A US Airways pilot who said he accidentally discharged a pistol in the cockpit during a flight has been fired.

The pilot, Capt. James Langenhahn, 55, of Franklin Park, reportedly told aviation officials that his .40-caliber pistol accidentally discharged March 22.

The shot was fired while Capt. Langenhahn was stowing the weapon as the jet prepared to land in Charlotte, N.C. Damage was limited to a bullet hole in the left side of the fuselage.

Scott Theuer, spokesman for the newly validated US Airlines Pilots Association, said the union had heard about the pending firing.

"We will fight it vigorously," Mr. Theuer said.

The incident is the first to be reported since 2002 when pilots were permitted to be armed. Those who carry firearms have been trained through the Federal Deck Officer program.