British Airways Heathrow near miss sparks investigation after Airbus A320 stalls over London

British Airways is assisting an investigation after one of its passenger jets was involved in a serious in-flight incident while approaching London Heathrow, with reports claiming the aircraft came dangerously close to disaster.

The incident involved Flight BA919, an Airbus A320 travelling from Dusseldorf to Heathrow on July 6. According to reports, the aircraft experienced problems during its descent over east London after one of its air data systems failed.

Sources told UK media the jet entered a stall at about 4,000 feet, forcing the captain to physically take control from the first officer in an attempt to recover the aircraft.

One aviation source described the incident as “the most serious ‘near miss’ in the UK in years”.

Another said the situation came perilously close to what is known in aviation as a “hull loss”, an industry term used when an aircraft is destroyed or sustains damage beyond economic repair, The Sun reported.

A source said: “To recover from this position is difficult, especially so low to the ground.

“It is unheard of for a captain to physically intervene in the cockpit.”

The captain is reportedly on stress leave following the incident.

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an investigation into what it has classified as a serious incident. Reports said the event has been categorised as a “Loss of Control In-flight” and was believed to be “Pilot Induced”.

British Airways said it was cooperating fully with investigators, while the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority declined to comment while the inquiry remains ongoing.

The incident comes as the British aviation industry continues to grapple with another tragedy involving an aircraft engineer at Heathrow Airport.

Georgie Buxton, 23, has died several weeks after suffering catastrophic injuries while carrying out maintenance work on a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 inside a Heathrow hangar.

Mr Buxton had remained in intensive care for four weeks before his family made the decision to switch off his life support earlier this month, according to UK reports.

The aircraft involved has remained grounded since the incident as investigations continue.

A source told The Sun that Mr Buxton had died.

“Georgie was a young and very loved member of the team,” they said.

“Everyone at Virgin is in shock.

“It was not immediately clear what caused the death, and officials have grounded the jet until further notice on safety grounds.

“Heavy metal cannot fall from a jet machinery and the plane be allowed to continue flying.”

Virgin Atlantic confirmed the young engineer’s death and said it was supporting his family and colleagues.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that a much-loved member of our engineering team has passed away,” a spokesperson said.

“Our thoughts are firmly with Georgie’s family, loved ones, friends and colleagues at this incredibly sad and challenging time.

“We’re providing support to loved ones wherever we can and sharing our heartfelt condolences to everyone affected.

“Georgie’s family has asked for privacy at this very difficult time.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people is always our top priority, and we are devastated by this incident.

“We are working closely with relevant authorities and the aircraft manufacturer on the investigation to establish all facts.

“Out of respect for those involved and while the investigation is ongoing, we are unable to provide any further information at this stage.”