An EasyJet pilot has been suspended after the aircraft he was operating narrowly avoided a potential collision with a mountain while approaching the airport.
The EasyJet Airbus A320neo, operating flight 2251, was flying on 2 February this year with 190 passengers and crew members from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt. During the approach to Hurghada, at an altitude of just under 1,000 meters, the cockpit’s terrain proximity warning system was activated when the aircraft was only 200 meters from a mountain range. A disaster was averted by a maneuver that lifted the aircraft to avoid contact with the mountain. The plane landed safely, and none of the passengers were injured.
According to the Simple Flying portal, the flight path was too close to the mountainous terrain. Additionally, aircraft in that area typically fly at much higher altitudes.
Manchester Evening News reports that the pilot has been suspended while an investigation into the incident is underway.
An EasyJet spokesperson stated: “Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots. They are trained to the highest industry standards, undergo rigorous testing, and are closely monitored. The flight landed normally, and as the investigation is ongoing, the pilot has been removed from duty in accordance with procedures.”
