The Incredible Story of a British Airways Pilot Who Survived Being Ejected from a Plane for 20 Minutes

In 1990, British Airways pilot Tim Lancaster narrowly survived when his cockpit windshield blew out at 17,000 feet during a flight from Birmingham to Málaga. Lancaster was partially sucked out of the plane, with only his legs inside the cockpit.

Flight attendant Nigel Ogden bravely held onto Lancaster’s legs for 20 minutes despite severe frostbite and injuries, while co-pilot Alastair Atchison stabilized the aircraft and prepared for an emergency landing. Another attendant, Simon Rogers, assisted Ogden during the ordeal.

The plane safely landed at Southampton Airport. Lancaster survived with injuries, including frostbite and fractures. The incident later featured on the show Mayday, highlighting the crew’s heroism and the plane’s resilience.