A routine cargo flight from Manchester Airport turned into a heart-stopping emergency this week after a Boeing 747's engine caught fire just seconds after becoming airborne.
Shocking footage captured by an onlooker shows the moment the Atlas Air aircraft, operating on behalf of Korean Air, suffered a catastrophic engine failure. Flames and thick black smoke can be seen spewing from the engine against the night sky, creating a terrifying spectacle.
The pilot immediately declared a pan-pan emergency, the step below a mayday call, and began circling over the Irish Sea. This manoeuvre was a critical procedure to dump thousands of kilograms of jet fuel, a necessary step to reduce the aircraft's weight to a safe level for an emergency landing.
The aircraft, carrying a standard cargo load, managed to return to Manchester Airport approximately an hour after the terrifying incident began. It landed safely on the runway, which had been put on immediate standby. Emergency services, including fire crews, were scrambled and standing by to respond to the potential disaster.
An eyewitness described the harrowing scene, stating, "There was a massive bang and then what looked like an explosion from the engine. It was terrifying to watch."
Both Atlas Air and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) have confirmed they are aware of the incident and have launched a full investigation. The priority will be to determine the cause of the engine failure, with a focus on the Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines that power this specific model of 747.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew, who have been praised for their professional handling of the extremely dangerous situation. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the rigorous safety protocols and training that underpin modern aviation.
