Overview

• The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has classified the incident as an 'action slip,' where the co-pilot mistakenly reduced thrust during take-off by confusing left and right controls.
• The aborted take-off led to a high-speed emergency stop at 190 mph, causing the brakes to overheat and catch fire on the right main landing gear.
• Gatwick Airport's main runway was closed for nearly an hour, resulting in 16 inbound flights being diverted and 23 departures canceled, disrupting thousands of passengers.
• The experienced co-pilot, with over 6,000 flying hours, was well-rested and could not identify a reason for the error, which investigators found was not linked to fatigue or mechanical issues.
• No injuries were reported among the 347 passengers and crew, and British Airways emphasized its commitment to safety and quick resolution for affected travelers.