You know, I just couldn’t resist. Only because no one was hurt in the incident I can have some fun with it. Now, whether or not you might be aware US pilots can carry guns as part of the TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program. I can’t recall the specifics around it but, suffice as to say they’re packing. It turns out that a pilot on a fully loaded US Airways flight from Denver to Charlotte had his gun go off.
From WCNC:
The statement said the discharge happened on Flight 1536, which left Denver at approximately 6:45 a.m. and arrived in Charlotte at approximately 11:51 a.m.
The Airbus A319 plane landed safely and none of the flight’s 124 passengers or five crew members was injured, according to the statement. It was a full flight. An airline spokeswoman said the plane has been taken out of service to make sure it is safe to return to flight.
A Transportation Safety Administration spokeswoman reached by WCNC Sunday said the pilot is part of TSA’s Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which trains pilots to carry guns on flights.
So was the safety on? Was there a round already chambered? I’d be interested to see if this investigation sees daylight once it is concluded.
[UPDATE]: The pilot has been suspended.