March 1998 will be remembered for a pilot's split second decision that saved the Leeds United team. The club's players and staff were among 40 passengers successfully evacuated after an aeroplane they were travelling in crash-landed at Stansted Airport. The team, minus manager George Graham who stayed in London, were heading back to Leeds Bradford Airport after a 3-0 Premiership defeat against West Ham United at Upton Park. But as it reached a height of 150 feet, the starboard engine exploded into flames and the pilot - 61-year-old Captain John Hackett - aborted the flight. The plane overshot the runway as it crash-landed, with the nose wheel collapsing as the craft came to a stop about 300 feet from the perimeter fence. Capt Hackett admitted at the time that his actions had been unorthodox and that he had abandoned company policy. But his actions were vindicated by an Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) report. Experts later concluded the plane had been just 30 seconds from a full-blown explosion. Enjoy these photo memories from across Leeds in March 1998. READ MORE: Leeds in March 1997 - 15 stories making the news LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Leeds in March 1998
Debi Herbert of the Gym Health & Fitness Centre in Harehills organised a sponsored 'Step Out' to raise funds for The Starlight Foundation charity.
2. Leeds in March 1998
Allerton High School's U-18s netball team. Pictured are Katy Chance, Emily Hepburn, Sarah Moore, Jill Matcalf, Lisa Wright, Kelly Rhodes, Marie Maw and Laura Ellis with teacher Janet Sammon. Photo: Mark Bickerdike
3. Leeds in March 1998
Members of Leeds University Band were making all the right noises. Pictured, back row left to right, are Liz Muge and Pete Davison. Front: Sally fairfax and Richard Warrington.
4. Leeds in March 1998
Helen Rowe from Belle Isle was taking part in a sponsored abseil down the side of the YEP headquarters on Wellington Street. Photo: Mel Hulme
5. Leeds in March 1998
Kevin Simpson after having his charity haircut at Horsforth's The Hair Shop in aid of the Hayley Grundy Appeal.
6. Leeds in March 1998
University of Leeds students were setting off for Morroco on a sponsored hitch hike for the charity 'Link Africa'. Pictured are, back, Hassan Abassi, Sarah Wilson and Elle Perkins. Front: Sarah Arbia and Andy Curran.