What volcano nearly brought down a 747?

The Time a Volcano Almost Took Down a 747: A Real-Life Thriller in the Sky

Picture this: June 24, 1982. British Airways Flight 009, a majestic Boeing 747 named “City of Edinburgh,” is cruising smoothly from Kuala Lumpur to Perth. Passengers are probably dozing, reading, maybe enjoying a drink. What they didn’t know was they were about to star in a real-life aviation thriller, all thanks to a grumpy volcano in Indonesia. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill turbulence; this was a full-blown volcanic ash cloud, courtesy of Mount Galunggung in West Java, and it nearly brought the jumbo jet crashing down.

Now, you might be thinking, “Volcanic ash? What’s the big deal?” Well, buckle up, because this is where the story gets wild.

Blinded by the Ash

Captain Eric Moody and his crew had no clue what was brewing beneath them. The volcano had only started erupting a couple of hours before they flew into its plume. And here’s the kicker: weather radar can’t detect dry volcanic ash. So, they were flying blind into a cloud of powdered rock. The first sign something was amiss? An eerie glow on the windscreen, like St. Elmo’s Fire, followed by a weird, sulfur-like smell wafting through the cabin. Imagine that – a smell like rotten eggs at 37,000 feet!

When All Four Engines Said “Nope”

Then, bam! Engine number four sputtered and died. Okay, that’s not good. But then, one by one, the other three engines joined the party and quit. Can you even fathom the sheer terror? This wasn’t just a bumpy ride; this was a Boeing 747 turning into a giant, very expensive glider. Captain Moody, bless his calm demeanor, delivered one of the most iconic announcements in aviation history: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, this is your Captain speaking. We have a small problem. All four engines have stopped. We are doing our damnedest to get them going again. I trust you are not in too much distress.” Talk about British understatement!

A Desperate Glide

The 747 began its slow, agonizing descent. They had about 23 minutes to figure things out before they’d be swimming with the fishes in the Indian Ocean. The pilots and engineer were scrambling, trying everything to restart those engines. I can only imagine the tension in that cockpit, the sweat, the desperate hope against the odds.

A Miracle at 12,000 Feet

Then, a stroke of luck! They finally glided out of the ash cloud. At 12,000 feet, with the ocean looming large, they managed to coax the engines back to life, one agonizing cough at a time. Well, almost. Engine number two decided to throw another wrench in the works and started vibrating like crazy, forcing them to shut it down again. Limping along on the remaining engines, they diverted to Jakarta, a huge sigh of relief, no doubt.

The Damage Done

They made it, but the “City of Edinburgh” was a mess. The windscreen was sandblasted, visibility was practically zero, and the engines? Let’s just say they looked like they’d swallowed a cement mixer. The volcanic ash had melted inside the engines, turning into a glassy coating that choked everything up.

Lessons from the Ash

This wasn’t just a near-disaster; it was a wake-up call for the entire aviation industry. Volcanic ash is nasty stuff. Those tiny particles of rock and glass can wreak havoc on a jet engine. They melt in the intense heat, then solidify, causing all sorts of problems. They can also scratch up everything, from the windscreen to the delicate blades inside the engines.

Because of BA009, the world now has Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs). These centers keep a close eye on volcanic activity, track ash clouds, and warn pilots to steer clear. It’s all about avoiding a repeat of that terrifying day.

British Airways Flight 009 is a testament to the skill and bravery of the flight crew, and a powerful reminder that even in the age of advanced technology, we’re still at the mercy of Mother Nature. And thanks to the lessons learned that day, flying is a whole lot safer for all of us.