Air Berlin pilots perform low fly-by, leaving passengers in panic
Air Berlin pilots perform low fly-by, leaving passengers in panic
Pilot investigated by aviation authorities after reckless fly-by
Flight AB7001 from Miami to Dusseldorf landed on Monday morning after the company officially declared long-haul flights to be over.
The bankrupt airline yesterdaysuspended the pilots who carried out the manoeuvreduring its final long-distance flight as they came into land at Dusseldorf Airport with 200 passengers onboard.
The planemakes a sharp left turn towards the terminal building, with the people on the outside terrace screaming out in fear.
An airport employee who watched the dramatic scenes unfold thought at first the aeroplane would crash right into the terminal.
The pilot of the Airbus A330 - who is now being investigated - was allowed by the Dusseldorf traffic control to do a flyover as it was the last flight operated from the US to Germany.
“We wanted to make a mark, a dignified and emotional goodbye,” the Air Berlin pilot was quoted as saying by German broadcaster ZDF.
Markus Wahl, spokesman of a German pilot's organisation, said that at no time were people in danger in the well planned move and he is sure that the pilot did not do anything illegal.
The airline said it was aware of the agreement to perform the low fly-by and "fully supports the LBA in its work".
On August 15, Air Berlin stated it was filing for insolvency, although most flights continued until further notice after the German government provided the airline with a loan.
On 9th October, the airline however announced that it would cease all of its own operations by 28th October.