News: Pilot's Gun Accidentally Fires In Cockpit

Image Source: AP

Ok, I usually resist blogging about topics that are already over-covered in the news, but this one is an exception. As far as I know this is the first time a pilot's gun has accidentally discharged in the cockpit under the new Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program (that allows pilots to carry guns on-board the airlines).

So in summary, the captain of a US Airways A319 was stowing his HK .40-caliber (13 shot) pistol during the descent into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Around 11:20am the airplane was about 8,000 feet and suddenly the gun discharged shooting a hole through the left side of the fuselage (see photo of bullet hole).

This "accidental discharge" is being investigated and the airline has grounded the pilot without pay. The airplane also has been removed from service to make sure that the plane is safe.

This is a crazy story, but I hope that is helps those carrying guns to be more aware and alert when handling their guns. Since no one was hurt I guess we can have a quick laugh, compliments of David Letterman, and the Late Show Top Ten List Tuesday night.

Top Ten U.S. Airways Excuses
10. Thought it would be fun to shoot empty liquor bottles.
9. Air traffic controller's "Clear to land" misheard as "Squeeze off a "round."
8. Media never reports when plane takes off and pilot's gun doesn't go off.
7. Pilot thought he saw one of them "Cloverfield" Godzillas -- Buy "Cloverfield" on DVD April 22nd.
6. Oh, like you've never fired a weapon onboard a passenger plane before.
5. Don't worry -- His parole officer was in the cockpit.
4. Chillax, bro.
3. This is what happens when you let Dick Cheney fly a plane -- Did you see it coming folks?
2. If you didn't want gunplay, maybe you should have flown United!
1. Pilot distraught after picking Duke to win it all.

Source Non-Mobile: http://www.charlotte.com/business/story/552793.html
Top Ten Source Non-Mobile: http://www.cbs.com/latenight/...

Related Content: US Airways

Tags: Airlines, Airplanes, Flying, Humor
Technorati Tags: Airlines, Airplanes, Flying, Humor