News

Miraculous: How most walked away from this doomed flight from Cardiff

Published

2 years ago

March 18, 2024

IN the shadowy and tumultuous skies over Spain, a narrative of dread and extraordinary survival unfolded as Britannia Airways Flight 226A, making its journey from Cardiff-Wales Airport to Gerona-Costa Brava Airport, faced an ordeal that tested the resolve of those on board, leading to an outcome where the vast majority emerged unscathed. This episode, occurring 24 years prior, stands as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the utmost importance of aviation safety.

The aircraft, a Boeing 757-204 bearing the registration G-BYAG, confronted adverse weather right from the start. Departing from Cardiff at 20:40 local time, neither the crew nor the passengers could have anticipated that their flight towards Gerona would test their endurance to such an extent. As they neared their destination, a looming thunderstorm set the stage for a challenging approach, culminating in a critical decision-making moment with lasting implications.

The narrative reaches its apex as the crew, navigating through darkness and torrential rain, chose a VOR/DME approach to runway 02, contending with a wet runway, downslope, and tailwind. A sudden alteration in wind direction necessitated a switch to an ILS approach to runway 20, placing the aircraft in peril. In the final moments before landing, a series of technical mishaps and human errors, compounded by the severe weather, led to a disastrous runway excursion.

The aircraft’s impact was catastrophic, leading to its destruction. Yet, in the wake of devastation, an extraordinary outcome was revealed: of the 236 passengers and nine crew members aboard, only two sustained serious injuries, while 41 incurred minor injuries. Tragically, one passenger later died due to undiagnosed internal injuries, casting a shadow over an otherwise miraculous tale of survival.

Subsequent inquiries unveiled multiple contributing factors to the accident, including the destabilisation of the approach, loss of external visual references, and an uncommanded increase in forward thrust. These revelations underscore the necessity for stringent flight crew training and thorough weather condition assessments, serving as crucial lessons for the future of aviation safety.

As we remember those who survived and ponder the events of that September night, the ordeal of Flight 226A is a testament to human resilience and the paramount importance of advancing aviation safety standards.

It serves as a poignant reminder of the slender margin between tragedy and miracle, and the indomitable spirit that prevails in the face of adversity.

Community

Hospital staff to climb Pen y Fan for Ward 4 fundraiser

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

STAFF from Ward 4 at Withybush Hospital are preparing to climb Pen y Fan to raise money for their surgical ward.

The team will take on the challenge on Saturday, September 5, 2026, climbing the highest peak in South Wales in Bannau Brycheiniog.

The fundraiser aims to raise £500, with money going directly towards improving the ward environment for patients.

Staff said: “We have organised this event to raise funds that will go directly towards enhancing the ward environment for patients, including purchasing items such as TVs to improve comfort and wellbeing during their stay.

“We’re hoping to raise £500.”

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “A huge thank you to the team on Ward 4 for embracing the challenge and choosing to raise funds for their ward. We hope you have a fantastic day and truly enjoy the experience.

“The generous charitable donations we receive do not replace NHS funding. Instead, they support additional items and activities outside core NHS expenditure. These small extras make a big difference, and we are so grateful for every donation we receive.”

Donations can be made to the Ward 4 Pen y Fan fundraiser at: https://hyweldda.enthuse.com/cf/ward-4-staff-at-withybush-hospital-s-pen-y-fan-cha

For more information about Hywel Dda Health Charities and how to support local NHS patients and staff, visit: hywelddahealthcharities.nhs.wales

Pictured:

Staff from Ward 4

Community

Charles Street to come alive for Milford Haven Founders Day

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

CHARLES STREET will once again be transformed into a bustling pedestrian zone as Milford Haven celebrates its annual Founders Day on Saturday (June 6).

Milford Haven Business Circle, in collaboration with Milford Haven Town Council, is bringing the much-loved community event back to the town centre to celebrate the town’s heritage, history and community spirit.

The event will run from 11:00am until 4:00pm, with a programme of free family entertainment including bouncy castles, face painting, local stalls, community groups, activities for all ages and live entertainment organised by the Boulevard Theatre.

The day’s celebrations will also be professionally photographed by Captured Soul Photography.

Founders Day gives residents and visitors the chance to come together to celebrate Milford Haven’s past while supporting the businesses, organisations and community groups that continue to make the town a vibrant place today.

To allow the event to take place safely, a road closure will be in force from the junction of Francis Street to Dartmouth Street between 10:00am and 5:00pm. Once the closure is in place, Charles Street will become a pedestrian-only zone.

Medical and event safety cover throughout the day will be provided by Pegasus Ambulance Service.

Milford Haven Business Circle has thanked Milford Haven Town Council, Taste of Haven, PATCH, Tesco Milford Haven, Ambulance Friends, The Ascona Group and Green Light Traffic Management for their support in helping make this year’s event possible.

Business Circle members supporting the event include Cast N Craft Fishing for Health, Pegasus Ambulance Service, Elizabeth Christie Bridal Wear, Taste of Haven, Phoenix Yarns, Phoenix Bowl, Alf Seren Collectables, Granby’s, Captured Soul Photography, Moon Goddess Emporium and Milford Haven Town Council.

Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free.

Community

Explore Pembrokeshire after hours with lighthouse tours and bat walks

Published

1 hour ago

May 31, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A SERIES of special evening events will offer visitors a different way to experience the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park this summer.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is running exclusive after-hours events at Strumble Head Lighthouse and in St Davids, giving people the chance to explore the area’s heritage and wildlife as dusk falls.

Explore the Lighthouse tours will provide rare access to one of the coast’s best-known landmarks at Strumble Head. Led by National Park Authority staff, the small-group tours will begin with a first-hand account of lighthouse life from the current keeper.

A Ranger-led session will then look at the station’s maritime heritage, including the history of nearby shipwrecks, before exploring the lighthouse’s links with the Coast Path, surrounding farmland and the native wildlife that becomes active after dark.

The tours will take place on four Friday evenings this summer: June 19, July 3, July 17 and August 7. Two timed slots will be available each evening, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm and 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

In St Davids, Brilliant Bats will give visitors the chance to discover more about the wildlife that emerges from the nooks and crannies around the city’s iconic cathedral after dark.

Bat detectors will be provided, with guidance from a Park Authority Ranger on how to use them, as well as information about the elusive nocturnal creatures.

The bat walks will take place on Friday, August 14, from 8:15pm to 10:15pm, and Thursday, August 27, from 7:45pm to 9:45pm.

Rachel Perkins, Manager of Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre in St Davids, said: “These events offer a chance to experience familiar places in a completely different way.

“From stepping inside Strumble Lighthouse and hearing stories from the current keeper, to listening for bats around St Davids Cathedral after dark, each event brings people closer to the landscape, heritage and wildlife of the National Park.”

Booking is essential. Tickets for both Explore the Lighthouse and Brilliant Bats cost £10 per person and can be reserved at www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/events.

Caption: Enjoy a different way of experiencing the Park this summer with special evening events run by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.