British Airtours Flight 28M, was an international passenger flight, originating from Manchester International Airport's Runway 24 in Manchester, England, en-route to Corfu International Airport on the Greek island of Corfu. On 22 August 1985 this flight was being flown by Boeing 737–236 G-BGJL, ("River Orrin"), when take-off from Manchester Airport was aborted due to Engine Failure on Take-Off (EFTO).
The aircraft, previously named "Goldfinch", but at the time of the accident named "River Orrin", had 131 passengers and six crew on the manifest. At 06:12 BST as the plane was on the runway preparing to takeoff, a loud thump was heard. An engine failure had generated a fire and a plume of black smoke subsequently ensued. Takeoff was aborted, with both pilots oblivious to the fire to the engine on the left wing. Passengers who could see the fire started to evacuate the aircraft, with 82 of the 131 passengers escaping. 54 passengers perished, many due to inhalation of toxic smoke which had seeped into the fuselage.
After the crash investigation, a number of safety recommendations were made which included fire resistant seat covers, floor lighting, fire-resistant wall and ceiling panels, more fire extinguishers and clearer evacuation rules.
Read more about British Airtours Flight 28M: Accident, Causes, Aftermath, Dramatisation
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