Nigd3d
However can you give me an example of how it could be seriously considered that flight safety was compromised.
Human factors considerations have come a long way since they really started being examined seriously back in the 70s. We had an example in 1972 where a Captain was involved in a furious industrial row with another pilot/s preflight. He then went out to fly an aeroplane with about 140 people on board. It was involved in premature flap retraction resulting in death to all on board. The autopsy revealed severe heart problems that could have indicated a heart attack at some stage pre-crash that could have contributed to the disaster. Something very peculiar happened that killed everyone on board. Google G-ARPI to learn more.
Flying in a correct frame of mind is essential for the safety of all on board. This covers attitude, mood, sustenance and fatigue, as well as training and flying skills. We see here failures in 2 of those, possibly more. Was there an attitude on board where food or drink was being parsimoniously supplied up front as a result of bad feeling? Was the nightstop before the flight a 'bad experience'? I would make sure all these things were opened up, including IR issues which seem to be unpleasantly at the forefront. All these things could contribute to a severe anger from certain crew behaviour which could lead to a decision to divert- one that could just possibly be well justified. What speaks loud and clear is there was more going on in this case alone than has come out. That is why it is wrong to condemn here without adequate consideration of the human factors. Will UA do the right thing? Er...no!