An easyJet pilot has been suspended following a mid-air scare while flying nearly 200 passengers to a holiday destination. Captain Paul Elsworth is alleged to have flown too close to a mountain on the Manchester to Egypt flight and has been stood down over the incident which took place last month. An investigation is now ongoing after the flight’s Ground Proximity Waning System was triggered in the cockpit as the plane was coming into land over the Egyptian city of Hurghada.
According to reports from the Mirror, a last-second manoeuvre to pull the joystick up leveled the plane and avoided the mountain range. A source told The Sun that the plane was descending at 4,928ft per minute before the warning sounded, with the passengers unaware of the near miss. The source added, “Within moments of the flight drama being raised, officials stepped in and Paul Elsworth was forbidden from piloting the plane. Another flight crew brought the jet home. The pilot will be asked detailed questions.”
Passengers on-board are said to have been oblivious to the scare, unaware of just how close they came to the mountain range as the plane descended into Egypt. The Civil Aviation Authority is reportedly waiting to review how easyJet investigates the incident.
Expert Insights on Aviation Safety
Aviation experts emphasize the critical importance of adhering to strict safety protocols in the industry. According to Captain Sarah Johnson, a seasoned pilot with over 20 years of experience, incidents like the one involving Captain Elsworth underscore the need for continuous training and vigilance. “Safety is paramount in aviation. Pilots undergo rigorous training to handle various scenarios, and it is crucial to follow established procedures to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew,” she stated.
Reassurance from easyJet
In response to the incident, easyJet issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to safety. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots. They are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing, and monitored closely.” The spokesperson added, “The flight landed normally, and as we have an ongoing investigation, the pilot remains stood down from duty in line with procedures.”
As the investigation into the mid-air scare continues, passengers are reminded of the stringent safety measures in place to ensure their well-being during flights. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
The EasyJet pilot who was suspended for a mid-air scare on a holiday flight is currently under investigation for allegedly flying too close to a mountain on the Manchester to Egypt route. Captain Paul Elsworth has been stood down following the activation of the Ground Proximity Warning System during the flight’s descent over Hurghada. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols in aviation, with experts highlighting the need for continuous training and adherence to established procedures to prevent potential risks. EasyJet has reassured passengers of their commitment to safety as the investigation unfolds, emphasizing the rigorous standards to which their pilots are held.
