The Incredible Survival Story of British Airways Flight 5390

Explosive decompressions in aircraft are rare, but when they do occur, they pose a severe threat to everyone onboard; one such incident, which remains etched in aviation history, occurred on June 10, 1990, involving British Airways flight 5390. This harrowing event saw the flight’s captain miraculously survive being partially ejected from the aircraft mid-flight and pinned outside for over 20 minutes. Here is the full story of the unbelievable series of events that unfolded.

A Routine Flight Turns Nightmarish

Flight BA 5390 was a scheduled service from Birmingham (BHX) to Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP), a popular destination in Spain. Operated by a British Airways BAC 1-11-500, the aircraft departed Birmingham at 08:20 local time, carrying 81 passengers and six crew members. The BAC 1-11-500, a rear-engined aircraft seating up to 119 passengers, was a trusted workhorse in British Airways‘ fleet from 1974 to 1993.

The departure and climb appeared routine, with First Officer Alastair Atchison initially at the controls. At an altitude of 17,300 feet, 13 minutes after takeoff, Captain Tim Lancaster took over. At 08:33, however, the flight’s uneventful journey took a dramatic and life-threatening turn.

As the aircraft cruised over Didcot, Oxfordshire, an explosive decompression occurred when the windscreen on Captain Lancaster’s side suddenly separated from the aircraft with a loud bang. The violent force pulled Captain Lancaster head-first out of the cockpit, leaving only his legs caught on the flight controls which disengaged the autopilot, causing the aircraft to begin an uncontrolled descent.

The decompression also caused the cockpit door to collapse inwards, jamming the throttle controls and accelerating the plane’s descent. First Officer Atchison, demonstrating remarkable composure, took immediate control of the situation. He initiated an emergency descent to a safer altitude where oxygen levels would stabilize, as the auxiliary oxygen supply for passengers and crew was limited.

Meanwhile, cabin crew members rushed to assist. They managed to hold onto Captain Lancaster’s legs, preventing him from being completely ejected from the aircraft.

The crew feared that releasing his body might cause further damage to the aircraft’s wings or engines, worsening the crisis. This life-saving effort continued for over 20 minutes as the plane descended rapidly.

A Miraculous Emergency Landing

Guided by air traffic control, Atchison redirected the aircraft to Southampton Airport for an emergency landing. The BAC 1-11 could not dump fuel to reduce its weight, creating concerns about the short runway. Despite this, Atchison skillfully brought the aircraft down safely at 08:55 local time, just 35 minutes after takeoff.

Throughout this ordeal, Captain Lancaster remained pinned outside the aircraft, exposed to freezing temperatures and the deafening wind. Miraculously, he survived with injuries including frostbite, shock, bruising, and fractures to his arms, hands, and wrists. Flight attendant Nigel Ogden, who held onto the captain during the crisis, suffered frostbite and a dislocated shoulder, while other passengers and crew escaped unharmed.

The Investigation of British Airways Flight 5390 Incident

The investigation into the incident revealed shocking details about its cause. The dislodged windscreen, along with many of its 90 bolts, was found in Cholsey, a village 5.5 miles from Didcot. Investigators discovered that the bolts used to secure the windscreen were shorter and narrower than required. This discrepancy, though seemingly minor, made the windscreen incapable of withstanding the pressure difference at high altitudes.

The windscreen had been replaced the night before the flight as part of routine maintenance. However, improper procedures and shortcuts taken at British Airways’ Birmingham maintenance facility led to the use of incorrect bolts. This negligence resulted in the catastrophic failure that endangered everyone onboard.

Recognizing the Heroism of The Crew of British Airways Flight 5390

The crew of flight BA 5390 received widespread recognition for their bravery and professionalism. First Officer Atchison and flight attendants Susan Gibbins and Nigel Ogden were awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air. Atchison also received the Polaris Award in 1992. He continued his career with Jet2 and retired in 2015. Captain Lancaster, incredibly, returned to flying just five months after the incident and later retired in 2008.

The BAC 1-11 involved in the incident served British Airways until 1993 before being sold to Jaro International, a Romanian airline. It flew for another eight years before retiring in 2001, ending a 30-year career without further incidents of note.

The extraordinary survival story of flight BA 5390 underscored the importance of stringent maintenance standards and robust safety practices in aviation. The incident prompted airlines to reassess procedures to prevent such occurrences. It also highlighted the significance of seatbelt use during flights, as this simple safety measure can save lives in unexpected emergencies.

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’

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