Dramatic low flyby by passenger jets over South African stadium sparks safety debate

JOHANNESBURG -- A pregame stunt involving two passenger jets flying dramatically low over a sports stadium in South Africa drew huge cheers from the estimated crowd of around 56,000 people, but also sparked a major debate over safety risks.The flyby by two Embraer jets operated by local airline Airlink happened on Saturday before a rugby game between South Africa and New Zealand in Cape Town.Flight tracking service Flightradar24 estimated that the lead jet passed just 41 to 46 feet (12 to 14 meters) above the roof of Cape Town Stadium, with the crowd and the top-ranked rugby teams in the world below. The second jet, which was right behind, flew through a cloud of pink dust that shot up from the stadium roof as part of the pregame show.Airlink, a sponsor of the South African rugby team, said that the flyby was conducted according to safety regulations.The airline said that it was carefully planned and rehearsed, with the aircraft traveling at around 150 knots (278 kph or 172 mph), when they went over the stadium. Each jet had three senior captains onboard, Airlink said, operating in the roles of a commander, a co-pilot and a safety officer.The jets weren't carrying any passengers.“A...