Title: Hero British Airways Pilot Dies – Saved 263 Passengers When All Four Engines Stopped Mid-Air
Captain Eric Moody, the hero British Airways pilot who saved 263 passengers when all four engines of his 747 stopped mid-air, has sadly passed away at the age of 84 this week. Moody’s remarkable story of skill and bravery took place in June 1982 when he successfully navigated his plane through a life-threatening situation, earning him the admiration and respect of all those on board.
The Jakarta Incident
The ‘Jakarta Incident’ refers to the harrowing ordeal faced by Moody and his crew aboard the BA plane City of Edinburgh, a 747-200 jumbo jet flying between Kuala Lumpur and Perth. The flight, carrying 263 passengers, encountered a catastrophic event when it flew through an ash cloud, causing all four engines to fail. Passengers witnessed the engines turning white, spitting flames, and ultimately shutting down, creating a tense and terrifying situation.
Moody, along with first officer Roger Greaves, quickly realized the severity of the situation as they saw intense St Elmo’s fire shooting across the plane’s windscreen and acrid smoke filling the cabin. The ash cloud, originating from an eruption of Mount Galunggung located 110km southeast of Jakarta, posed a grave threat to the aircraft and its occupants.
Despite the lack of visibility on the radar due to the ash cloud, Moody made a crucial decision to turn the plane around and head back to Jakarta. Calculating that they could glide for 25 minutes before reaching the ground, he knew that time was of the essence in finding a safe landing. As the aircraft descended, Greaves faced his own challenge when his oxygen mask malfunctioned at 20,000 feet, putting both pilots under immense pressure.
With the clock ticking and the aircraft’s fate hanging in the balance, Moody demonstrated exceptional skill and composure by successfully restarting the engines at 12,000 feet. This critical moment allowed the plane to regain power and continue its journey back to Jakarta, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic disaster.
Eric Moody’s legacy as a pilot extends far beyond the ‘Jakarta Incident,’ with a distinguished career at British Airways spanning 32 years. His retirement in 1996 marked the end of an era in aviation, leaving behind a lasting impact on those who knew him and the countless lives he touched throughout his career.
As we remember Captain Eric Moody’s incredible act of heroism and selflessness, we honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on the world of aviation. May his courage and unwavering dedication continue to inspire future generations of pilots and aviation professionals around the globe.