Pilot “froze” as charter flight crashed
A British charter pilot “froze”, contributing to a crash that could have killed for than 200 passengers, a report by Spanish air authorities has found.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the an investigation concluded that the crash landing of a Britannia jet from Cardiff at Girona airport in September 1999 came about because of “flight deck misjudgements, poor weather and runway lighting failure”.
The investigation reportedly found that the aircraft bounced on the runway before careering down a bank and breaking into three pieces. The incident was described as the most serious involving a British-registered aircraft since the British Midland crash at Kegworth 10 years earlier which killed 47 people. Some 43 passengers were injured in the Girona incident.
The Telegraph, reporting the findings of the Spanish air investigation commission, states that the runway lights went out just seconds before the Boeing 757 was due to land; the situation was compounded by heavy rain and poor visibility.
Investigators reportedly said that the effect of “shock or mental incapacitation” on the part of the pilot may have caused the aircraft to land with the nose still pointing downwards.
Britannia managing director Kevin Hatton is quoted as saying: “We appreciate is was a very traumatic experience for all involved. Britannia will work with all relevant parties to ensure that ant appropriate recommendations are implemented.”
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd
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