Midway Crash: Southwest Pilot Violated Braking Policy
Mark J. Konkol
Chicago Sun-Times
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Chicago (US):
The Southwest Airlines pilot at the helm during Thursday's snowy crash at Midway Airport told federal investigators he used the Boeing 737's "autobrakes," a device airline officials say their pilots are told not to activate.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators said they found the autobrake switch in the "maximum" position on the flight panel. The system is designed to activate when the landing gear hits the runway.
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See Also:
Expert says Midway plane crash was avoidable
Cockpit rule violated in Chicago accident
Chicago failed to act on FAA's 2004 runway edict
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Investigators are still trying to determine if the system was operable when flight 1248 overshot the runway, crashed through an airport barrier fence into traffic, killing 6-year-old Joshua Woods as he rode in his family's car.
The pilot's use of the autobrakes against airline policy raises questions about Southwest's braking procedures, especially for landing in inclement weather.
Dec 14, 2005
Mark J. Konkol
Chicago Sun-Times
______________
Chicago (US):
The Southwest Airlines pilot at the helm during Thursday's snowy crash at Midway Airport told federal investigators he used the Boeing 737's "autobrakes," a device airline officials say their pilots are told not to activate.
National Transportation Safety Board investigators said they found the autobrake switch in the "maximum" position on the flight panel. The system is designed to activate when the landing gear hits the runway.
_______________________
See Also:
Expert says Midway plane crash was avoidable
Cockpit rule violated in Chicago accident
Chicago failed to act on FAA's 2004 runway edict
_______________________
Investigators are still trying to determine if the system was operable when flight 1248 overshot the runway, crashed through an airport barrier fence into traffic, killing 6-year-old Joshua Woods as he rode in his family's car.
The pilot's use of the autobrakes against airline policy raises questions about Southwest's braking procedures, especially for landing in inclement weather.
Dec 14, 2005
