ATSB Says Onboard Electronics Have Caused Problems Before

Perhaps you suspect ulterior motives when the airlines require you to shut down your computer and cell phone during critical flight phases. Especially with recently announced plans to offer in-flight cellphone and wireless internet services, can these seemingly benign consumer devices really interfere with navigation and control of an airliner?

The Australian Associated Press reports that possibility is now being considered by investigators in the case of a Qantas mid-air emergency off Western Australia on Tuesday. As ANN reported, the A330 -- carrying 303 passengers and a crew of 10 -- descended 350 feet so suddenly that passengers and crew were thrown about the cabin. 20 were injured, 10 seriously.

Immediately after the incident, speculation naturally turned to turbulence... or the less-likely scenario involving a problem with a flight computer. Now, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is considering the possibility that electronic equipment used by passengers may have interfered with navigation.

The ATSB says pilots received alarms about "some irregularity with the aircraft's elevator control system", before a 300-foot uncommanded ascent, followed by an abrupt nosedive.

The Courier Mail quotes an ATSB spokesman as saying, "Certainly in our discussions with passengers that is exactly the sort of question we will be asking - 'Were you using a computer?"

In July, ATSB officials say a passenger clicking on a wireless mouse mid-flight threw a Qantas jet off-course.

FMI: www.atsb.gov.au, www.qantas.com