Pilot's gun goes off on US Airways flight
Officials say aircraft was never in danger
Published: Mon, Mar. 24, 2008 08:39AM
Modified Mon, Mar. 24, 2008 10:12AM
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closeCHARLOTTE -- A gun carried by a US Airways pilot accidentally discharged during a flight from Denver to Charlotte on Saturday, according to airline and federal officials.
No one was injured, and the aircraft was not in any danger during the flight, officials said. It landed at Charlotte/Douglas International Airport around 11:51 a.m. Saturday.
The pilot, who wasn't identified, was allowed to carry the firearm as part of the Federal Flight Deck Officer program run by the Transportation Security Administration, officials said. The program was created after the 9-11 terrorist attacks and allows eligible crew members to use a firearm to defend against an act of criminal violence or air piracy, according to the TSA's Web site. Those eligible include pilots, flight engineers or navigators.
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The pilot involved in Saturday's incident last qualified for the TSA program in November.
In a statement, the TSA said that the agency and "Federal Air Marshals Service take this matter seriously and it is receiving immediate attention."
US Airways also said it is cooperating with law enforcement. The incident occurred on US Airways Flight 1536, which had 124 passengers, two pilots and three flight attendants on board, the airline said. The aircraft was removed from service.
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WCNC-TV contributed
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