Captain locks female co-pilot out of cockpit
The captain of a national carrier allegedly locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit during a flight from Sydney to Colombo on Monday following a heated row.
An investigation is underway after a captain allegedly locked his co-pilot out of the cockpit during a flight from Sydney to Colombo on Monday.
The incident took place on a 10-hour Sri Lankan Airlines flight in which the female First Officer took a toilet break and reportedly did not arrange for her substitute in the cockpit - in line with “standard operating procedures”.
The act infuriated the captain who refused to let his co-pilot back into the cockpit — becoming the only person on the flight deck.
Following the serious breach of protocol, the pilot was grounded, and the airline is investigating the matter.
According to EconomyNext, senior cabin crew members had to persuade the captain via the intercom system let the First Officer in, creating a tense moment during the flight.
The plane carrying about 297 landed safely in Colombo without any further drama.
Sri Lanka’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is conducting an investigation with Sri Lankan Airlines.
The male pilot is currently under suspension.
“The airline is fully cooperating with the relevant authorities, and the captain has been grounded pending the outcome of the investigation,” the airline’s statement read.
“Safety and compliance with all regulatory requirements remain Sri Lankan Airlines’ top priorities.”
Sri Lankan airlines policies state that at least two people must be present in the cockpit at all times during flights. It’s not currently known why the female copilot didn’t arrange to have a substitute attendant in the cockpit.
Meanwhile, in 2022, two Air France pilots were suspended after a physical altercation took place inside the cockpit, the BBC reported.
Crew members had to separate the two pilots, with one having to stay on the flight deck for more than an hour during the flight.
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