The British Airways pilot who saved the lives of 151 crew by bouncing his 150,000 ton Boeing 777 over Heathrow's perimeter fence, adjusted his cravat, finished his cup of tea and ejaculated, "Dashed bumpy landing there, what?"
Captain Peter "Biggles" Burkill and his two co-pilots, Ginger and Algy shook hands after they nearly "bought it" over France and hopped back on only one engine with just lemonade for fuel.
Mr Burkill said today he and his crew who are staying at a secret London establishment noted for its fine French cigarettes and alcohol, were "top ho!"
The pilot fought with one hand to keep the aircraft high enough to miss nearby houses and the busy road beside the airport while not spilling the tea he held in his other hand.
Rustic farm peasants watched with respect and wonder as the jet clipped a church spire, scraped trees, brushed the top of a barn, skimmed the perimeter fence and came to rest on English soil. Captain Biggles cut the engine, stepped out onto the wing and opined, "Landing gear bought it there, sorry."
