A Corsica air controller fell asleep on Monday, causing the expectations in the air of an airplane for almost twenty minutes, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) said on Wednesday, confirming “Corsica morning” information.
“An Air Corsica flight from Orly and to Ajaccio could not establish radio contact with the control tower during its approach phase,” explains the DGAC in a note sent to AFP.
“The plane waited for 18 minutes, turning in the air, above the Gulf of Ajaccio,” explains the DGAC.
This “unusual situation” sparked an intervention, in particular airport rescue services, she adds.
“The intervention of the firefighters of the aerodrome at the control tower made it possible to find that the service controller had fallen asleep at his post,” said the DGAC.
An “investigation has been opened” and the air controller was tested negative in the blood alcohol test, she said.
“A possible sanction is being studied,” continues the DGAC.
Upon awakening of the controller, “the flight landed safely under the conditions provided” and “the operations were able to resume normally”, reassures the DGAC.
