A lack of clear verbal communication between a pilot and a copilot may have played a part in a Japan Airlines jet skidding off a runway at the Manila International Airport last month, Transport Ministry officials said Thursday.
The incident occurred when one of the right engine's thrust reversers did not start due to an equipment defect. At the time of the incident, the pilot took over the job of landing the MD-11; the copilot had been in control of the aircraft.
When he assumed the new role, the pilot did not clearly inform the copilot as prescribed by operation manuals. That led to the copilot's delay in confirming the thrust reverser's irregularity, the officials said. However, it remains unknown whether the delay caused the incident, the officials said. Afterward, 24 passengers were slightly injured while using escape slides.