damage occurred. The aircraft was inspected and later cleared for service.
Lessons Learned
The AAIB report emphasized training and vigilance. Even experienced pilots can make rare but dangerous errors.
Aviation experts say this case highlights the need for ongoing human factors training. Pilots must continuously practice reacting under stress and at high speed.
Though the event was unsettling, it ended safely. The investigation may lead to small changes in pilot protocols.
Airlines and regulators will likely review procedures to help prevent similar incidents.
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