An EasyJet flight bound for London Gatwick became the centre of a major air safety probe after a harrowing incident saw the aircraft plunge dramatically shortly after takeoff from Geneva International Airport.
The Terrifying Descent
Flight EZY8704, carrying passengers from Switzerland to the UK, experienced what investigators are calling a "significant autopilot malfunction" just moments after becoming airborne. The Airbus A320neo abruptly entered a rapid descent, losing approximately 1,000 feet of altitude in a mere 20 seconds.
According to the official Airprox Board report, the aircraft's sudden drop placed it on a potential collision course with the rugged terrain of the Jura Mountains, which surround the Geneva area. The situation was described as having "a high risk of collision" with the mountain range.
Crew's Quick Thinking Averts Disaster
The flight crew demonstrated exceptional skill and composure during the crisis. Immediately recognising the autopilot failure, the pilots took manual control of the aircraft, executing a rapid recovery manoeuvre that prevented what could have been a catastrophic outcome.
An aviation safety expert commented: "This type of sudden altitude loss shortly after takeoff is every pilot's nightmare. The crew's swift response likely saved everyone on board."
Investigation Underway
The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full investigation into the incident, which occurred on the afternoon of June 6. Preliminary findings suggest the autopilot system may have received conflicting altitude data, triggering the dangerous descent.
EasyJet has confirmed they are "fully cooperating with the authorities" and have conducted their own internal review. The airline emphasised that safety remains their "highest priority" and that the aircraft involved has undergone thorough technical checks.
Passenger Unawareness
Remarkably, most passengers on the flight remained unaware of the severity of the situation during the incident. The plane subsequently climbed to its cruising altitude and continued to London Gatwick without further issues, landing safely approximately 90 minutes later.
The incident has raised important questions about aviation safety protocols and autopilot reliability in modern aircraft, with regulators likely to review procedures for similar scenarios in the future.
