Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

FAA confirmed that the failure of one of the two GE Aviation GE90 engines powering a British Airways Boeing 777-200 caused the airliner to catch fire while taking off from Las Vegas McCarran International Airport earlier today. All 159 passengers and 13 crew evacuated the aircraft safely without any serious injuries and within just five minutes of the fire breaking out.

 


According to Jacob Steinberg, a reporter with the UK's Guardian newspaper who was on board the flight to London Gatwick Airport, passengers could see and smell smoke in the cabin and several reported seeing windows melting. He said that flight BA2276's captain had told passengers that the fire had been caused by "a catastrophic engine failure."

 


Spokespeople for British Airways and GE said that the companies are now investigating the accident. The aircraft started its takeoff roll at 4.13 p.m. local time, and all passengers had been evacuated via the 777's slides by 4.18 p.m.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

Engine Failure Causes Fire on British Airways Boeing 777

The 777's captain told passengers the fire had been caused by catastrophic engine failure.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Gordon Gilbert

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Non-U.S. turboprop accidents stayed unchanged but fatalities increased

Business Jet Fatalities Drop Nearly 35% in 2024

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, January 2025

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: January 2025

AmyWilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Business owner, family members, and colleague were onboard

Cheyenne Crash in Brazil Kills All Onboard, Injures 17

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Hawker crew did not respond to controller’s orders

NTSB Prelim Points To Distraction in Bizjet Collision

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

 Failure to heed advisories, pilot-induced oscillations led to fatality

NTSB: Crew Errors Led to Fatal Injury Onboard Challenger

Preliminary and final accident reports, December 2024

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: December 2024

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Accidents

Business Jet Fatalities Drop Nearly 35% in 2024

Non-U.S. turboprop accidents stayed unchanged but fatalities increased

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: January 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, January 2025

Cheyenne Crash in Brazil Kills All Onboard, Injures 17

Business owner, family members, and colleague were onboard

NTSB Prelim Points To Distraction in Bizjet Collision

Hawker crew did not respond to controller’s orders

NTSB: Crew Errors Led to Fatal Injury Onboard Challenger

Failure to heed advisories, pilot-induced oscillations led to fatality

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: December 2024

Preliminary and final accident reports, December 2024

Swiftair 737 Freighter Crashes On Approach to Vilnius

Spanish charter carrier was operating flight for express package group DHL

Bombardier Safety Standdown: Surviving the Fire

Preparation and training resulted in a survivable accident

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