On 6 February 1958, British European Airways flight 609 crashed in a blizzard on its third attempt to take off from an ice- and slush-covered runway at Munich Airport. The crash claimed the lives of twenty-three passengers and crew including eight Manchester United footballers.
Six Miles from Home chronicles the compelling events of one of the UK's worst urban air disasters that claimed the lives of 72 passengers and crew. Drawing on 20 years of meticulous research and extensive interviews with all those involved, the author has produced a truly remarkable and compelling book. Full of suspense and high drama, it tells a powerful account of death and survival, with compassion and understanding that leaves the reader with lasting images. As an analysis of the disaster and how it changed lives forever, this account is an important social record. The book is the achievement of a skilful writer who is passionate about his subject. This is the author's fourth book on civilian aviation accidents; in addition, he has contributed numerous articles on the subject for newspapers and magazines. He has also taken part in a number of television documentaries. Based in Cheshire, his previous books include, The Munich Air Disaster, which deals with the Manchester United tragedy; and The Devil Casts His Net, which chronicles the events surrounding the Winter Hill air disaster.