I saw this BA aircraft coming over central London with a trail of smoke from its starboard engine. For several hours since I had no access to WiFi I was almost relieved when I did hear the news that everyone was safe.

On this score ‘hats off’ to the flight crew for getting back safely.

The AAIB bulletin makes extremely good factual reading.

We must wait for the technical cause of the fire on the starboard engine in the AAIB report.

I am not one for advocating scapegoats and since BA are my favourite airline I am left perplexed.

How did a Commander with so many flying hours, a third on the type along with his first officer miss the open fan cowls on walk around in broad daylight?

Yes the flight crew may have relied on the assurance given by the Push Off crew that everything was safe.

Yet the pre Push Off photograph puts them all collectively in the ‘hot seat. Extremely sad.

Why can BA not introduce a simple electronic scanning of the pre Push Off photograph by a senior experienced on each type before Push Off commences at all BA departures? Yes a few extra minutes but if that puts BA back as one of the world’s safest airlines it is worth it.

It doesn’t require with this type waiting for Airbus, engine manufacturer, AAIB or any other manufacturer combination to modify or recommend this safety enhancement. After all the photograph is already being taken but just not being utilised proactively.