Air Traffic Controller’s Joke: Controller’s ‘Joke’ Delays Delta Plane On Flight 630

An air traffic controller’s “joke” delayed a Delta Airlines flight when a pilot was given different directions before landing. Passengers expect delays at airports, but not for this reason.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident that took place at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 11. USA Today reports that the controller’s joke didn’t make anyone laugh. Flight 630 was about 1,000 feet from the ground when the controller told the pilot of the Boeing 777 to circle the airport instead of landing. The plane was flying in from Detroit to Atlanta. The jet began its ascent to 40,000 feet after that.

According to a FOX News report, the air traffic controller’s joke from the tower was quoted as:

“I’m kidding, Delta 630. After you land, I’ve got no one behind you. Expect to exit right. Delta 630 you’re clear to land on (runway) 27-Left.”

By the time the controller told the pilot not to follow his instructions, he called off the landing. Amused isn’t the term in this instance. The pilot responds to the air traffic controller by saying:

“You sent us around. Delta 630 is on the go.”

The FAA released this statement:

“The FAA is investigating air traffic communications with Delta 630, a Boeing 777 aircraft on approach to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.”

Disciplinary action against the air traffic controller won’t be revealed until an investigation is completed. It’s unknown how long the investigation will take or if the air traffic controller will be terminated as a result of the joke.

A “joke” in a serious situation like this could be potentially fatal for passengers if an oncoming our outgoing plane is in its path. Pilots depend heavily on control towers to direct them while approaching airport runways.

Travel news trends a lot online when it comes to air travel. Typically it’s the passengers making into the news. The Inquisitr has a vast library of articles surrounding problems that arise on the airlines. The stories involve out-of-control or frustrated people onboard that need to be removed or kids on planes that spark controversial topics like temper tantrums. There are plenty of headlines about flights being diverted due to emergency landings or impossible situations that are threatening to air travelers aboard the airliner.

An air traffic controller’s “joke” is a new twist in plane delays while inadvertently endangering people’s lives. Luckily no one was hurt on Delta Flight 630 in Atlanta after the flight was delayed by 90 minutes.

[Image via Commons Wikimedia]