Barbara Jane Harrison, GC
On April 8, 1968, the No. 2 jet engine of BOAC Flight 712 snapped from the wing after takeoff from London Heathrow Airport and the crippled Boeing 707 returned to the airfield in a fiery and tragic emergency landing.
Flames and fumes killed five people, including flight attendant Jane Harrison, who was trying to rescue a disabled passenger. Harrison, 22, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her heroism.
Wikipedia said: "The cabin crew started the evacuation, even before the aircraft had come to a halt ... Harrison was last seen preparing to jump, but she turned back and disappeared into the passenger cabin, in an attempt to save the remaining four passengers."
The blazing four-engine 707 had been bound for Australia and was laden with fuel.
"The first two fire engines to arrive were unable to do much, as they stopped too far from the aircraft and their design prevented their moving once they began making foam," according to Wikipedia.
"Paint on the coupling threads of nearby fire hydrants prevented hoses from being attached," Wikipedia said. "A backup foam water tender drove in closer and discharged its foam effectively, but the fire had already gained hold by then."
Flames and fumes killed five people, including flight attendant Jane Harrison, who was trying to rescue a disabled passenger. Harrison, 22, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for her heroism.
Wikipedia said: "The cabin crew started the evacuation, even before the aircraft had come to a halt ... Harrison was last seen preparing to jump, but she turned back and disappeared into the passenger cabin, in an attempt to save the remaining four passengers."
The blazing four-engine 707 had been bound for Australia and was laden with fuel.
"The first two fire engines to arrive were unable to do much, as they stopped too far from the aircraft and their design prevented their moving once they began making foam," according to Wikipedia.
"Paint on the coupling threads of nearby fire hydrants prevented hoses from being attached," Wikipedia said. "A backup foam water tender drove in closer and discharged its foam effectively, but the fire had already gained hold by then."
