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Aircraft removed from Heathrow runway

The British Airways aircraft which crash-landed short of the runway at Heathrow Airport was removed from the runway yesterday (January 20).


The Boeing aircraft Boeing 777 was placed on wheeled platforms and taken to a hanger 500m away.


Accident investigators are to examine the aircraft to find out what caused it to lose power on its approach. The investigators are expected to report back in the next 30 days.


The pilot of the British Airways flight BA038 from Beijing  praised his crew for their part in its landing and evacuation.


Captain Peter Burkill revealed senior first officer John Coward was at the controls during the final stages of the flight.


“He did the most remarkable job,” said Burkill, who also praised first officer Conor Magenis and the 13 cabin crew under cabin service director Sharron Eaton-Mercer.


In a statement, Captain Burkill said: “We are trained to deal with emergency situations and had an outstanding team on board. Every member played their part expertly,


displaying the highest standards of skill and professionalism.”


No one among the 136 passengers on the flight from Beijing sustained more than minor injuries, with one person detained in hospital overnight with concussion.


Captain Burkill thanked the passengers for their calm and good sense.

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