An investigation has been opened followng an EasyJet pilot operating a flight from Manchester (MAN) to Hurghada, Egypt (HRG), carrying up to 190 people, flew too close to a mountain during its descent. 

As the Airbus A320, piloted by Captain Paul Elsworth, began its descent on 2nd February, the Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS), a safety feature that provides a warning of a potential collision into terrain, was triggered in the cockpit. Upon hearing the urgent “pull up” alert, Captain Elsworth reacted by levelling the plane and landing safely. Passengers were unaware of the aircraft’s proximity to the mountain. 

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Passengers were unaware of the aircraft’s proximity to the mountain.

Pilots typically fly over this mountain at a range of 6,000 feet, yet according to data made available to The Independent, the jet came within 771 feet of the mountain’s peak, flying at an altitude of 3,100 feet. 

Experts have stated that the jet should have been travelling at a much slower speed, descending at 4,928 feet per minute before the alarm sounded. Most commercial aircraft descend at a rate of 1,500 to 3,000 feet per minute.

The day after the incident occurred, Mr Elsworth reported the event to EasyJet himself, garnering an immediate suspension. Following EasyJet protocol, the 61-year-old captain was banned from flying the aircraft back to Manchester, with a replacement flight crew sent to Hurghada to return the jet.  

Once home, the pilot promptly stood down from duty pending an investigation. As of last week, no blame has been placed with EasyJet reaffirming its decision to suspend Mr Elsworth, stating that it was in line with procedure. Furthermore, EasyJet has since denied that a last-minute manoeuvre averted an accident. 

The ongoing investigation will reveal the details of the captain’s self-reporting of the incident. However, the cockpit voice recorder data was overwritten during the return flight and has complicated the inquiry. The Civil Aviation Authority is waiting to review the incident. 

In a statement provided to The Standard, EasyJet has stated: ‘Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots, they are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing and monitored closely.’

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‘Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots, they are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing and monitored closely.’

After attempts to reach out to Mr Elsworth by The Sun, he has denied providing insights into the event stating that it would be inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation. 

The Civil Aviation Authority’s findings will determine the next steps for Captain Elsworth and EasyJet’s safety protocols.

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