[Greg McDonald]

From NEWS.COM.AU:

The captain of a US commuter plane that crashed in February near the northern city of Buffalo had flunked numerous flight tests during his career and was never adequately taught how to respond to an emergency, The Wall Street Journal says.

Citing unnamed people close to the investigation of the crash, the newspaper said Captain Marvin Renslow apparently did not know how to respond to a warning system designed to prevent the plane from stalling.

As the speed dropped to a dangerous level, setting off the stall-prevention system, he did the opposite of the proper procedure, which led to the crash, the report said.

The crash of the Bombardier Q400 operated by commuter carrier Colgan Air outside Buffalo, New York, killed all 49 people aboard and one on the ground.

The Journal said the 47-year-old Renslow, who joined Colgan Air in September 2005, had a history of flunking periodic tests of competency.

Moreover, his 24-year-old co-pilot, Rebecca Shaw, had complained before take-off about being congested and said she probably should have called in sick, the newspaper said, citing people who have listened to the cockpit voice recording.

Investigators surmise the pilots didn't fully understand the operation of one ice-protection system, and therefore incorrectly programmed approach speeds into a flight computer, according to The Journal.

As the plane made its approach toward Buffalo with the autopilot engaged, the crew exchanged idle banter, which is prohibited by federal rules on flights flying below 10,000 feet, the report said

If this proves to be true, it's very scary....