United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
China Eastern Airlines pilots suspended over aborted landing
Sunday, 11 May, 2016
0
Two pilots with China Eastern Airlines have been suspended and their licenses revoked after an aborted landing which officials say could have resulted in a crash.
On May 1, flight MU 5443 attempted to land at Kangding but aborted at the last minute.
The pilots did not make a second attempt and returned to Chengdu Airport, for which the airline was fined $7,600, local media reported.
The Airbus A-319 suffered some damage to its undercarriage and tail when it came in to land too fast.
The impact forced the pilots to take off again without stopping.
Weather conditions were reportedly poor at Kangding Airport at the time, which is at an altitude of 4,200 metres.
Inspectors found the co-pilot was not in the cockpit at the time of the aborted landing, and was replaced by an assistant captain who was reportedly not qualified to handle landings at high altitude airports.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
EU entry-exit system delayed again
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week
Icelandair launches inaugural flight to Nashville