Texting and flying linked to string of mid-air safety incidents

We all know we're supposed to turn our phones off flights - but, admit it, sometimes we 'forget'.

But the use of electronic devices has been blamed as the possible cause for a disturbing number of mid-air accidents.

Pilots and cabin crew have reported the use of electronic devices as being involved in up to 75 safety incidents from 2003 to 2009, according to a leaked confidential survey of 152 airlines around the world by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Although it has remained difficult to prove, the study probed how the use of a electronic devices could cause mid-air problems, finding that it could have caused various issues including disengaging the auto pilot and causing warning lights to come on.

It may also disrupt the instruments which guide pilots in bad weather.

According to ABC News, of the 75 documented incidents of possible electronic interference, 26 affected the flight controls including the autopilot and landing gear while 17 affected navigation systems.

Meanwhile 15 incidents involved the communications systems and 13 concerned electronic warnings, including some which involved the engine.

Mobile phones were the most common suspect in these cases, linked to 40 per cent of incidents reported.

In light of the findings, the IATA has urged passengers to stop ignoring warnings about using their mobiles while flying as it can lead to catastrophic consequences.

The report, which stresses that it is not verifying that the incidents were caused by electronic devices but probing the possible link, also details some spine-tingling tales.

'Auto pilot was engaged,' reads one. 'At about 4500 ft, the autopilot disengaged by itself and the associated warnings/indications came on. (Flight attendants) were immediately advised to look out for (passengers) operating electronic devices. ... (Attendants) reported that there were 4 passengers operated electronic devices (1 handphone and 3 iPods).'

According to news.com.au, confidential tests by Boeing have revealed that the worst offender for electronic interference was the iPad, followed by the iPhone and the Blackberry.

Boeing said that planes were most vulnerable during take-off and in poor visibility.

Earlier this year an investigation by the New York Times found that most personal electronic devices emit electromagnetic waves which can interfere with a plane's electronics.

In 2007, a pilot recounted an instance when the navigational equipment on his Boeing 737 failed after takeoff. The problem resolved itself after a passenger was told to turn off a hand-held GPS device.

However new technology is combating the potential danger electronic devices can pose to aircraft.

In July last year the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) ruled that mobiles do not disrupt aircraft navigational equipment if airlines install special technology, paving the way for travellers to be able to make calls and send text messages mid-flight.

The ACMA approved technology that allows an airline-installed, on-board system to relay mobile-phone signals.

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