PILOTS OF DELTA FLIGHT LAND AT WRONG BASE

BY ERIC KING

Although both landing strips are in close proximity and oriented at roughly the same direction, they are marked with different threshold numbers. there should have been no confusion from professional pilots over where to land

Elsworth runway is marked with a large 13 number, whilst the intended base is marked with a large 14. They are both located 5 miles from each other. Further alarming about the embarrassing blunder is the fact that both runways were highlighted and distinguished from each other in specific instructions to the flight crew.

The failure to follow those instructions as given is a serious breach of standards that has brought the airlines reputation into question. It is unthinkable that a plane carrying passengers who paid for their flights could have taken them to the wrong destination. No American or British airline would have made such a school boy error. Dismissals or resignations really should follow this very careless event. Very few people who have never used their service would consider a first attempt on hearing of this debacle. Who wants a pilot who doesn’t know where they are heading to?

Passengers must have been shocked and distraught because  they were forced to wait until the situation was rectified.

The Delta Airbus spent a few hours at Elsworth before taking off and heading for the correct destination.

Compensation should have been offered but all the airline offered  was a weak apology for any inconvenience caused. This apology was too late and not good enough.  An apology for this type of mess up offers no recompense to passengers who were late for appointments or missed them entirely. The crew has been taken off duty whilst an investigation commences by the national transportation safety board.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation safety board are investigating the circumstances of the blunder.