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Co-pilot controlled crash-landing Co-pilot controlled crash-landing
(20 minutes later)
A British Airways jet that crash landed at Heathrow was being controlled by the co-pilot, it has been revealed. A British Airways jet that crash-landed at Heathrow was being controlled by the co-pilot, it has been revealed.
Captain Peter Burkill told a press conference Senior First Officer John Coward brought the plane in to land on Wednesday afternoon. Captain Peter Burkill told a press conference Senior First Officer John Coward brought the plane in to land on Thursday afternoon.
Mr Burkill was greeted with massive applause as he made his way to give a short statement at the airline's headquarters in west London.Mr Burkill was greeted with massive applause as he made his way to give a short statement at the airline's headquarters in west London.
All 136 passengers and 16 crew survived the incident.All 136 passengers and 16 crew survived the incident.
Mr Burkill praised his crew, passengers and rescue staff in the short statement. Mr Burkill thanked the crew who demonstrated "the highest standards of skill and professionalism", but he said because of the ongoing investigation he could not comment on what caused the incident.
He thanked the crew who demonstrated "the highest standards of skill and professionalism", but he said because of the ongoing investigation he could not comment on what caused the incident.
'Most remarkable''Most remarkable'
He said: "As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations. He also praised passengers and rescue staff for the way they reacted when the plane was forced to ditch short of the runway.
"As British Airways flight and cabin crew we are trained on a regular basis to deal with emergency situations," he said.
"We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their place."We have procedures to follow and everyone knows their place.
"Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board.""Flying is about teamwork and we had an outstanding team on board."
He said Mr Coward had done a "most remarkable job" in landing the aircraft.He said Mr Coward had done a "most remarkable job" in landing the aircraft.
Investigators are trying to find out why the plane was forced to ditch short of the runway at the airport. The plane's cabin services director Sharon Eaton-Mercer joined Mr Burkill and Mr Coward on the podium.
The plane is thought to have suffered a sudden loss off power on approach. 'Unfamiliar circumstances'
The pilot praised the cabin director and her staff, some of whom suffered minor injuries making sure passengers were safe.
He said Ms Eaton Mercer only left the aircraft after she was certain those on the flight deck were unharmed.
"I want to thank the passengers too for their calmness and good sense during extremely unfamiliar circumstances," Mr Burkill said.
He also thanked the fire, ambulance and police personnel for their quick response to the crash.
Investigators are trying to find out what caused the incident. The plane is thought to have suffered a sudden loss of power on approach.