Encountering Death

Abstract

Background: My flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK on April 2, 2004 almost didn't make it. The aircraft, British Airways Flight 183, nearly came down in flames, killing all 220 passengers on board. We took off dead on time at 20 hours, and all seemed normal. As always, everyone seemed to be minding their own business -reading, watching a movie, listening to music, or going straight to sleep.