New York State

Category Added in a WPeMatico Campaign

Easyjet plane was seconds from disaster after flight nearly hit a MOUNTAIN with 190 passengers on way to holiday hotspot

AN EasyJet pilot was suspended after his packed holiday jet flew too close to a mountain and was just seconds away from disaster.

Captain Paul Elsworth was grounded following the cockpit drama as the plane descended towards the Red Sea resort of Hurghada in Egypt.

EasyJet Airbus A320-251N landing.
Getty
An EasyJet pilot has been suspended after almost colliding into a mountain (stock)[/caption]
A father and son pilot in an airplane cockpit.
PA:Press Association
Captain Paul Elsworth (left) pictured with his son Luke who became one of the UK’s youngest ever airline pilots in 2016[/caption]
Person windsurfing in front of a resort in Hurghada, Egypt, with mountains in the background.
Alamy
The packed aircraft was on its descent towards the Red Sea resort of Hurghada[/caption]

The Ground Proximity Warning System in the cockpit was triggered and dramatically sounded an impending crash warning.

The alert rang out ‘pull up, terrain, terrain, pull up, pull up, terrain ahead, pull up’ and a dramatic last-gasp manoeuvre – pulling on the joystick to level off the plane – saved up to 190 passengers and crew on-board.

The GPWS alert is recognised as a last resort to prevent a controlled flight into terrain.

The Airbus A320 flew over the mountain range at an altitude of just 3,100ft.

The peak of the mountain near the plane was just 771ft away from the twin-jet aircraft at an altitude of 2,329ft.

Pilots normally clear the mountain range at around 6,000ft, showing just how low the plane had flown.

Sources revealed that the jet had been descending at 4,928ft per minute, which has been dubbed “ridiculously unsafe,” before the GPWS sounded and it levelled out.

The aircraft, which had taken off from Manchester, should have been travelling slower and with a shallower rate of descent, experts said.

An official investigation into the February 2 drama of Flight EZY2251 will include details of how Capt Elsworth reported the safety scare.

The Sun understands the 61-year-old pilot registered the incident the following day – February 3 – before he was due to leave the crew hotel and head to Hurghada airport, ready to pilot the plane back to Manchester.

But EasyJet officials escalated the incident within minutes – recognising the severity of the cockpit drama.

No blame has yet been apportioned for the harrowing incident.

However, in line with protocol, bosses immediately banned Capt Elsworth, who lives in Cheshire, from flying the plane back to the UK.

A source said: “Within moments of the flight drama being raised, officials stepped in and Paul Elsworth was forbidden from piloting the plane. Another flight crew brought the jet home.

“The pilot will be asked detailed questions. The GPWS only sounds when a plane is heading into terrain – in this instance a mountain.

“Passengers on-board are understood to have been oblivious to the scare, and unaware of just how close they came to the mountain range as the plane descended into Egypt.”

After being stood down, Capt Elsworth was flown back to Manchester as a passenger, seated in the cabin.

Once back in the UK, the experienced flyer was officially suspended while investigations continue.

Despite the senior pilot being banned, the same plane—registered G-UZHA—flew back to the UK, and the cockpit voice recorder was overridden, The Sun understands.

Capt Elsworth’s account, and responses from the First Officer who was sat alongside him, will help investigators.

Capt Elsworth made headlines in 2016 when his son Luke became the youngest professional pilot at just 19 after following in his father’s footsteps at EasyJet.

The proud dad said at the time: “Luke has worked really hard. I have as much confidence in Luke flying as I have in myself—and I’ve been doing this for 32 years.” Luke now flies for British Airways.

Last night the suspended pilot advised it would be inappropriate for him to comment while there is an ongoing investigation.

The Civil Aviation Authority is waiting to review how the incident is investigated by EasyJet bosses – including how the airline ‘manages their risk’.

EasyJet told The Sun yesterday: “Safety is the number one priority for all our pilots, they are trained to the highest industry standards, subject to rigorous testing and monitored closely.

“The flight landed normally and as we have an ongoing investigation, the pilot remains stood down from duty in line with procedures.”

Read More »

Jessica Alba rocks just black lace bra and fishnets under blazer at Paris Fashion Week after split from Cash Warren

JESSICA Alba turned up the heat at Paris Fashion Week, stepping out in a jaw-dropping ensemble after her split from Cash Warren.

Actress Jessica, 43, put on a sizzling display at the Gabriela Hearst show on Monday, wearing nothing but a black lace bra beneath a daringly plunging white coat dress.

Jessica Alba leaving a fashion show.
Splash
Jessica Alba rocked just a black lace bra and fishnets under a blazer at Paris Fashion Week[/caption]
Jessica Alba at Paris Fashion Week.
Getty
She put on a sizzling display at the Gabriela Hearst show on Monday[/caption]

She paired the sultry look with sheer fishnet stockings while elevating her height with black heels.

Jessica carried a chic black box handbag and wore her brunette locks in tousled beachy waves, framing her face with Wayfarer sunglasses.

Fresh off her split from husband Cash, Jessica made sure all eyes were on her.

In January, it was revealed the pair had separated after 16 years of marriage.

Businesswoman has since filed for divorce, with the proceedings so far said to be “extremely amicable” despite them not having a prenuptial agreement, as per reports.

Both Jessica and Cash are asking for joint physical and legal custody of their kids, according to TMZ.

Sources have told the outlet that there is no prenup, which comes as speculation over how their assets will be divided ramps up.

Jessica’s Honest Company is valued at $623 million, while Cash’s company that he co-founded, Pair of Thieves, has been valued at around $100 million.

Though, TMZ reports that Cash’s company is “worth way more than that”.

Jessica confirmed her split from Cash back in January after reports swirled that they were headed for divorce.

“I’ve been on a journey of self realization and transformation for years-both as an individual and in partnership with Cash,” she penned in a statement at the time.

“I’m proud of how we’ve grown as a couple and in our marriage over the last 20 years and it’s now time for us to embark on a new chapter of growth and evolution as individuals.

“We are moving forward with love and kindness and respect for each other and will forever be family.

FAMILY OF FIVE

“Our children remain our highest priority and we request privacy at this time,” she concluded.

The couple met back in 2004 while filming Fantastic Four, with them getting wed four years later in 2008.

Jessica and Cash share three children together: Honor Marie, born in June 2008; Haven Garner, born in August 2011; and Hayes, born in December 2017.

MILLIONS IN SPOUSAL SUPPORT

The couple’s divorce being in motion comes after a legal expert and powerhouse certified family law specialist spoke to The U.S. Sun about what Cash could cash in on amid their split.

Goldie Schon, who specializes in complex custody and divorce cases, said Jessica’s estranged husband could walk away from their 16-year marriage with millions. 

“Even if there is a prenup, and she gets to keep what is hers, therefore, the Honest Company, which is quite lucrative, that will not stop the issue of spousal support,” Goldie told The U.S. Sun.

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren relationship timeline

Jessica Alba and Cash Warren have known each other since 2004

Take a look inside their relationship:

  • December 2004: Jessica and Cash met on the set of Fantastic Four.
  • December 2007: The two announced their engagement and their first pregnancy with daughter Honor Marie Warren – born June 7, 2008.
  • May 2008: Jessica and Cash tie the knot at a Beverly Hills courthouse.
  • February 2011: Jessica revealed she was pregnant with her second child, Haven – who was born on August 13, 2011.
  • July 2017: Cash and Jessica share a social media post announcing her third pregnancy with Hayes Alba Warren – born December 31, 2017.
  • May 2023: The two celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary on Instagram.

She went on to share an estimate, revealing how in her expert opinion, she believes spousal support could be upwards of $100,000 a month for Cash.

The expert also said that Jessica could easily end up handing over upwards of $60,000 in child support.

In order to keep their children in the lifestyle they are accustomed to while they are with each of their parents, Jessica could have to part with a hefty chunk of cash for each of their three children.

But it doesn’t stop there, because she claimed he could walk away with a staggering $2 million a year depending on how things pan out for the pair.

Jessica Alba leaving the Gabriela Hearst show.
Splash
She paired the sultry look with sheer fishnet stockings[/caption]
Jessica Alba leaving a fashion show.
Splash
Jessica elevated her height with black heels[/caption]
Jessica Alba leaving the Gabriela Hearst show.
Splash
The actress framed her face with Wayfarer sunglasses[/caption]
Jessica Alba in Paris, wearing a white coat, black patterned tights, and black heels.
Splash
She certainly turned up the heat in her jaw-dropping ensemble[/caption]
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren at a Lakers basketball game.
Getty
It comes after her split from Cash Warren[/caption]

Read More »

Sir Jim Ratcliffe: Wasteful Man Utd would have run out of cash THIS YEAR without cuts.. I want trophies not free lunches

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has defended his controversial cost-cutting at Old Trafford – and claims the club was on track to run out of money THIS YEAR.

The United co-owner broke his silence following recent fan protests at Old Trafford.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and Manchester United shareholder, at a Premier League match.
PA
Sir Jim Ratcliffe watched Man Utd’s draw with Arsenal on Sunday from the Old Trafford stands[/caption]
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United minority shareholder, at a soccer match.
Getty
The Ineos chief has presided over unpopular cost-cutting at the club[/caption]
Manchester United fans protesting the Glazers' ownership.
Getty
Thousands of United fans protested ahead of the 1-1 draw with the Gunners[/caption]

Ratcliffe, 72, told the BBC: “Manchester United would have run out of cash by the end of 2025.

“Where do you want to spend the money?

“Do you want to spend it on operating the club or do you want to spend it on the squad?

“Because if you spend it on the squad, you get better results.

“At the end of the day, what is Manchester United here for if not to win trophies?

“What we want to do is invest in the best players in the world, if we can.

“Rather than spend it on, I’m afraid, free lunches.”

Ratcliffe completed a minority takeover in 2023 and has since gained control over sporting operations at United, which in turn led to some severe downsizing.

Cheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets

He has pursued unpopular cost-cutting over the past year.

Last week, SunSport revealed how United are staring at a £100million black hole after a horror season.

Last summer saw 250 staff members made redundant, with another 200 estimated to follow.

Ratcliffe has slashed costs across the club, including ditching the annual Christmas party and removing Sir Alex Ferguson from his paid role as an ambassador.

He continued: “The losses are because the club’s just been spending money needlessly.

“We’ve got a body language consultant. There’s all sorts of stuff we’re spending money on that we don’t need to be.”

On the field, the Red Devils are languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League.

And they may be forced into selling their star assets in the summer to counter PSR rules.

The players were not immune from Ratcliffe’s criticism in the scathing interview.

He added: “Some [players] are not good enough and some probably are overpaid.

Man Utd ratings vs Arsenal as De Ligt shows exactly why Man Utd signed him but Zirkzee is as frustrating as ever

IT was a performance that would have pleased Ruben Amorim but a 1-1 draw with Arsenal does little to paper over the cracks at Manchester United.

On a day when the Old Trafford crowd protested the owners, the players stood up to show their remains life in a club that fans say is experiencing a “slow death”.

There was a lack of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes as both sides goalscoring troubles continued.

A moment of magic was needed and Fernandes stepped up as he so often does.

Arsenal‘s wall was full of man mountains, but Fernandes found the power, dip and accuracy to beat David Raya with his free-kick – even if the wall was marched 11.2 yards back instead of the regulated ten.

Mikel Arteta’s side came out swinging in the second-half with their makeshift No9 up top, and it took a brilliant effort from Declan Rice to level the scores.

United were able to frustrate them and remain a threat on the counter but eventually had to settle for a point in a much-improved performance.

Here is how SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated the United performances.

“But for us to mould the squad that we are fully responsible for, and accountable for, will take time.

“We’ve got this period of transformation where we move from the past to the future.

“There are some great players in the squad as we know, the captain is a fabulous footballer. We definitely need Bruno [Fernandes], he’s a fantastic footballer.”

Prior to Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal, thousands of United fans took to the streets outside Old Trafford to protest.

Organised by the 1958 fan group, spokesperson Steve Crompton claimed the club is “dying” and “facing financial Armageddon”.

Crompton said: “The club is slowly dying before our eyes, on and off the pitch, and the blame lies squarely at the current ownership model.

“The club is facing financial Armageddon. Debt is the road to ruin.

“Sir Matt Busby would be turning in his grave at the current plight of one of the world’s greatest football institutions which is being brought to its knees and in many ways becoming a laughing stock.”

Read More »

UFC boss Dana White reveals details on new boxing league including change of weight classes and world title belts

DANA WHITE has shed some light on the structure of TKO’s boxing league.

The UFC and WWE‘s parent company officially announced the launch of its Saudi and Ring Magazine-backed promotion earlier this month.

Two men at a table preparing to sign a document.
INSTAGRAM@DANAWHITE
The TKO Group announced the launch of its Saudi-backed boxing league this month[/caption]
Four men sitting at a table signing documents; logos for The Ring, TKO, and Sela are visible on the wall behind them.
INSTAGRAM@TURKIALALSHIKH
Turki Alalshikh has enlisted the services of UFC boss Dana White to run the league[/caption]
Dana White smiling.
AP
White has shed some light on the format of TKO Boxing[/caption]

Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh has enlisted the services of White to implement the UFC model, which he hopes in time will “crush” rival promotions.

The league’s format quickly became a talking point following the official announcement, which sparked questions over boxing’s established sanctioning bodies.

And White has revealed the promotion won’t be playing ball with the likes of the IBF and WBC, aiming to have “one belt” per weight class.

The 55-year-old recently told ESPN: “It’s all going to go away. There’s going to be one belt.

“It’ll be like the UFC. The model is the model that we have [in UFC]. [The] WBC, IBF, WBA, etc., etc.

“They will deal with those traditional promoters that are out there that exist right now. We’re not going to do that.”

It will likely take several years for TKO Boxing to start signing the big hitters in the sport, many of whom are tied up in promotional deals with the likes of Matchroom and Queensberry Promotions.

Additionally, the esteem in which the IBF, WBA, WBC and WBO titles are held in by fighters could also slow down TKO’s bid to get the top talent in the sport.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Oleksandr Usyk celebrates his victory, holding championship belts and a Ukrainian flag.
AFP
TKO Boxing won’t have anything to do with boxing’s traditional sanctioning bodies[/caption]

But White believes the sanctioning bodies will eventually become obsolete given the allure of the Ring Magazine title.

He continued: “We’re going to have the basic weight classes that started everything. We will have one champion.

“And you know how you’re going to know who the champion is because they’re going to fight their way up through the gauntlet.

“And once you get into the top five, you know who the five baddest dudes in the heavyweight division are.

“And then you’ll find out who the champion is. They will defend their titles and that’s how it’ll work.”

The launch date for TKO Boxing is currently unknown, although Alalshikh – the Chairman of Saudi Arabia‘s General Entertainment Authority – has hinted that the September showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford could be the promotion’s inaugural show.

During an appearance on ESPN, he said: “Ask [Dana] when the first event will be held in September. Ask him to answer… Maybe it’ll be September 12th.”

Read More »