Xeque
26th Apr 2005, 16:15
From todays Bangkok Post.
DON MUANG ACCIDENT
Both pilots suspended for recklessness
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Thailand and Singapore have agreed to suspend the pilots of the two airliners involved in a ground accident at Don Muang international airport on April 19 after an initial investigation found them guilty of recklessness.
Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai said the probe found that the Boeing 777 of Singapore Airlines (SIA) was parked 194.4 metres beyond the holding line at its parking bay while waiting for the Hong Kong-bound Airbus 330 of Thai Airways International (THAI) to taxi prior to takeoff.
But the THAI pilot also miscalculated the distance between the two aircraft, causing his plane to scratch the Boeing, he said.
The THAI plane lost its right wingtip while the SIA aircraft suffered a damaged aileron.
Mr Phumtham said the accident was considered serious since such recklessness could result in great damage and loss if no measures were enforced to prevent a recurrence.
Both Thailand and Singapore agreed with the initial finding. A joint committee of their aviation authorities would be set up to come up with a final and formal conclusion soon, he said.
``At this stage, the pilots on both sides (whose names are being withheld) have been suspended. They will undergo flight aptitude tests and also additional aviation training,'' Mr Phumtham said.
Chaisak Angsuwan, director-general of Thailand's Aviation Department, said no legal action has been taken against the two pilots so far.
In another development, THAI chairman Wanchai Sarathoonthat yesterday denied reports that the national airline's pilots would go on strike tomorrow to protest a new pay scale, under which THAI staff would have to pay their personal income tax themselves.
He said his inquiries with both the THAI management and labour union showed the report was just a ``groundless rumour''.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said THAI executives would have to take responsibility if the pilots really went on strike.
DON MUANG ACCIDENT
Both pilots suspended for recklessness
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK
Thailand and Singapore have agreed to suspend the pilots of the two airliners involved in a ground accident at Don Muang international airport on April 19 after an initial investigation found them guilty of recklessness.
Deputy Transport Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai said the probe found that the Boeing 777 of Singapore Airlines (SIA) was parked 194.4 metres beyond the holding line at its parking bay while waiting for the Hong Kong-bound Airbus 330 of Thai Airways International (THAI) to taxi prior to takeoff.
But the THAI pilot also miscalculated the distance between the two aircraft, causing his plane to scratch the Boeing, he said.
The THAI plane lost its right wingtip while the SIA aircraft suffered a damaged aileron.
Mr Phumtham said the accident was considered serious since such recklessness could result in great damage and loss if no measures were enforced to prevent a recurrence.
Both Thailand and Singapore agreed with the initial finding. A joint committee of their aviation authorities would be set up to come up with a final and formal conclusion soon, he said.
``At this stage, the pilots on both sides (whose names are being withheld) have been suspended. They will undergo flight aptitude tests and also additional aviation training,'' Mr Phumtham said.
Chaisak Angsuwan, director-general of Thailand's Aviation Department, said no legal action has been taken against the two pilots so far.
In another development, THAI chairman Wanchai Sarathoonthat yesterday denied reports that the national airline's pilots would go on strike tomorrow to protest a new pay scale, under which THAI staff would have to pay their personal income tax themselves.
He said his inquiries with both the THAI management and labour union showed the report was just a ``groundless rumour''.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said THAI executives would have to take responsibility if the pilots really went on strike.