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Co-pilot controlled crash-landing Co-pilot controlled crash-landing
(10 minutes later)
A British Airways jet that crash-landed at Heathrow was being controlled by the co-pilot, it has been revealed.A British Airways jet that crash-landed at Heathrow was being controlled by the co-pilot, it has been revealed.
Captain Peter Burkill told a press conference Senior First Officer John Coward brought the plane in to land on Thursday afternoon.Captain Peter Burkill told a press conference Senior First Officer John Coward brought the plane in to land on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Burkill was greeted with massive applause as he made his way to give a short statement at the airline's headquarters in west London. Mr Burkill, 43, also praised all the crew for showing "the highest standards of skill and professionalism", as he spoke at the airline's headquarters
All 136 passengers and 16 crew survived the incident.All 136 passengers and 16 crew survived the incident.
Mr Burkill thanked the crew who demonstrated "the highest standards of skill and professionalism", but he said because of the ongoing investigation he could not comment on what caused the incident. Mr Burkill, along with Mr Coward and Cabin Services Director Sharon Eaton-Mercer, were greeted with massive applause ahead of the short statement about the crash.
'Most remarkable' Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board Captain Peter Burkill
He also praised passengers and rescue staff for the way they reacted when the plane was forced to ditch short of the runway. Because of the ongoing investigation, Mr Burkill said he could not comment on what caused the incident.
He praised the passengers and rescue staff for the way they reacted when the plane was forced to ditch short of the runway.
"As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations," he said."As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations," he said.
"We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their place."We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their place.
"Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board.""Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board."
Investigators have retrieved the flight data recorder for clues
He said Mr Coward had done a "most remarkable job" in landing the aircraft.He said Mr Coward had done a "most remarkable job" in landing the aircraft.
The plane's cabin services director Sharon Eaton-Mercer joined Mr Burkill and Mr Coward on the podium. The plane's joined Mr Burkill and Mr Coward on the podium.
'Unfamiliar circumstances'
The pilot praised the cabin director and her staff, some of whom suffered minor injuries making sure passengers were safe.The pilot praised the cabin director and her staff, some of whom suffered minor injuries making sure passengers were safe.
He said Ms Eaton Mercer only left the aircraft after she was certain those on the flight deck were unharmed.He said Ms Eaton Mercer only left the aircraft after she was certain those on the flight deck were unharmed.
"I want to thank the passengers too for their calmness and good sense during extremely unfamiliar circumstances," Mr Burkill said."I want to thank the passengers too for their calmness and good sense during extremely unfamiliar circumstances," Mr Burkill said.
He also thanked the fire, ambulance and police personnel for their quick response to the crash.He also thanked the fire, ambulance and police personnel for their quick response to the crash.
Investigators are trying to find out what caused the incident. The plane is thought to have suffered a sudden loss of power on approach.Investigators are trying to find out what caused the incident. The plane is thought to have suffered a sudden loss of power on approach.
'Prefessionalism praised'
Mr Burkill and Mr Coward are said to have shared a curry on Thursday night after the incident.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown's own flight to China was delayed as the Boeing skidded across the grass short of the runway and pulled up about 1,000 metres from his plane.
Mr Brown, who is on an official visit to Beijing, praised the pilot's "professionalism" in managing to avert a major disaster.
He said: "I think it's right to pay tribute to the calmness and professionalism of the British Airways staff and the captain and what he achieved in landing the aircraft."