Quantcast

Heroic actions during BOAC Flight 712 disaster remembered

Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Heroic actions during BOAC Flight 712 disaster remembered
Policy
Webp pno4lxv7wo81abjbmsmnebzhcydi
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.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

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...

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

EVA Air has announced a promotional offer for its Infinity MileageLands members, providing up to 40% bonus miles for those who purchase or top up miles between April 15 and April 30, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced its ongoing commitment to community support and development through various initiatives aimed at empowering children and families in East Granby, Connecticut.

Apr 17, 2025

Flying Food Group recently participated in the WTCE Conference in Hamburg, Germany, from April 8th to 10th, 2025.

Apr 17, 2025