Lee Bowyer has opened up on the moment a plane explosion left the Leeds United team seconds from death.
The ex-midfielder was travelling back from a Premier League game at West Ham in March 1998 alongside the rest of the Whites squad and coaching staff, as well as their backroom staff and directors.
Bowyer enjoyed an 18-year playing career and has been in management - although he's been out of the game for four years
5
Bowyer enjoyed an 18-year playing career and has been in management - although he's been out of the game for four yearsCredit: Getty
Shortly after taking off from Stansted Airport, the plane's engine exploded and one of the wings caught fire.
But pilot John Hackett heroically prevented disaster, when he defied protocol by deciding to crash-land the aircraft back onto the runway.
The safe landing allowed all 44 passengers to be safely evacuated, and, miraculously, no significant injuries were suffered.
'That would've been it'
Bowyer has now recalled the terrifying ordeal, as he revealed he had feared the worst after watching the wing of the plane catch fire right before his eyes.
Read more on talksport
Speaking at a Ladbrokes event, the 48-year-old said per The Sun: “I can remember the firemen telling us at the time that if we’d have been in the air for another 30 seconds, to a minute, the plane would have blown.
“I’m sitting one seat back from the escape doors, so I’m basically overlooking the wing, and the engine on my side just blew up.
“You watch the movies, and when something like that happens, the plane blows up, doesn’t it?
“So, I’m looking at it, and I was just thinking: ‘Well, that’s it. It’s just going to blow up and time’s up.’
“But, luckily enough for us, the pilot was unbelievable. He did an amazing job and somehow got us back down.
“Usually, when you’re in that kind of situation, you’re supposed to carry on with your take-off, circle round and re-land back on the runway.
Bowyer spent seven years at Leeds between 1996 and 2003
5
Bowyer spent seven years at Leeds between 1996 and 2003Credit: Getty
Leeds manager George Graham was the only member of the team's staff not on the ill-fated plane in 1998
5
Leeds manager George Graham was the only member of the team's staff not on the ill-fated plane in 1998Credit: Getty
“But the pilot was able to bring the plane straight back down without having to do any of that, because of the size of the runway.
“Had he not been able to, that would’ve been it. It would’ve blown up."
Bowyer was just 21 years old when the life-threatening explosion took place, and he revealed just how shaken the experience left him.
The ex-Birmingham City boss opened up: “I’m usually laid back and don’t worry about things. But from that moment I kind of thought we’re not in control of our own lives, fully.
“When your time is up, that’s it. It’s a sad thing to think about but that’s what I’ve believed ever since that day.”
Lasting impact
Bowyer revealed the horror plane explosion left some of his Leeds teammates permanently scarred, with teammate David Batty among those who would avoid flying in the aftermath.
Leeds' plane explosion came hours after they were beaten 3-0 by West Ham at Upton Park
5
Leeds' plane explosion came hours after they were beaten 3-0 by West Ham at Upton ParkCredit: Getty
He said: “I was back on a plane almost immediately because I’d rather get to somewhere like Portsmouth in an hour rather than five or six.
“But I remember Batty refusing to fly and a few of the lads choosing to drive down to games with him.
“Flying to and from matches was normal for us. Obviously playing for Leeds, we were up north and so if ever we were playing down south, we’d always travel that way.
“And then you’ve got European games too so you had no choice but to fly to them.”
After his close shave with death, Bowyer went on to enjoy a lengthy career at Elland Road, making 203 appearances for the club, as he played a key role in the side that reached the Champions League semi-finals in 2001.
Following his Leeds exit in 2003, the one-cap former England international went on to play for West Ham,Newcastle and Birmingham in the top flight.
Read More on talkSPORT
Bowyer's one and only England cap came in a friendly against Portugal in 2002
5
Bowyer's one and only England cap came in a friendly against Portugal in 2002Credit: Getty
Since retiring from football at Ipswich in 2012, Bowyer has gone on to manage Charlton and Birmingham, winning promotion to the Championship with the former in 2019.
He added on the plane explosion: “We didn’t get anything in terms of compensation, or anything like that, although to be honest, just to still be breathing was compensation enough.”