Officials of Indian airline Jet Airways have suspended a male co-pilot that slapped his female captain during a heated argument, which resulted in both pilots leaving the cockpit unattended on the long-haul flight. The female pilot left the cockpit in tears and was followed by her co-pilot who was trying to get her back at the controls, a violation of aviation safety rules which demand at least one pilot remains at the controls at all times during the flight. The co-pilot was unable to coerce the captain back into the cockpit. Reportedly the cabin crew was able to get the sobbing pilot back at the controls, but a short time later another fight broke out and the captain left the cockpit again. This time the cabin crew became anxious of the situation and requested her to go to the cockpit and fly the plane safely to its destination. Realizing that she was scaring the passengers, the female pilot returned to the cockpit and landed the plane safely at their destination. Releasing a statement, a Jet Airways spokesman said:
“A misunderstanding occurred between the cockpit crew…. However, the same was quickly resolved amicably and the flight…continued its journey to Mumbai, landing safely. The airline has reported the incident to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the concerned crew have been derostered pending an internal investigation that has since been initiated.”
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Raju took a dim view of the incident, telling sources that the government has ordered a probe into the incident. “Action will be taken according to regulations, and no one will be spared.”
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