Row between Capt, engineer delays IA flight

MUMBAI, Nov 12: A tiff between the commander and a flight engineer grounded the Delhi-bound Indian Airlines flight IC-406 for more than two hours, at the Mumbai airport today.

The A-300 flight came back from take-off point after the Commander Capt Mallick announced some 8220;operational problem8221;. After the craft returned to the bay, flight engineer Pal walked out of the plane with baggage, even as 152 passengers on board were kept in the dark about its departure.

For half an hour, senior officials tried to persuade the flight engineer in the aircraft, but he raised his voice and demanded to know 8220;if there is an MP on board8221; to present him a memorandum.

Passengers were asked to deplane and the flight engineer was replaced. According to IA Regional Director S K Gorai, an inquiry has been ordered and action would be taken against the flight engineer.