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. Burmantofts
Pop group Vanilla gave a concert for pupils at Agnes Stewart C of E School with the proceeds going to a fund to send future Rhinos legend Danny McGuire on a GB Junior Lions tour of France. | Mel Hulme Photo: Mel Hulme
2. Leeds city centre
Swimming coach Alf France receives a plaque from City of Leeds swimming coach Terry Dennison for his service to the sport. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
3. Leeds city centre
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Coun Linda Middleton, has a chat over a coffee at Pasta Romagna with owner Gilda Porcelli at the opening of their new mirrored extension in Albion Place. | Justin Lloyd Photo: Justin Lloyd
4. Leeds city centre
Jonathan Morgan is pictured at The Calls with, thanks to a dash of photo wizardry, some hot Leeds waterfront property in his hand. | Dan Oxtoby Photo: Dan Oxtoby
5. Moortown
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. | Mark Bickerdike Photo: Mark Bickerdike
6. Woodhouse
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. | YPN Photo: YPN