Qatar Airways has launched an internal investigation after one of its Boeing Dreamliners took off from Hamad International Airport, the airline’s Doha hub, within seconds of hitting the water.
The 787-8, registration A7-BCO, departed Doha at 02:00 on 9 January for Copenhagen.
After leaving the ground with the first officer at the wheel, the Dreamliner climbed about 550 meters, but then lost 300 meters in 24 seconds for unknown reasons, according to the AV Herald.
As the plane descended at 15 meters per second, the captain took over and dragged the plane 250 meters – or 16 seconds – across the Arabian Gulf, the publication reported.
According to the information received, the first officer flew manually without instructions from the flight director. This is a computer-generated marker on the primary flight display (showing the horizon) that guides pilots on the correct flight path.
Qatar Airways has launched an internal investigation after one of its Boeing Dreamliners hit the water seconds after taking off from Hamad International Airport (stock photo).
The first officer “apparently lost situational awareness” and the aircraft descended so quickly that it “exceeded the flap speed limit”.
After the captain regained control, the plane, named Flight QR161, continued on its way to Copenhagen, where it landed safely six hours after taking off from Doha.
Qatar Airways told MailOnline Travel the incident was “immediately” reported to the authorities.
A statement from the airline said: “Qatar Airways is aware of an incident related to flight QR161 from Doha to Copenhagen on 10 January 2023. It was immediately reported to the authorities and an internal investigation is ongoing.
“The airline follows the highest safety, training and reporting standards and is working to resolve all findings in accordance with industry standards.”
Last year, Qatar Airways was named the world’s best airline at the Aviation Oscars for the seventh consecutive year.
The airline beat more than 350 airlines in the 2022 Skytrax World Airline Awards, with Singapore Airlines coming second and Emirates third.
The 787-8 left Doha (above, archive image) at 02:00 on January 9 for Copenhagen. After leaving the ground, the Dreamliner climbed to about 550 meters, but then for unknown reasons lost 300 meters in 24 seconds
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
