In 1990, British Airways pilot Tim Lancaster endured a terrifying ordeal when the cockpit windshield of his plane shattered at 17,000 feet during a flight from Birmingham to Málaga. The sudden decompression partially ejected him from the aircraft.

Lancaster’s upper body was exposed to the freezing atmosphere while his legs remained inside the cockpit. The force of the decompression threatened to pull him completely from the aircraft at any moment.

Flight attendant Nigel Ogden reacted immediately, grabbing Lancaster’s legs and holding on tightly for around 20 minutes. Ogden sustained frostbite and injuries himself but refused to let go.

Co-pilot Alastair Atchison managed to take control of the aircraft, steadying it for an emergency landing while coordinating with the rest of the crew. His quick thinking proved crucial to the outcome.

Another flight attendant, Simon Rogers, assisted Ogden, allowing him brief relief from the physical strain of keeping the pilot from being completely sucked out. The crew worked together seamlessly under extreme pressure.

Passengers witnessed the chaos and fear as the crew fought to save Lancaster and maintain control. The aircraft eventually landed safely at Southampton Airport, thanks to their heroic efforts.

Lancaster survived with severe injuries including frostbite and multiple fractures. The incident stands as a testament to the crew’s bravery and the remarkable stability of the BAC 1-11 aircraft even in extreme emergency conditions.