Pilot of British Airways engine-fire jet has 'finished flying'

LONDON: The British Airways captain applauded by passengers for averting a potential disaster after a jet engine burst into flames at Las Vegas airport says he has "finished flying".

Chris Henkey, who has four decades of flying experience with BA, was on his second-last flight from Las Vegas to London Gatwick yesterday when a fire broke out on the runway before takeoff and he was forced to evacuate 157 passengers and 13 crew.

"I was supposed to go to Barbados on Saturday and come back next Tuesday and that would be it," 63-year-old Henkey said.

"It's safe to say I'm finished flying," he told NBC News.

His fiancee, 40-year-old Lenka Nevolna, said she was "very shocked", but praised him as a "hero".

"He's a great man with a warm heart, and generosity, and I'm very proud of him."

Officials in the United States said the left engine of the Boeing 777-200 caught fire before take-off.

At least 14 people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the incident.

Describing the incident, Henkey said: "There was a loud bang and the aircraft sort of veered to the left. Because we had a third pilot he actually opened the door and went down into the cabin, saw how serious it was."

Henkey was applauded by passengers of Flight 2276 in the terminal building.

"I know the papers are saying now 'he's a hero'," the pilot said. "[But] we have to remember there are two other pilots and cabin crew who all behaved very, very well."

BA said it would not confirm the identity of the captain but said he was "very experienced and has flown with British Airways for 42 years".

In a statement, the airline said the aircraft "experienced a technical issue as it was preparing for take- off".