The A-300 flight came back from take-off point after the Commander Capt Mallick announced some ``operational problem''. After the craft returned to the bay, flight engineer Pal walked out of the plane with baggage, even as 152 passengers on board were kept in the dark about its departure.

For half an hour, senior officials tried to persuade the flight engineer in the aircraft, but he raised his voice and demanded to know ``if there is an MP on board'' to present him a memorandum.

Passengers were asked to deplane and the flight engineer was replaced. According to IA Regional Director S K Gorai, an inquiry has been ordered and action would be taken against the flight engineer.