Heathrow plane crash survivors seek £1m damages
A group of survivors, who were left injured and traumatised in a Heathrow crash, are seeking £1million damages from Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft involved in the crash.
Although they believe the pilots acted in the right way when the British Airways flight hit the ground at high speed, they blame the manufacturer of the 777, for failing to correct alleged design flaws.
They have launched an accident claim for damages compensation for their injuries, based on previous cases.
The lawyers who are taking up the accident claims on behalf of the survivors said: “Reports from the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) suggest design defects in the aircraft’s fuel system and in particular its limitations in the prevention of dangerous ice build-up."
The incident happened on January 17, 2008, as the flight was on its way to Heathrow from Beijing carrying 136 passengers and 16 crew on board.
Both engines lost power abruptly two miles from the airport and the pilots had to bring it down short off the runway at twice the speed of a normal touchdown.
The impact ripped off the landing gear and damaged the undercarriage and wings, throwing passengers around in the cabin.In the aftermath of the crash, the pilot and his co-pilot were hailed as heroes for landing the plane safely.
Although no one died in the crash, passengers suffered broken bones and facial injuries.
Updated on 20/11/2009