Two Pilots Suspended Over Cockpit Fracas

Two pilots have been removed from duty following an alleged fight in the cockpit.

The Air India workers have been grounded after the co-pilot reportedly struck the captain, The Times of India said.

However, the airline insisted the altercation was a verbal argument rather than physical violence.

A spokesman for the airline said: "Both the pilots have been derostered. An inquiry has been ordered into this."

The Times quoted a senior commander source as saying the captain was assaulted after asking his colleague to record data - including passenger numbers on board - before take-off.

The flight from Delhi to Jaipur took place despite the row, and after landing staff were informed of the incident.

The confrontation came a few days after the Indian Commercial Pilots Association wrote to the Director General of Civil Aviation complaining of the high stress levels pilots face.

In its letter, the ICPA said: "Putting these highly-stressed and financially over-burdened co-pilots in the same cockpit ... is a perfect recipe for disaster.

"At times of equipment malfunction, turbulence or emergency, a pilot must remain calm. How can an Air India pilot perform his duties in such a manner when he is already highly stressed?"