United Airlines pilot insults crew over passenger intercom

A United Airlines pilot accidentally broadcasted insults directed at flight attendants to more than 250 passengers during a flight from Cape Town, South Africa, to Washington Dulles, United States.

While preparing for landing, the pilot activated the communication system believing it was a private channel to the cabin crew. After receiving no response to an initial greeting, the pilot referred to the crew as “idiots.” Reports indicate the microphone remained open for approximately seven minutes. While flight attendants attempted to alert the cockpit, the “announcement in progress” message appeared on passenger entertainment screens. The crew apologized to passengers for the audio issue, but the pilots did not issue a statement regarding the incident.