Three Chengdu Airlines pilots probed for autopilot landing in bad weather
Suspension for Chengdu Airlines trio who ignored warning to delay due to poor visibility
China's aviation authority is investigating three Chengdu Airlines pilots after they landed a plane using autopilot in poor weather conditions, despite warnings that that would place the passengers in danger.
The "serious violation of landing procedures" occurred on April 5 during a flight from Chengdu , Sichuan province, to Nanning , the capital of the coastal Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, 21st Century Business Herald reported, citing a classified cable.
The report said the Nanning aircraft control personnel repeatedly warned the pilots to delay landing due to poor visibility. But they defied the instruction and landed the aircraft on autopilot.
They were later suspended despite landing successfully.
The airline yesterday said on its website that it had grounded the trio for misconduct.
"We are currently under scrutiny by the industry regulator and will punish whoever was responsible for the incident," it said.
We are currently under scrutiny by the industry regulator and will punish whoever was responsible for the incident