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LUTON- An EasyJet (U2) Airbus A320 flight narrowly avoided disaster when it flew dangerously close to a mountain while descending toward Hurghada (HRG).
The pilot was suspended following the incident, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
Photo: By Laurent ERRERA from L’Union, France – Airbus A320-200 easyJet (EZY) G-EZTH – MSN 3953, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29837760EasyJet Flight Avoids Crash
During the flight from Manchester (MAN) to Hurghada (HRG) on February 2, the EasyJet (U2) Airbus A320 descended to just 3,100ft, coming within 771ft of a mountain peak at 2,329ft.
The Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) triggered an urgent “pull up” alert, prompting the pilot to execute a rapid maneuver that averted a crash.
Standard procedure requires planes to clear the mountainous area at around 6,000ft, yet this flight had been descending at an unsafe rate of 4,928ft per minute before corrective action was taken. Experts have called this descent speed dangerously excessive.
Captain Paul Elsworth, the pilot in command, reported the incident the following day before preparing to fly back to Manchester (MAN).
EasyJet (U2) officials quickly escalated the matter, suspending Capt. Elsworth and assigning a replacement crew to fly the return journey.
An investigation is ongoing, with Capt. Elsworth’s account and the First Officer’s input expected to provide key details.
The cockpit voice recorder data was overwritten during the return flight, adding complexity to the inquiry.
EasyJet (U2) emphasized their strict safety protocols, stating: “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.
The flight landed normally and as we have an ongoing investigation, the pilot remains stood down from duty in line with procedures.”
Photo: OE-IVU NCE | MSN 7637 A320-214 / A320 / A320-200 EASYJET EUROPE | FlickrEasyJet Pilot’s Background
Capt. Elsworth, a veteran pilot with 32 years of experience, is known for his aviation achievements, including his son Luke becoming EasyJet’s (U2) youngest professional pilot at 19.
Luke now flies for British Airways (BA), following in his father’s footsteps. While suspended, Capt. Elsworth declined to comment on the matter.
The Civil Aviation Authority is awaiting EasyJet’s (U2) internal investigation report to assess the airline’s risk management practices.
Photo: Cado HandersonSimilar Incident
On October 16, 2024, an American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737 and a Cessna 182 came dangerously close to colliding near Austin’s airport (AUS).
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation into this previously unreported incident.
The American Airlines flight, arriving from Chicago (ORD) with 122 passengers and 6 crew members, was descending into foggy conditions when air traffic control warned the pilots of nearby traffic.
Despite limited visibility, the Cessna 182, with registration N738PG, unexpectedly entered the Boeing 737’s flight path.
This triggered a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert in the cockpit, prompting the American Airlines crew to take evasive action.
In air traffic control audio, a controller asked if the American Airlines pilots had visual contact with the Cessna. A pilot responded, confirming they saw the aircraft and said, “It flashed us and flew right into us.”
Preliminary data from Flightradar24.com shows the two aircraft came within approximately 350 feet vertically and less than 800 feet horizontally.
The Cessna later landed safely in Gonzales, Texas, roughly 65 miles south of Austin’s airport.
The FAA stated that the Cessna “unexpectedly entered the flight path of American Airlines Flight 2587,” prompting the alert and emergency maneuver.
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easyJet Pilot incapacitated Mid-Air, Flight Makes Emergency Landing
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