Description

On 8 August 2014, Turkish ATC observed that a Boeing 777-300ER (VT-JEL) being operated at night by Jet Airways on a scheduled international passenger flight from Mumbai to Brussels as 9W-228 had departed its cleared cruise altitude of FL340 and queried the pilots. The descent was arrested at FL317 and the aircraft re-cleared to continue at FL320.

Investigation

An Investigation was carried out by the Indian DGCA in accordance with Regulations based on the principles of ICAO Annex 13. DFDR data were used in support of the Investigation.

The 40 year-old Captain was found to have 12,845 hours total flying experience including 4785 hours on type, almost all in command. The 46 year-old First Officer was found to have 7388 hours total flying experience including 4332 hours on type. In 2001, the First Officer was found to have failed an initial attempt to gain an ATR 72 type rating and during further training for the eventually successful second attempt to obtain one to have been recorded as "lacking judgement". However, it was found that there were no further adverse remarks in respect of competency on her training records on the ATR 72 or in respect of subsequent transition to and service on the Boeing 737 NG and Boeing 777.