Plane loses way after pilot error

[Ahmet H]

Plane loses way after pilot error over London

A Polish Boeing 737 which came close to hitting another aircraft over London had the wrong co-ordinates entered into the flight computer.

The pilots then failed to understand instructions given in English by controllers, the Air Accidents Investigations Branch report revealed.

The Warsaw-bound plane weaved across the skies after taking off from Heathrow last June.

The co-pilot used standby instruments to return the plane to Heathrow.

According to the report the "serious incident" developed when a "simple" error in entering the aircraft's position went undetected.

The LOT airlines co-pilot entered an easterly longitude instead of westerly, causing the electronic navigation system to shut down.

But this was only noticed by the crew once the Boeing 737 carrying 95 passengers and crew had taken off from the west London airport.

The report said the pilot had difficulty "comprehending and communicating" with air traffic controllers and responded to instructions "slowly and erratically".

Investigators said: "A number of the exchanges were misunderstood, probably as a result of language difficulties."

It was also noted that "the pilots had little idea of their position and, after a few minutes, they were entirely dependent on air traffic controllers for their navigation".

Another aircraft was forced to change its course when the Polish plane flew too close but it was not close enough to be considered a "near miss" by investigators.

The co-pilot was forced to use standby instruments, and guided by controllers, landed the plane back at Heathrow.

The report said the incident demonstrated how reliant pilots have become on the Flight Management System.

Controllers were also criticised for failing to realise how severe the aircraft's navigational difficulties were.

BBC.co.uk