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Heroic actions during BOAC Flight 712 disaster remembered

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Heroic actions during BOAC Flight 712 disaster remembered
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Jonathan E. Hendry U.S & Loyalty Journalist | Simple Flying

BOAC Flight 712 experienced a catastrophic engine explosion shortly after takeoff. The cabin crew demonstrated bravery and quick thinking, saving many lives during the evacuation. Jane Harrison, a 22-year-old cabin crew member, sacrificed her life to save others and was honored posthumously.

It was April 8, 1968. British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) flight 712 was preparing to leave London Heathrow Airport. It was a long-haul flight to Sydney, Australia, with stops en route at Zurich, Tel Aviv, Tehran, Mumbai, and Singapore. The four-engine Boeing 707 had 116 passengers onboard and 11 crew.

BOAC's intercontinental routes complemented the European flights offered by their sister company, British European Airways. The companies merged later into what would become British Airways. The Boeing 707 would refuel and swap passengers at each station; at that time, many people were traveling on an aircraft for the first time. The flight would take 36 hours in total.

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Captain Charles 'Cliff' Taylor was in command that day. Captain Geoffrey Moss was line-checking Charles. The First Officer was Brendan Kirkland, and the Flight Engineer was Thomas Hicks. Joining them was Second Officer John Hutchinson as a pilot observer.

Six cabin crew members were in the cabin: Chief steward Neville Davis-Gordon led Bryan Taylor, Andrew McCarthy, Rosalind Unwin, Jennifer Suares, and Barbara Jane Harrison (Jane). Jane loved her job and had worked hard to get her first cabin crew position at age 21.

Once the passengers were onboard and pre-flight checks complete with clearances approved, the flight could get underway. The cabin crew performed a safety demonstration and secured the cabin for takeoff. Andrew and Rosalind worked at the front of the aircraft; Bryan and Jane were at the rear; Neville and Jennifer sat next to overwing exits on the right side.

Flight 712 lined up on runway 28L for take-off roll at 16:27; they became airborne without incident initially.

Suddenly, the number two engine exploded violently due to a low-pressure compressor disk disintegration which sent debris through its support systems causing jet fuel leakage into combustion chambers igniting flames.

In response to passenger shouts about an engine fire after hearing loud bangs accompanied by vibrations inside both cockpit & cabins alike alike made efforts addressing respective roles - from shutting down engines amidst confusion prioritizing immediate return Heathrow ultimately preparing emergency landing drill meanwhile ensuring seatbelt adherence despite melting windows aboard near rear-end sections..

Upon realizing extent damage controller initiated protocols alerting fire trucks anticipated arrival prior scheduled flights rerouting pending hydraulics failures occurring three minutes thirty-two seconds post-takeoff concluding safe landing runway halt thereafter prompting exit initiations overwing fore sections whilst struggling deploying slides successfully amid escalating inferno circumstances .

During subsequent evacuation attempts slide malfunctions necessitated manual corrections inflating eventually redirecting remaining passengers safely albeit twisted configurations persisting throughout course operations exacerbated further deteriorations inclusive additional explosions jolting already unstable interior structures comprising choking smoke dense heat hazards encroaching rapidly diminishing survivability margins compelling final resort measures improvisational guidance enforcing timely orderly egress under duress scenarios witnessed notable heroism notably evident through concerted coordination efforts amongst crew members securing utmost possible survival outcomes overall instance highlighted ultimate sacrifice exemplified via determined actions displayed particularly harrowing moments leading loss heroic individuals involved enduring tragic events altogether encapsulated poignant reminders valiant endeavors commemorated henceforth deservedly so indeed...

Out of all occupants onboard totaling hundred twenty-seven remarkable fact only five fatalities occurred astonishingly attributed undoubtedly crucial decisive interventions undertaken valiantly personnel exhibiting exemplary courage dedication duty culminating commendable achievements noteworthy context appropriately acknowledged memorialized fitting tributes honoring memory especially significant contribution towards aviation safety subsequently improved standards directly stemming invaluable lessons learned reflecting profound legacy enduring impact lasting significance recognized universally admired respected revered perpetuity truly inspirational story symbolizing quintessential spirit selflessness extraordinary human resilience adversity triumphantly prevailing against odds remarkable testament indomitable will collectively defining historic milestone transcending mere incident transforming inspirational narrative encapsulating timeless essence valor sacrifice unyielding commitment common good deserving utmost reverence commemoration eternally remembered generations come...

"Miss Harrison was a very brave young lady who gave her life in her utter devotion to duty." - Citation for George Cross

In October 2019 English Heritage blue plaque sponsored by British Airways unveiled Bradford City Hall dedicated Jane memorial plaque St George's Interdenominational Chapel Heathrow Airport buried Fulford Cemetery York...

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