A Boeing 777 plane made a startlingly low pass over a Texas airfield, flying just 25 feet above the ground, according to flight tracking data.
The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Horseshoe Bay Resort Jet Center airport in Central Texas, with pilots alerting air traffic control to the maneuver beforehand. The plane, owned by Jetran, a company based in Horseshoe Bay, was undergoing a pre-delivery test flight prior to its planned entry into the Qatar Airways Cargo fleet.
Low Flying Incident
Former National Transportation Safety Board Chair Robert Sumwalt criticized the pilots’ actions, calling it “another example of stupid pilot tricks” and seeing no legitimate reason for the maneuver. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.
Jetran stated that the plane was not owned or operated by Qatar Airways, despite being painted in Qatar Airways livery, and that the pilots on board were not Qatar Airways pilots. The company expects a thorough investigation and appropriate action to be taken.
Investigation and Implications
The pilots involved could face suspension of their credentials over the move, according to Sumwalt. The incident raises concerns about pilot judgment and the potential risks of such maneuvers.
The investigation will likely focus on the circumstances surrounding the low pass and whether the pilots followed proper protocols. As the FAA investigates, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safe flying practices and adherence to regulations.
