Report: Qatar Airways fires pilots involved in Miami takeoff incident
Qatar Airways has apparently sacked the pilots responsible for substantially damaging a Boeing 777 when it struck a set of runway lights during takeoff from Miami in September.
A preliminary investigation determined that the aircraft entered the runway at an incorrect intersection, rather than using its full length. This meant the runway was too short for the heavily loaded plane to safely take off.
As a result, the aircraft only became airborne at the very end of the runway.
The collision with the approach lights – located approximately 60m from the end of the runway – caused a 46-centimeter tear in the fuselage behind the rear cargo door, as well as 90 dents and scratches and some damage to a metal landing gear guard.
At the time of the incident, there were four members of the flight crew in the cockpit: the captain, first officer and two relief pilots.
‘First and last’ incident
Earlier today, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that all of the pilots on the flight deck that day had been fired.
Asked about their termination at a press conference this week, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker said the incident was the “first and last” time something like this would happen.