• Published: 10:12, 23 Oct 2025
• Updated: 10:12, 23 Oct 2025

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.

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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.

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.

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