After France’s aviation investigation agency reported the lack of seriousness toward safety protocols, Air France suspended two pilots who fought in the cockpit mid-air.
On Sunday, an Air France airlines official said two pilots were suspended in reference to physically fighting in the cockpit mid-air. The incident occurred in June on a Geneva-Paris flight. Furthermore, the official reassured Air France’s commitment to safety and further informed the flight landed safely as the fight between the pilots did not affect the remaining flight.
The news of the flight between pilot and co-pilot broke after BEA – France aviation investigation agency – issued a report. Furthermore, the report stated some Air France pilots lack rigor in respecting procedures during safety incidents.
According to reports, the dispute between the pilot and co-pilot arose shortly after the Geneva-Paris flight took off. In addition, the pilots grabbed one another’s collars, and apparently, one of them hit the other.
Before the situation could escalate, the cabin crew intervened. Further, one of the cabin crew members stayed in the cockpit with the pilot and co-pilot for the rest of the flight.
BEA investigation focused on previous fuel leaks reported in Air France flights.
France’s air investigation agency BEA focused on the fuel leak incident that occurred in December 2020. The pilots of the Air France flight from Brazzaville to Paris rerouted the aircraft but neither cut the power to the engine nor landed as soon as possible. However, the flight landed safely in Chad, but BEA emphasized and warned that the engine could have caught fire.
Several similar instances occurred between 2017 to 2022. The agency went on to criticize how some pilots were taking actions based on their interpretation of the situation rather than following safety guidelines.
In response to the BEA report, Air France Airlines has pledged to follow the recommendations of the BEA. Furthermore, the airlines are also carrying out a safety audit and making training manuals stringent. Air France further stated it will ensure safety procedures are followed and all pilots and crew members adhere to them.
