Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has grounded two of its pilots after they allegedly drank coffee and pastries in the flight cockpit during a snack break that could have been a disaster if the hot drink had been spilled.
An image showing an exposed cup bearing the airline’s logo was placed near the controls inside the cockpit, and has sparked outrage among the aviation community in India.
The two pilots, were also carrying gojia, a sweet fried pastry that is usually eaten during the Hindu festival of Holi, which took place on March 8.
A spokesperson for the company stated that both pilots had been removed from the list of pilots pending investigation. “SpiceJet has a strict policy regarding food consumption in the cockpit, which is adhered to by all flight crew,” the spokesperson added. “Appropriate disciplinary action will be taken upon completion of the investigation.”
Shakti Lumpa, a retired pilot and former chief operating officer of the Indian airline IndiGo stated that all pilots are aware of the dangers of liquid spills in the cockpit. Most company rules and aviation regulations prohibit placing food and liquids on the center console.
He pointed out that under this control unit there is a wide range of electrical wires that are vital to controlling the aircraft, and spilling hot drinks on it may lead to a high temperature of technical equipment or shutdown of the system.
And the company, “SpiceJet”, faced a large number of accidents last year, which prompted the Aviation Regulatory Authority to open several investigations with it, reported Al Rai daily.
