Jet Airways: Two Suspended After Flight Drops 5,000ft While Pilot Napped and Co-Pilot 'On Her Tablet'

A potential incident was averted when a Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Brussels dropped 5,000ft in airspace while the pilot was 'on rest'. The co-pilot, who was in charge, was reportedly busy on her tablet and claimed that she had no idea the plane had dropped in altitude.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the two Jet Airways pilots and initiated an investigation.

The incident took place last Friday when the Boeing 777-300, operating flight 9W-228 from Mumbai to Brussels and onwards to Newark, plunged from 34,000ft to 29,000ft while travelling on the busy air route to Europe, reported the Hindustan Times.

Both pilots were summoned by the DGCA for questioning.

The DGCA has also set up a three-member team to review the airline's flight training programmes and facilities following the incident, the official sources said, adding that the team is expected to submit their report by 31 August.

It has also asked the airline to come forward with all related reports, as well as the records of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) within this week, they said.

Confirming the incident, an airline spokesperson said that Jet Airways has initiated an internal inquiry into the matter.

"The airline is also extending all co-operation in the matter to the DGCA by providing all necessary assistance for the inquiry. Safety is of paramount importance to Jet Airways as is also the welfare of our guests and crew and the airline will always take appropriate steps to ensure the same," the spokesperson said.

Previously in a statement, the airline said: "Jet Airways has initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. The airline is also extending all co-operation in the matter to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation by providing all necessary assistance for the inquiry.

"Safety is of paramount importance to Jet Airways, as is also the welfare of our guests and crew and the airline will always take appropriate steps to ensure the same."