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Aer Lingus pilot said he delayed safety report for fear of 'retribution' from senior staff, tribunal hears
Summary
Aer Lingus pilot Declan McCabe, 53, testified at a tribunal that he delayed reporting an incident where his aircraft failed to pick up a navigation beacon due to fear of retribution from senior staff. McCabe was demoted after the June 2023 incident and is pursuing complaints against the airline under various acts. He explained that the situation did not involve a 'false localiser capture' as per the manual and that he believed safety was not compromised. McCabe claimed he feared retaliation from senior pilot Colm Wynne, who had previously disciplined him over fatigue issues. He later filed an internal safety report, stating he delayed it due to fear of retribution. The tribunal heard that Aer Lingus maintains safety was its priority and that McCabe's decision not to report the incident was his own.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Aer Lingus pilot said he delayed safety report for fear of 'retribution' from senior staff, tribunal hears. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- June 2023 Incident
- 8 June 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-12-02 Publication
Why: A tribunal has heard that an Aer Lingus pilot, who was stripped of command duties after his aircraft failed to pick up a navigation beacon on approach to Dublin Airport, wrote that he delayed reporting the incident because he feared "retribution" from senior personnel. CNI source report
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: Adjudicator John Harraghy has adjourned the matter overnight.
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