As the
Air Berlin incident makes the news, reporters pick up related storys. A German newspaper, citing passengers, reports a similar story from Heraklion, where 14 passengers refused to board a TUIfly plane bound for Cologne after the PIC announced some problems with the thrust reverser and allegedly made a reference to "Madrid".
Prior to take off, the Captain reportedly explained that there was an issue with the thrust reverser that couldn't be resolved and that in order to kill the warning lights the reverser would be mechanically disabled. The aircraft still would be perfectly fit to fly, as the reverser wouldn't be needed, especially not on Cologne's long runway.
Talking to the passengers face-to-face (good choice), the pilot then allegedly said something along the line of "Madrid isn't far, still this is a standard procedure". Asked for more explanations, the passengers -- according to the report -- we're given technical details they didn't understand. The episode prompted 14 passengers to exit the plane while mechanics were working on the reverser. They were flown home on another plane leaving that day. The airline regretted that the pilot's remark was a bit ambiguous.
While this shows that chosing the right words can be crucial, it's also a good example of how media spin their stories to jazz the excitement up a little. Ignoring that this is a routine precaution, the aircraft in question is labeled "problem-plane". German website "Spiegel online" (affiliated with the once respected magazine, but a little too much on the SUNnny side of Fleet Street for my taste), despite not being on the scene and essentially rehashing the newspaper's account, chose a "scenic" introduction to the story: "They were in panic, just wanted to get out". Nicely done, chaps.
(This was supposed to be an addition to the Air Berlin thread to get it back on track, but I see mods closed it down).