By Ben Skipper
http://uk.travel.yahoo.com/p-promo-3361661
A plane carrying over 100 passengers nosedived 6,000 feet in 30 seconds over the Pacific after its co-pilot accidentally pressed the wrong button.
The incident took place as the co-pilot was trying to unlock the cabin door and let the captain back in following a toilet break.
The Japanese aircraft was travelling from Naha in southern Okinawa to Haneda airport in Tokyo and almost turned upside down in the event, reports the Telegraph.
Only the darkness outside prevented the passengers from realising the perilous position of the plane.
Nobody suffered serious injury following the plunge but two crew members reported slight injuries and six passengers felt ill.
The plane landed safely at its destination.
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Japan’s transport safety board has launched an investigation into the accident following an apology from a senior official for the airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA).
“We are deeply sorry for causing anxiety to our passengers,” he said.
ANA has given serious warnings to four senior members of staff.
The airline’s pilots’ unions also threatened to go on strike over an unrelated matter, furthering the company’s problems.
