On June 1982 volcanic ash nearly brought down a 747

The plane is piloted by Captain Eric Moody. His web site gave very detailed accounts of the experience on the night it happened.

Here is his site:
- http://www.ericmoody.com

Wikipedia link on the subject:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Airways_Flight_9

It is very a good read if you wish to know about it.