BA11, en route, Didcot UK, 1990

BA11, en route, Didcot UK, 1990

Summary

On 10 June 1990, a BAC One-Eleven climbing through FL173 suddenly lost its left windscreen when the increasing cabin differential pressure overcame undersized securing bolts. The captain was sucked almost completely out of the resulting aperture and was restrained by cabin crew whilst the first officer declared a MAYDAY and diverted to Southampton. Only on the ground was it possible to recover the seriously injured captain into the flight deck. The flight was the first since the windscreen had been replaced, and the maintenance error involved was attributed to systemic failures in maintenance practices and their oversight.

Description

On 10 June 1990, the left-side windscreen of a BAC One-Eleven (G-BJRT) operated by British Airways on a scheduled international passenger flight from Birmingham to Malaga as BA 5390 suddenly departed the aircraft as it climbed through FL170 in day VMC. The captain was almost wholly ejected from the flight deck and became unconscious whilst his legs were being held in position by cabin crew. A MAYDAY was declared and a diversion to the nearest suitable airport, Southampton, was completed. Only then was it possible to recover the captain, who had regained consciousness shortly before landing, back into the flight deck. The ejected windscreen and some of its bolts were subsequently found a few miles southeast of Didcot. 

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