An interesting example can be gained by looking at one particular middle east operator.
Years ago, one of their 737-200's had an engine fire
just after liftoff....from a 15,000 foot runway.
The Commander elected to close throttles and land straight ahead, and deal with the engine fire on the ground.
The aircraft stopped at approximately the 9000 foot point on the runway, and the fire was extinguished.
No muss, no fuss.
However, the Commander was severely criticised by the respective fleet manager....
until the Vice-President Flight Operations said (to the effect)....the Captain exercised the best judgement he thought, at the time, and he was there, no problems were encountered, so there will be no further discussion, as my name is on the door in the head office, and I am most definitely in charge...period.
And, not surprisingly, the respective Commander was back on flying statis very shortly thereafter.
In my personal opinion, the VP was quite correct.
Pilots are far too often criticised by folks who were not there at the time...a poor scenario.
