Easyjet Pilot feared being shot down by military

[Lee G]

NEWS.com.au

August 25, 2009 11:30am

PILOTS of a UK low-budget airline feared they would be shot down by a military plane after losing radio contact.

The easyJet Airbus A319 aircraft suffered a potentially catastrophic electrical fault, sending the instrument screens blank during the flight from London's Stansted to Alicante.

But the pilots, carrying 144 passengers, refused to divert to a closer landing spot because they feared they would be shot down by French military craft, an official report concluded.

The safety report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch said the September 2006 incident saw the pilot fly hundreds of miles to Bristol using manual controls alone.

"The commander was very concerned about the loss of communication and was anxious to avoid being intercepted by military aircraft," the report said.

"The risk of interception and possible offensive action was also a significant consideration in his decision to continue to Bristol."

The pilots reported trouble over Nantes when the electrical fault sent the cockpit blank.

Attempts to contact the nearest air traffic control failed and the pilots feared they would not be able to follow a plane sent to intercept them.

"The two pilots were properly qualified and experienced in their respective roles to operate the flight," the report said.

..... electrical extension cord must have snagged on something

[Stephen B]

"Mirage Flight lead to base, I have a target on my radar, jettisoning missiles and ejecting now!" ;-)

[Steve S... 2]

What is it with computer glitches and electrical faults on Airbus aircraft!

[Ash W]

They make it on the ground though (most of the time).