Jetstar pilot’s ‘text-messaging’ may be behind aborted landing fiasco

SYDNEY - Air safety experts will investigate the alleged ‘text-messaging’ by a Jetstar pilot on his cell phone, just before his aircraft was forced to pull out of a landing at Changi Airport in Singapore.

Aviation personnel had to face some embarrassing moments when pilots on an A321-200 travelling from Darwin received an on-board warning when the aircraft carrying 167 passengers was only 122 metres above the ground on approach to the airport in the early hours of May 27.

It is said that the mistake took place because the landing gear was not down, and hence, the pilots were forced to abort the landing and start a “go around”.

The investigation will look into the allegations that one of the pilots on JQ57 was busy sending text messages, exactly when the aircraft was about to land, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau confirmed yesterday that it was investigating the charges in Singapore after the crew received an “incorrect configuration warning”.

Bureau’s director of aviation safety investigation, Ian Sangston, said that the inquiry was trying to determine the trigger for the warning. He, however, did not comment on whether it was because the landing gear was not down.

Jetstar was also said to be assisting the bureau in its inquiries. (ANI)