The Anonymous Widower

First Impressions Of All Four Engines Have Failed

It is some years now, since I read All Four Engines Have Failed and I suspect i read the book all those years ago quickly on holiday.

Now that I have more time to read it and because of my left hand, I find books physically difficult, I’m savouring the words more.  The author, Betty Tootell had a background in PR, so probably has a way with words and she takes great care to paint a graphic picture, as concern starts to spread through the some-filled cabin, as it appears fire is coming out of all four engines. Just like in films like The Poseidon Advanture, there are leaders and those who follow, and those who put together downright lies to keep order on the plane.

One thing that I hadn’t remembered from my previous read was that the incident happened at a time (1982), when there was still large amounts of smoking on passenger planes. So if the same thing happened today, would there be worse panic, as smoke in the cabin is now so rare?

The further I get into the tale, the more I think that it would make a superb film. I’m a bit surprised no-one has, as the author, put a lot of dialogue into the text and the aircraft and its spectacular pyrotechnics could be easily simulated by computer.

I suspect though, that over the years, we’ve got more worried about flying, rather than less and that British Airways probably wouldn’t co-operate with the film company, for fear of educating the punters in the wrong way.

On the other hand, after the fears about the Icelandic volcanic eruptions of recent years, the incident has been talked about a lot in the media and most people probably know the happy ending of the tale.

August 21, 2012 - Posted by AnonW | Transport/Travel | Books, Films, Flying