Probe into low Ryanair landings touted

THE Department of Transport is considering a formal investigation into Ryanair over the recent spate of dangerous landing approaches made by the discount airline.

Transport Minister Martin Cullen has asked his department to prepare a briefing on the incidents before deciding whether a formal investigation by the Irish Aviation Authority would be warranted.

Last June, a Ryanair plane came as low as 400 feet above hundreds of homes in the Cork suburb of Bishopstown.

The pilot, who had almost 8,000 hours experience of flying a Boeing 737-800, was demoted following the subsequent investigation by the Department of Transport’s Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU).

The board of Ryanair issued a memo saying it will demote pilots who opt not to perform a ‘go-around’ if a descent goes wrong.

Yesterday, a spokesman said: “These incidents have already been investigated and the reports of the AAIU speak for themselves.”