Rockies coach posts video in cockpit, prompting FAA inquiry

The Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines are investigating an incident involving the Colorado Rockies during a chartered flight from Denver to Toronto.

In a since-deleted video posted to social media, Rockies hitting coach Hensley Meulens is seen sitting in a pilot's seat in the cockpit while the plane is in flight.

"Had some fun in the cockpit on our flight from Denver to Toronto. Thanks to the captain and the first officer of our United charter that allowed me this great experience," Meulens wrote in a caption for the social media post.

A United spokesperson said the airline was conducting its own investigation of the April 10 flight. The airline said the cockpit visit was "a clear violation of our safety and operational policies" and was reported to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"We're deeply disturbed by what we see in that video, which appears to show an unauthorized person in the flight deck at cruise altitude while the autopilot was engaged," United spokesperson Russell Carlton said.

The pilots on the flight have been withheld from service while the airline investigates, Carlton said.

A spokesman for the FAA said it does not "comment on the details of open investigations" but noted that "federal regulations restrict flight deck access to specific individuals."

Meulens was not available for comment in the Rockies' clubhouse on Friday, but manager Bud Black said Meulens was contrite and his job was not in jeopardy.

"Bam-Bam, he apologized," Black said. "I can't comment really any further because of what is being called an investigation of the matter. As far as Bam-Bam goes, he apologized to the Rockies, apologized to United, apologized to the team."

Meulens is in his second year as the team's hitting coach. He has previously served as a coach and manager for the Dutch national team.

Colorado (4-15) has lost five straight, including its final two games against the  Blue Jays. 

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.