Jobaaj Stories
EasyJet Pilot Paul Elsworth: Near-Miss Mountain Incident
EasyJet pilot Captain Paul Elsworth's name is now synonymous with a near-catastrophic flight incident. In February 2025, his Airbus A320, carrying 190 passengers from Manchester to Hurghada, Egypt, came perilously close to a mountain range during descent.
A Hair's Breadth from Disaster
The plane's Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS) blared a chilling warning: "pull up, terrain, terrain, pull up," as the aircraft, descending at a rapid 4,928ft per minute, flew to within a mere 771 feet of a mountain peak. Instead of the standard 6,000ft clearance, the plane was at a terrifying 3,100ft. Captain Elsworth's swift action prevented a potential disaster, leveling the aircraft just in the nick of time.
Suspension and Investigation
Following the incident, Captain Elsworth was immediately suspended by EasyJet pending a full investigation. The airline, while stressing their commitment to safety and rigorous pilot training, confirmed the pilot's suspension in line with standard procedures. The investigation is focusing on why the aircraft descended so low, analyzing data from the flight recorders—although the cockpit voice recorder was unfortunately overwritten before investigators could review the crucial data. This has raised some concerns regarding the adherence to established safety protocols. Passengers remained unaware of the near-miss.
EasyJet's Response and Public Concern
EasyJet maintains that safety is their utmost priority. However, the incident raises questions about the safety checks and procedures in place. The investigation's findings will be crucial in determining the causes of the near-disaster and implementing any necessary improvements to ensure similar incidents are avoided in the future.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call?
The incident involving Captain Elsworth serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in aviation and the critical importance of maintaining unwavering adherence to safety regulations and protocols. The ongoing investigation's findings are anxiously awaited.
