The Incredible Story of a British Airways Pilot Who Survived Being Ejected from a Plane

In a story that defies belief and showcases the resilience of the human spirit, Captain Tim Lancaster, a British Airways pilot, miraculously survived being sucked out of the cockpit mid-flight. The extraordinary incident occurred on June 10, 1990, during British Airways Flight 5390 from Birmingham to Málaga. Just 13 minutes after takeoff, at an altitude of 17,300 feet, a windshield panel in the cockpit suddenly blew out. The sudden decompression violently pulled Captain Lancaster halfway out of the aircraft, leaving him pinned against the fuselage by the rushing air. His legs were caught inside the cockpit, while his upper body was exposed to freezing temperatures and hurricane-force winds. What followed was a breathtaking display of teamwork and bravery. Flight attendant Nigel Ogden leapt forward and held onto Lancaster’s belt, preventing him from being completely ejected. Meanwhile, co-pilot Alastair Atchison took control of the plane and declared an emergency. Despite the chaos, Atchison managed a safe emergency landing at Southampton Airport. Amazingly, Captain Lancaster survived with just frostbite, bruising, and a few fractures. Even more astonishingly, he returned to flying just five months later. The incident led to a full investigation, revealing that incorrect bolts had been used during recent maintenance on the windshield. This contributed to major changes in aircraft safety procedures and maintenance protocols across the industry. Captain Lancaster’s story is more than just a survival tale; it's a testament to courage, quick thinking, and human determination under the most extreme conditions. To this day, it remains one of aviation’s most remarkable true stories—an incredible reminder of how disaster can be overcome with training, teamwork, and sheer will to survive.