Shocking pictures of crash plane at Birmingham Airport

Nov 21 2010 by Adam Aspinall, Sunday Mercury

THESE are the shocking pictures that reveal the miracle of Birmingham Airport. Out of this mangled wreckage came the liver that helped save a transplant patient’s life.

Dramatic photographs taken by firefighters reveal the full extent of the fireball which engulfed a Cessna light aircraft after it ploughed into a radio antenna in thick fog on Friday.

Amazingly, no-one was killed and yesterday tributes poured in to the brave pilot who braved searing flames to help rescue the liver, which was being delivered for transplant.

The 58 year-old, who suffered multiple injuries, went back into the burning plane to cut off the fuel supply so that the organ could be retrieved. He was later airlifted to hospital.

Last night Andy Williamson, Chief Executive for Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance said: “In this instance our pilot and crew were called to a very difficult mission.

“The flying, landing and working conditions were very challenging – and as our pilot climbed into the smouldering wreckage his knowledge and bravery went way beyond the call of duty.

“This rescue was a great team effort from the start. From the Air Traffic Control team guiding our pilot in to land to the fire teams. From our pilot securing the plane, to our doctor and paramedic providing emergency care on the scene.

“As ever, we are very proud of our skilled crew.”