Created Sunday, May 29th 2022 15:57Z, last updated Sunday, May 29th 2022 15:57Z
An ITA Italia Trasporto Aereo Airbus A330-200, registration EI-EJP performing flight
AZ-609 (dep Apr 30th) from New York JFK,NY (USA) to Rome Fiumicino (Italy), was enroute at FL380 about 200nm northwest of Marseille (France) when the aircraft was handed off to Marseille Center, however, did not report to Marseille Center for 10 minutes. Fighter aircraft were dispatched however did not need to intercept the A330 when the crew finally began to communicate with ATC again after about 10 minutes. The aircraft continued to Rome for a safe landing without further incident.
According to media reports in Italy the airline dismissed the captain after an internal investigation into the occurrence. The airline stated the captain showed a behaviour inconsistent with the behavioural and working rules as well as showed a discrepancy in his interviews and the facts established by the investigation. At the time of the occurrence the first officer was taking an approved nap, however, the commander also fell asleep at the controls, but in his interviews claimed there had been a problem with the communication devices. The investigation found no fault with the communication systems. The aircraft had been flying on autopilot, so that the occurrence did not pose any danger to the aircraft or its occupants.
Related Flight:
AZ609,
ITA Airways News
