MANCHESTER– On a routine SAS Connect (SL) flight from Oslo, Norway (OSL), to Manchester, England (MAN), on February 5, 2023, a captain, failed to maintain radio contact with air traffic controllers for about 30 minutes, despite repeated attempts by officials to establish communication.
Captain Christopher Hollands of SAS Connect was at the controls of an Airbus A320 carrying 58 passengers on board.
Photo- Ardfern; Wikimedia CommonsSAS Connect Captain prompted Fighter Jet Response
The prolonged communication blackout prompted air traffic control to declare a potential security incident. Authorities, fearing a possible hijacking, activated emergency protocols.
Two Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the aircraft and were escorted to Manchester Airport (MAN).
Upon landing, the airliner was directed to an isolated part of the airfield where heavily armed police boarded the plane. The aircraft remained at a remote stand while authorities investigated the situation.
Regulatory Concerns & Consequences
Glenn Bradley, Head of Flight Operations at the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), emphasized the seriousness of the breach. He said- “Incidents of lost communications causing security breaches are a matter of great concern both for us as the aviation regulator and for the Government.”
“Aviation is one of the safest methods of transportation, and it relies on pilots maintaining radio communication with air traffic control through the standard channels during flight.”
Glenn Bradley, Head of Flight Operations, Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
The CAA confirmed this prosecution marks the first of its kind in the United Kingdom. The regulatory body is working to reduce similar incidents through pilot education and by highlighting the severe consequences of communication failures.
SAS A320Photo- Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK
Wikimedia Commons
Legal Implications for SAS Connect Captain
This case establishes a significant precedent in British aviation law. Pilots now face the prospect of criminal prosecution for communication failures deemed serious enough to trigger security concerns. The maximum potential sentence under the legislation could include up to two years imprisonment for the most severe violations.
The prosecution serves as a stark warning to aviation professionals about their legal responsibilities regarding communication protocols. The CAA stated it will continue collaborating with pilots, airlines, and government agencies to minimize such incidents and maintain confidence in UK aviation safety and security standards.
Captain Christopher Hollands has become the first person prosecuted under British legislation requiring commercial airline pilots to maintain continuous two-way communication with air traffic control. The 57-year-old pilot pleaded guilty at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and received a £4,511 (US $5,800) fine for the incident.
Airline Response
SAS Connect (SL), a British subsidiary of the Scandinavian airline (SK) that operated the flight, was approached for comment regarding the incident and subsequent prosecution of Captain Hollands. The company has not yet issued a public statement addressing the situation or any potential internal disciplinary measures.
The case highlights the critical importance of adherence to communication protocols in commercial aviation and demonstrates authorities’ willingness to pursue legal action against individuals who fail to meet these essential safety requirements.
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