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A British Airways captain was questioned by police after allegedly throwing a mobile phone from his cockpit window just moments before take-off.

The incident which took place on Friday evening led to the jet being grounded as the pilot and his crew were removed. Airline sources say the pilot was less than happy after being instructed to return to the airport gate to hand in the mobile. As a result, in an attempt to take off as quickly as possible he went on to chuck the phone out of the cockpit window!

However, airport officials refused to let the aircraft leave Edinburgh Airport for Gatwick and his actions had the opposite effect - delaying the flight by three hours. The pilot is now facing an investigation by the airline and possible disciplinary action.

Flight BA2945 had already been delayed slightly because of a Red Arrows display for Armed Forces Day in Edinburgh and was taxiing for take-off.

One of the crew aboard the Boeing 737-400 discovered the phone and handed it to the captain after none of the 149 passengers claimed it.

Anxious not to delay the flight further by returning to the stand and unloading the mobile, the pilot radioed air traffic control for permission to drop the phone out of the cockpit window. When controllers refused permission, it is understood he simply defied them, opened the window and dumped the phone out on to the tarmac anyway.

Last night one source claimed: 'The captain was already late and in no mood to delay any longer. He then ignored the advice, put the phone in a bag, opened the side window of the cockpit and threw it to the ground.

The pilot was questioned by police, and the airline was forced to find a replacement captain and crew. The Captain was not subsequently arrested but inquiries were continuing as to whether the pilot had broken air-safety regulations.

Airport operators have to keep runways and aprons free from debris in case it impacts on aircraft safety.

A BA spokeswoman  went on to say:_'We are investigating the matter and speaking to the pilots to understand the exact circumstances around the whole incident.'

She added that there was no requirement on safety grounds to get unclaimed phones off aircraft.

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