Jet Airways incident case of human error: experts

The incident involving Jet Airways after the crew failed to turn on a switch that controls cabin air pressure is a case of human error, said experts and aviators.

"This is the first-of-its-kind mishap in India," said Pulak Sen, the founder secretary general of MRO Association of India.

A veteran expert and a writer on civil and military aviation issues, Sen said: "It is a case of human error, pilot error....lack of compatibility in the cockpit...somewhere the focus was lost."

The incident, according to him, should be taken as an eye-opener. "What has happened is shocking. It is a serious breach, a serious violation and the pilot and co-pilot seem to be responsible," he added.

A senior helicopter pilot said that once you are in the cockpit, you have to follow the check-list and standard operating procedures. "This is a clear case of a slip-up...there is a standard protocol...it is read out and checked," said the senior rotary-wing aviator, not wishing to be quoted.

"It is a responsibility to see that everyone is safe...the passengers, the crew and pilots themselves...The bleed switch is a basic thing that needs to be looked into," said a Mumbai-based pilot.

Ministry orders safety audit

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday ordered safety audit of all scheduled airlines and airports.

"The officials concerned should prepare a comprehensive safety audit plan which involves assessment of safety parameters of all scheduled airlines, aerodromes, flying training schools and MROs immediately," Prabhu directed and asked that the exercise must be commenced forthwith and a report to this effect should be submitted for his perusal within 30 days.

"Corrective action should be taken immediately on the deficiencies found, if any, during such audit," he added.