Northwest Airline Pilot says "we were not asleep" (video)

October 25, 12:13 PMSan Diego Headlines ExaminerJerrie Dean

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The Northwest Airline jet that left San Diego and missed its destination to Minneapolis by 150 miles was not because the pilots fell asleep or were arguing, said the first officer, Richard Cole.

"We were not asleep; we were not having an argument; we were not having a fight," said Cole.  He went on to say, "It was not a serious event, from a safety issue. I would tell you more, but I've already told you way too much."

Air traffic controllers tried to contact the pilots for over an hour on Wednesday.  After no response, the National Guard was alerted to prepare to chase the airliner.

The airliner had 144 passengers on board who were unaware of the situation, although it was being closely monitored by senior White House officials.

Many aviation safety experts say the likely explanation is that the pilots just fell asleep.

The FAA has informed the pilots per letter that they are being investigated by the agency and they may lose their pilot license. Currently, both pilots, Cole and Timothy B. Cheney have been suspended from Northwest Airlines.