Engineer pictured fixing plane's engine with 'duct tape' by concerned EasyJet passenger
Budget airline insists that the areoplane was not structurally 'compromised'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A photograph taken by a shocked easyJet passenger appearing to show ground crew repairing an aeroplane with duct tape shortly before its departure has gone viral.
The image, which has been widely shared online, was taken by Twitter user @adtomwood yesterday.
“Always worrying when easyJet are duct taping the plane together :-s #finaldestination," he wrote.
In the image a member of the ground crew in a fluorescent vest appears to be taping together one of the turbine engines.
Below his picture easyJet’s official Twitter account has commented: “Hi Please be reassured that the duct tape is in place as a result of some cosmetic work that is required to the aircraft”.
The spokesperson adds that it was “nothing structural” and in “no way compromises the safety of the aircraft”.
However, it appeared that the tape was later identified as “high speed metallic tape”.
Speed tape, as it is also known, is an aluminised pressure-sensitive tape used for minor repairs on aircraft and racing cars until a more permanent solution can be found. Resistant to water, solvents, flames, UV light and heat the tape can also be used to repair bullet damage to combat aircraft.
“The high speed metallic tape is in place as a result of some cosmetic work that is required to the aircraft paintwork,” a spokesperson for the budget airliner told the MailOnline. They added that “it is nothing structural and in no way compromises the safety of the aircraft.”
EasyJet could not be reached for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments