NTSB Scrutinizes Pilot Actions in Q400 Crash Probe
The pilots of the Colgan Air Bombardier Q400 involved in the February 12 crash near Buffalo, N.Y., that killed 50 people did not observe the so-called ster

The pilots of the Colgan Air Bombardier Q400 involved in the February 12 crash near Buffalo, N.Y., that killed 50 people did not observe the so-called sterile cockpit rule and the captain appears to have violated Colgan Air’s policy prohibiting the use of the crew room to sleep overnight, according to testimony read this morning during the NTSB’s public hearing on the crash.

NTSB hearing officer Lorenda Ward reported that the crew engaged in non-essential conversation while flying below 10,000 feet in violation of FAA rules, including, for example, a three-minute discussion on the crew’s experience in icing conditions and training. “This conversation occurred just a few minutes before the stick shaker activated and while the crew was executing the approach checklist,” said Ward.