London borough starts legal action against air safety regulator over stowaways

A London borough has begun legal action against the Civil Aviation Authority for failing to take action on airline stowaways.

Richmond Council had demanded answers after a young man’s body was found on top of a building in the borough.

It is thought that the man had hidden in the undercarriage of an aircraft from South Africa which was heading for Heathrow Airport, and fallen out when the landing gear was deployed.

According to the council, this was the third incident in the borough since 2012. Each time Richmond subsequently lobbied airline carriers and those responsible for air safety to understand what was being done to prevent the breaches in security.

The council argues that the CAA has a duty to take action and enforce stronger security protocols.

Lord True, Leader of Richmond Council, said: “It is so tragic that someone is so unhappy with their life they have to take such a risk. This action is not just about this borough, but it is also about protecting their lives.

“Should it really be the role of a local authority to make sure that bodies do not fall from the sky? No. With a possible expanding airport and more flights coming in and out of Heathrow, we need to make sure that people are protected.

"And we must not neglect the potential security implications of doubling flights over London when access to the undercarriage of planes in not adequately prevented."

Lord True added: “The Civil Aviation Authority have failed to take action, they have failed to protect our residents and the lives of those who climb underneath the plane.

“We believe that it is time that this stopped. Someone must take responsibility. This legal action is in a bid to ensure the safety of our residents.”

A CAA spokesperson said: "We can confirm the Civil Aviation Authority has been contacted by Richmond Council regarding airline stowaways.

"Richmond Council's concerns are being carefully considered and will be responded to in due course."