Passengers onboard British Airways Flight 268 were more than a little startled by the sudden sound of popping. At the same time, observers on the ground witnessed sparks shooting out from beneath the aircraft’s wing.

In 2005, the flight left Los Angeles International Airport for London, UK. Shortly after takeoff, one of its four engines failed and was promptly shut down. What followed, was a decisionmaking dilemma that gripped the cockpit.

This is the gripping tale of British Airways Flight 747's nervewracking gamble