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

David Jack Kenny

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.

Preliminary and final accident reports, June 2025

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: June 2025

Amy Wilder

Sound Talent Group confirmed three employee fatalities

Music Agent Shapiro among Six Killed in Citation Crash

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Air Force intercept confirmed no cockpit or cabin activity before crash

Known Oxygen System Deficiency Preceded Fatal Crash

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.

Flight continued under VFR despite known radio altimeter issue

VFR into IMC, Poor Preflight, and ADM Led to Helo Crash

Kerry Lynch

 Woman succumbs to injuries three months after accident

Philadelphia Learjet Crash Claims Eighth Victim

No injuries reported after the air ambulance accident

NTSB Cites Faulty T-bolt Install in Tail Rotor Failure

Matt Thurber

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 Aircraft Accident Reports: June 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, June 2025

Music Agent Shapiro among Six Killed in Citation Crash

Sound Talent Group confirmed three employee fatalities

Known Oxygen System Deficiency Preceded Fatal Crash

Air Force intercept confirmed no cockpit or cabin activity before crash

VFR into IMC, Poor Preflight, and ADM Led to Helo Crash

Flight continued under VFR despite known radio altimeter issue

Philadelphia Learjet Crash Claims Eighth Victim

Woman succumbs to injuries three months after accident

NTSB Cites Faulty T-bolt Install in Tail Rotor Failure

No injuries reported after the air ambulance accident

AINsight: It’s Time To Put Video Recorders in Cockpits

More data is needed, and there’s only one way to get it

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: May 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, May 2025

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