EasyJet Pilot Suspended Following Near-Miss Incident Over Egyptian Mountains
Captain Paul Elsworth’s Airbus A320 came alarmingly close to a mountain peak during descent toward Hurghada.
An EasyJet captain has been suspended after flying an Airbus A320 dangerously close to a mountain in Egypt during a descent towards the Red Sea resort of Hurghada.
Reports indicate that Captain Paul Elsworth, who was flying EZY2251 on February 2 with approximately 190 passengers and crew on board, descended to 3,100 feet, just 770 feet above the 2,329-foot mountain, significantly below the standard clearance altitude of 6,000 feet.
A last-minute maneuver by the captain reportedly leveled off the aircraft, averting a potential disaster.
Experts have suggested that the aircraft should have maintained a slower speed and a shallower rate of descent.
Following the incident, an official investigation has commenced, and Elsworth has been placed on suspension as the airline conducts a review of the event.
EasyJet confirmed that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority, emphasizing that pilots are rigorously trained and monitored to high industry standards.
Capt Elsworth, who resides in Cheshire, previously drew media attention in 2016 when his son became one of the youngest professional pilots, also employed by EasyJet.
The airline has stated that a comprehensive analysis of the incident would take place in collaboration with aviation authorities.
In a separate maritime incident, a cargo ship identified as the MV Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged oil tanker, in the North Sea near Yorkshire.
The Solong’s collision resulted in multiple explosions and a large fire on board, with the MV Solong reportedly carrying toxic sodium cyanide.
As of Tuesday morning, fires on both vessels continued to burn despite efforts from the Coastguard and rescue crews.
The Stena Immaculate was anchored and carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel at the time of the collision, which has raised concerns about the environmental impact of a possible spill.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, with maritime experts warning that the incident may have serious implications for marine life in the area, especially with the presence of migratory bird species.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a formal inquiry, while the captain of the Solong has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter amid the ongoing investigation into the collision.
Maritime regulations stressed the importance of maintaining a proper lookout to prevent such accidents, and preliminary assessments suggest potential breaches in protocol leading up to the incident.
Reports indicate that Captain Paul Elsworth, who was flying EZY2251 on February 2 with approximately 190 passengers and crew on board, descended to 3,100 feet, just 770 feet above the 2,329-foot mountain, significantly below the standard clearance altitude of 6,000 feet.
A last-minute maneuver by the captain reportedly leveled off the aircraft, averting a potential disaster.
Experts have suggested that the aircraft should have maintained a slower speed and a shallower rate of descent.
Following the incident, an official investigation has commenced, and Elsworth has been placed on suspension as the airline conducts a review of the event.
EasyJet confirmed that the safety of passengers and crew is their top priority, emphasizing that pilots are rigorously trained and monitored to high industry standards.
Capt Elsworth, who resides in Cheshire, previously drew media attention in 2016 when his son became one of the youngest professional pilots, also employed by EasyJet.
The airline has stated that a comprehensive analysis of the incident would take place in collaboration with aviation authorities.
In a separate maritime incident, a cargo ship identified as the MV Solong collided with the Stena Immaculate, a US-flagged oil tanker, in the North Sea near Yorkshire.
The Solong’s collision resulted in multiple explosions and a large fire on board, with the MV Solong reportedly carrying toxic sodium cyanide.
As of Tuesday morning, fires on both vessels continued to burn despite efforts from the Coastguard and rescue crews.
The Stena Immaculate was anchored and carrying 220,000 barrels of jet fuel at the time of the collision, which has raised concerns about the environmental impact of a possible spill.
Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation, with maritime experts warning that the incident may have serious implications for marine life in the area, especially with the presence of migratory bird species.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has launched a formal inquiry, while the captain of the Solong has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter amid the ongoing investigation into the collision.
Maritime regulations stressed the importance of maintaining a proper lookout to prevent such accidents, and preliminary assessments suggest potential breaches in protocol leading up to the incident.
