TUI flight aborted due to pilots’ error with air supply

A TUI plane with 193 people on board failed to pressurise because crew members did not realise a switch had been left off by maintenance workers, forcing the pilot to abort the flight, an investigation has found.

- HOLLY BANCROFT

The Boeing 737-8K5 took off from Manchester Airport for Kos, Greece, on 17 October last year but only got as far as northern Lincolnshire before having to return. The 193 people on board, six crew and 187 passengers, were at risk of oxygen deprivation after a major error was made by both pilots.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch found the pilots had failed to spot that a switch that controlled the engine air bleed systems had been left off by maintenance workers. The aircraft failed to pressurise and a cabin altitude warning sign turned on.