B777 cockpit starved of Oxygen

British Airways flight forced to make emergency landing after 'cockpit starved of air'

Two pilots flying a Boeing 777 from London to Seattle were forced to make an emergency landing because their cockpit was starved of air, according to an official report.

The cockpit of the Boeing 777 became starved of air during flight Credit: PA

All three crew members on the flight deck reported feeling unwell and were forced to wear oxygen masks for the remainder of the flight.

They also had to keep the door between the cockpit and passenger cabin open- contravening flight safety and security rules.

The report, by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) concluded that the air supply had been blocked by debris including wire and bubble wrap in a ventilation duct below the cockpit floor.

The plane was forced to turn back and make an emergency landing at Heathrow Credit: PA

The incident took place on 6 March with pilots saying they noted during take-off and climbing that there was "very low airflow".

The report says "The symptoms included headache, nausea, light-headedness, a constant urge to take deep breaths and difficulty maintaining concentration."

They were also concerned that the increased heat might affect electronics in the cockpit.

The decision to turn back to Heathrow was made as the plane was over Scotland.

The AAIB said there had been reports of a similar issue with other Boeing 777s but that such incidents were rare.

Last updated Fri 14 Aug 2015