The Anonymous Widower

All Four Engines Have Failed

This book, written by Betty Tootell is a fascinating read and in my view is one of the best that describes how people react under extreme stress.

All Four Engines Have Failed

It  describes in detail, the time in 1982, when British Airways Flight 9 lost all power on a flight from London to New Zealand, because of a volcanic eruption on Java.

I’d lost my copy of the book in the move, so my son bought me a hardback copy for my birthday second-hand.  It is in very good condition, like other books, that I’ve bought through Amazon’s second hand network.

The book would make a superb film, but I doubt that British Airways would co-operate, as it might put people off flying, despite the superb performance of the aircraft and the crew. The film would have one of the best quotes of modern times from the captain, Eric Moody, as he tried to sort out the problems.

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.

Someone I know, a few weeks after the incident flew to New York with Captain Moody up-front and he got a rousing cheer.

If you ever see the book in perhaps a jumble sale or on a market stall, buy it and read it.  You won’t be disappointed! And it’s all true! With lots of happy endings!

August 17, 2012 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Flying