The Qantas pilot who safely landed an Airbus A380 carrying 466 people after mid-air drama last November has spoken about his "finest landing".
In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes to air tonight, Captain Richard de Crespigny recounts how Sydney-bound flight QF32 was just minutes into its flight out of Singapore when a small oil leak caused one of the jet's massive engines to explode, extensively damaging the left hand side of the aircraft.
The Sydney pilot, a 25-year-old veteran who had previously flown in the Royal Australian Air Force, tells of how he ensured the crippled aircraft — carrying 440 passengers and 26 crew — was able to land safely at Changi Airport after circling in the air for nearly two hours.
"I don't think an Airbus aircraft has ever been challenged as much as this has," Captain de Crespigny tells 60 Minutes.
"I think a Rolls Royce engine's never failed so spectacularly with so much collateral damage… It was a flight you could never train for."
The father-of-two says he dislikes being referred to as a "hero" because he was just doing his job and was supported by an "extraordinary crew with lots of experience".
"I was the person who signed off on the aeroplane, I would ultimately be responsible if people died, and I'm so proud of everyone and all the teams that helped that day. I was proud to be in command of that aircraft," he says.
For more on Captain de Crespigny's amazing story watch 60 Minutes tonight at 7.30pm.
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