Aircraft

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    Emergency Landing in Mexico


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Jova

    What: Aeromar ATR-42 en route from Saltillo to Mexico City
    Where: Saltillo-Plan de Guadalupe International Airport, Mexico
    When: 25-JUL-2020
    Who: 38 passengers
    Why: 25 minutes into the flight, a windshield cracked. The plane returned and made a safe landing in Saltillo. Passengers were not informed of what was happening until they had already returned to the terminal.

    The plane was turned over to maintenance where it took twelve hours to replace the damaged glass. The crack was not due to a bird strike, but was considered “material fatigue.” Passengers waited at the airport for a replacement plane.

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    American Airlines Emergency Landing in Chicago


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Sven Waerder

    What: American Airlines Boeing 767-300 en route from Chicago to Brussels
    Where: Chicago
    When: Jul 25th 2010,
    Who: 274 on board
    Why: After takeoff, both engines signified a problem over Ontario. Pilots entered a holding pattern and then landed safely back at O’Hare. No details are available regarding the problem with the engines. Passengers were provided a replacement jet.

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    Hot Plane Lands in Charlotte


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Felix Bahamonde

    What: US Airways Boeing 767-200 en route from Charlotte to Philadelphia
    Where: Charlotte,NC
    When: Jul 23rd 2010
    Who: 196 passengers
    Why: Passengers had boarded the hot plane, disembarked and reboarded. Finally, after takeoff, a quarter hour into the flight, cabin temperatures had risen to over 110 degrees F. The plane returned to Charlotte and landed safely. Several passengers were hospitalized with heat issues.

    No doubt there will be fines.

    A replacement jet was provided.

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    Airbus Birdstrike


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Olaf Wagner

    What: Germanwings Airbus A319-100 en route from Stuttgart to Heraklion
    Where: Stuttgart
    When: Jul 25th 2010
    Why: After takeoff, the Airbus had a bird strike. The pilots returned to Stuttgart where they made a safe landing. A replacement jet was flown in for passengers. There’s no report of the damage, nor if the incident involved ingestion into the engine, or impact only.

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    India: Boeing Completes Final Design Review for P-8I

    SEATTLE, July 26, 2010 — Boeing on July 16 successfully completed the final design review (FDR) for P-8I, India’s long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. The P-8I, based on the Boeing 737 commercial airplane, is a variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy.

    Completion of the FDR locks in the design for the aircraft, radar, communications, navigation, mission computing, acoustics and sensors, as well as the ground and test support equipment. It also paves the way for the program to begin assembling the first P-8I aircraft.

    “For P-8I, we are incorporating not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems, so this agreement that the design addresses all customer requirements is a huge milestone,” said Leland Wight, P-8I program manager for Boeing. “It also leads us to the program’s next stage: We are on track to start fabricating the P-8I’s empennage section before the end of this year.”

    During the five-day FDR held in Renton, Wash., Indian Navy officers met with Boeing representatives from Defense, Space & Security and Commercial Airplanes to review relevant design information and performance against specifications.

    “The P-8I’s unique capabilities are tailored to India’s maritime-patrol requirements. It has the reach and capability to defend India’s vast coastline and maritime waters,” said Vivek Lall, vice president and India country lead, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

    Boeing will deliver the first P-8I to India within 48 months of the original contract signing, which took place in January 2009. India is the first customer for the P-8 outside the United States.

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    Qantas Emergency Landing in Sydney


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Ryan Hothersall

    What: Qantas Boeing 737-800 en route from Sydney to Brisbane
    Where: Sydney
    When: Jul 26th 20
    Why: While en route, the anti-icing system of the 737 failed. The flight diverted to Sydney and made a safe landing–after having experienced the same problem on the 25th.

    It would be interesting to know the details of the system failure. Around this time last year, Air France Flight 447 went down in mysterious circumstances; it is speculated that the pitot tubes froze over, and that the fly by wire Airbus (unlike this Qantas Boeing) was rendered uncontrolled.

    So if this was a frozen pitot tube situation where the pilots were able to make a safe landing in a Boeing, one wonders if aspects of Airbus fly by wire should be re-considered.

    But this is food for thought only, as I do not have the exact details of the anti-ice system failure.

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    Allegiant Lands after Engine Fire


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer JayDeeKay

    What: Allegiant Air McDonnell Douglas MD-83 en route from Billings to Mesa
    Where: Flagstaff
    When: Jul 25th 2010
    Who: 144 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: While en route, the right engine indicated a fire. Pilots shut it down and diverted to Flagstaff where they made a safe landing.

    Some passengers who incurred minor injuries while evacuating down the emergency slide were hospitalized.

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    Lethbridge Jet Crash

    What: Canadian air force CF-18 Hornet
    Where: Lethbridge County Airport
    When: July 23, 2010
    Who: pilot Capt. Brian Bews
    Why: Practicing for the Alberta International Air Show, the 419 Moose Squadron
    jet olled right and nosedived, sputtered and emitted smoke, before the jet exploded in flames. The pilot ejected from the plane, and survived with minor injuries. The one other hornet in the show may or may not perform in the airshow.

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    Plane crash under investigation

    What: small, single-engine experimental Nadiq, a fixed-wing, single-engine plane
    Where: Sandy Creek township, near Miller Road in Venango County
    When: July 24 2010, 11:25 a.m
    Who: fatalities: 57-year-old David Wagner, of Clairon, and former Clairon County commissioner 54-year-old Rob Carbaugh, of Seneca.
    Why: Crash in the woods of Sandy Creek

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    Oklahoma Medevac Crash

    What: EagleMed LLC Eurocopter A-Star 350 helicopter en route from Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City to a hospital about 90 miles away in Okeene
    Where: 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City
    When: July 22 2010
    Who: Pilot Al Harrison, 56, of Edmond, and nurse Ryan Duke, 35, of Oklahoma City, died in the crash
    Why: While en route to pick up a patient, the helicopter crashed in a field near Kingfisher shortly after 7:30 p.m. The pilot and a nurse died in the crash; a paramedic sustained serious injuries.

    A source reported that the crew was having trouble with a door on the helicopter, and a piece flew off and hit the rotor shortly before the crash, but that information is unconfirmed.

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    Azerbaijan Airlines Orders Boeing 767-300 Passenger and Freighter Models

    FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed an agreement to substitute two Next-Generation 737 airplanes for one 767-300ER (extended range) and two 767 Freighters, a new model type for the Baku, Azerbaijan-based airline. The substitution has been updated on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

    “With our centralized geographic location, Azerbaijan is becoming a busy hub in the region between east and west and north and south,” said Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. “We are capitalizing on this development by expanding our long-haul passenger fleet and growing our cargo business with the proven efficiencies of the 767 Freighter.”
    Including today’s announcement, Azerbaijan Airlines has a total of eight Boeing airplanes on order: two 767-300ERs, two 767 Freighters, two Next-Generation 737s and two 787-8s.

    “With the economic recovery gaining momentum at various speeds around the world, our customers are making changes to their fleets to accommodate the upturn,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have worked with Azerbaijan Airlines to make changes to its order book that meet its needs.”
    The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models — the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER — and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

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    Alitalia Emergency Landing in Shannon


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Piotr Pasula

    What: Alitalia Boeing 767-300 en route from Rome Fiumicino to New York
    Where: Shannon Ireland
    When: Jul 22nd 2010
    Who: 198 passengers
    Why: While en route, the crew smelled smoke in the cockpit. The pilots diverted the plane to Shannon, where they made a safe landing.

    Passengers were provided accommodations, and the plane underwent inspection.

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    Press Release: Virgin America To Order 40 Airbus Jets

    VIRGIN AMERICA SPREADS ITS WINGS: AIRLINE PLANS ORDER FOR 40 AIRBUS
    A320 AIRCRAFT, WITH OPTIONS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 20

    Award-Winning Airline to Triple Fleet Size with Order; Projects Growth from 28 Aircraft to 90 by 2016

    San Francisco – July 22, 2010 – Virgin America today announces it plans to order 40 new Airbus A320 aircraft, with options for 20 additional aircraft. The new aircraft would be delivered from 2013 through 2016 – with 10 firm orders per year on average, and options for 20 additional aircraft in 2017-2018. With today’s order of 40 new aircraft and growth from other sources, Virgin America’s fleet is projected to grow from its current 28 aircraft to 90 aircraft by 2016 – a compounded annual growth rate of 21.5 percent. David Cush, Virgin America President and CEO, and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, make the announcement of their memorandum of understanding today at the Farnborough International Airshow.

    “This MOU reflects confidence in our financial performance, business model and unique service. Despite the tough economic climate since our 2007 launch, Virgin America has experienced record growth, strong financial progress and a sweep of the major reader-based travel awards. At a time when most carriers are contracting and shedding jobs, we’re pleased to be growing and bringing our low-fare, innovative service into new markets,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “The low operating costs, cabin comfort and carbon-efficient design of our all new Airbus fleet will continue to fuel our growth and success in the North American market.”

    With the U.S. Department of Transportation’s approval of its new ownership structure in January 2010, Virgin America is focused on growth – with six additional aircraft entering its fleet this year and 12 additional aircraft planned in 2011. The airline currently has four aircraft for delivery in 2012 and expects to look for additional aircraft for 2012, in order to bridge its fleet growth to the new Airbus order starting in 2013. The airline currently serves 10 cities, with expansion to Orlando, at least one more U.S. city and two destinations in Mexico by this winter. The airline expects to grow by three to four additional new destinations a year from 2011-2016. The airline has created 1600 new jobs since its 2007 launch and intends to double its teammate base in the next three years. Virgin America continues to expand at its base of operations at San Francisco International Airport, as one of two anchor tenants in the airport’s new $383 million Silver LEED certified Terminal 2 facility – which is slated to open in 2011.

    “A repeat order from Virgin America – a U.S. airline growing quickly both in terms of its route network and its reputation for excellent service – is a great affirmation of the benefits of operating the A320 Family,” said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers. “We are very pleased they have chosen to expand their reach with even more of our aircraft. Their investment in a state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient Airbus fleet will continue to give them a competitive advantage as they grow.”

    Virgin America is planning to benefit from the new, fuel-saving “Sharklet” option that is available beginning in late 2012 on A320 aircraft. Sharklets have been developed to enhance the eco-efficiency and payload-range performance of the A320 aircraft, resulting in at least 3.5 percent reduced fuel burn over longer sectors. Since its launch, Virgin America has operated a new Airbus A320 Family fleet that is up to 25% more fuel efficient than the average U.S. fleet. The airline has not yet announced its choice of engines for the additional aircraft.

    According to Airbus, each new order for Airbus aircraft means a direct boost to the U.S. economy. Airbus spends some 40 percent of its procurement budget with hundreds of suppliers in more than 40 U.S. states. In 2009 alone, Airbus spent more than $10 billion in the U.S. – more than it spent in procurement in any other country. Using U.S. Department of Commerce figures, that dollar amount translates into Airbus support of 180,000 American jobs.

    “Airline expansion drives job, travel and tourism growth – and is also a powerful indicator of overall economic health. When we enter new markets service improves and fares drop, so our growth into new cities stimulates demand as well as direct and indirect job growth,” added Cush.

    With outstanding service and inventive amenities, Virgin America has captured a loyal guest following since its launch. The airline offers beautifully designed mood-lit cabins, fleetwide WiFi and the most advanced touch-screen in-flight entertainment platform in the skies. The airline has captured the “Best Domestic Airline” title in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards every year since its 2007 launch.

    Virgin America reported its first quarterly operating profit in the third quarter of 2009 and is on track for projected full year operating profit in 2010. Virgin America has seen significant increases in traffic and bookings in the second quarter of 2010, with progress that has largely exceeded the overall positive trends for the industry year to date.

    The Airbus A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 310 customers and operators – making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world-wide standard wide-body system.

    Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto and Orlando (starting October 6, 2010).

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    S African Helicopter Crash, 7 lost


    Pictured: A SAPS
    MBB BO-105CBS-4
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Lonell Swatton

    What: South African Police Service MBB-BK 117-B1 Helicopter
    Where: Open field about 4km from Witbank, Mpumalanga, South Africa
    When: 23-JUL-2010
    Who: 7 fatalities
    Why: 5 National Intervention Unit police officers, a pilot and a crew member died in a crash whose details are sketchy. The helicopter was one of two that were en route to assist local police in Witbank where armed thieves had just robbed a local supermarket. One helicopter arrived safely and ended up in a gun battle. The other, according to witnesses, exploded in mid-air and crashed.

    Paramedics from ER24 were dispatched to an open field where the helicopter was already burned beyond recognition.

    A piece of the tail was found 150 meters from the wreckage.

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    Boeing, Alaska Airlines Complete Order for Two Next-Generation 737s

    SEATTLE, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Alaska Airlines today announced the carrier has exercised options for two additional Next-Generation 737-800s.
    Valued at approximately $153 million at list prices, the Alaska order was posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website in June and attributed to an unidentified customer.

    “Alaska Airlines continues to execute a successful and strategic vision based on its expansive fleet of efficient and reliable Next-Generation 737s,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Alaska celebrated its transition to a single fleet in 2008 and with these additional orders, is truly reaping the benefits represented by its slogan, ‘Proudly all-Boeing.’

    “Through its close partnership with Boeing, and working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Alaska Airlines is also expanding the use of advanced navigational and flight guidance procedures that leverage the superior performance capabilities of the Next-Generation 737. These procedures reduce flight times and congestion and result in lower fuel consumption and emissions into the environment,” Dailey said.
    “Our financial performance has been strong, and expanding our fleet with these two new 737-800s will not only help us fly more efficiently but also launch new service for our customers, provide positive returns for investors and ultimately, bring some of our furloughed employees back to work,” said Alaska Airlines’ President Brad Tilden.

    Including today’s order, Alaska will take delivery of 13 Next-Generation 737s over the next several years. Alaska Airlines has 116 737s in its fleet, including 55 737-800s.

    Operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet, Alaska Airlines has established an enviable track record of operational and financial performance. The reliability and flexibility of its 737 fleet has enabled the airline to grow throughout the highly competitive North America market.

    The Boeing 737-800 is the best-selling version of the successful Next-Generation 737 family. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency and economical performance, the 737-800 is selected by leading carriers throughout the world because it provides operators the flexibility to serve a wide range of markets.

    To date, more than 125 customers have placed orders for more than 5,400 Next-Generation 737s. Unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737 exceed 2,000 airplanes, valued at more than $150 billion at average list prices.

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    Delta Lands with Flat

    What: Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 en route from Atlanta to Oregon
    Where: Atlanta International Airport
    When: July 22 2010
    Who: 160 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: On takeoff, the Delta jet blew a tire. The pilots returned to Atlanta and made a safe landing after circling in a holding pattern for an hour to burn off fuel. Passengers disembarked safely and were booked on alternative flights.

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    Continental Flight Diverts to Guam


    Pictured: A Continental Airlines Boeing 737-724 over Fukuoka Japan
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer J.Suzuki

    What: Continental Airlines Boeing 737-700 en route from Guam to Hiroshima
    Where: Guam
    When: Jul 22nd 2010
    Who: 95 passengers and 5 crew
    Why: While en route, the pilot noticed irregularities from the control panel altitude and airspeed indicators. The plane turned back for Guam where the problem was repaired and the flight took off again a couple of hours later.

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    Azerbaijan Airlines Orders Boeing 767-300 Passenger and Freighter Models

    FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 22 — Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed an agreement to substitute two Next-Generation 737 airplanes for one 767-300ER (extended range) and two 767 Freighters, a new model type for the Baku, Azerbaijan-based airline. The substitution has been updated on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website.

    “With our centralized geographic location, Azerbaijan is becoming a busy hub in the region between east and west and north and south,” said Jahangir Askerov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. “We are capitalizing on this development by expanding our long-haul passenger fleet and growing our cargo business with the proven efficiencies of the 767 Freighter.”
    Including today’s announcement, Azerbaijan Airlines has a total of eight Boeing airplanes on order: two 767-300ERs, two 767 Freighters, two Next-Generation 737s and two 787-8s.
    “With the economic recovery gaining momentum at various speeds around the world, our customers are making changes to their fleets to accommodate the upturn,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have worked with Azerbaijan Airlines to make changes to its order book that meet its needs.”

    The Boeing 767 family is a complete family of clean, quiet, fuel-efficient airplanes that provide maximum market versatility in the 200- to 300-seat market. The Boeing 767 family includes three passenger models — the 767-200ER, 767-300ER and 767-400ER — and a medium-widebody freighter, which is based on the 767-300ER fuselage.

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    FAA Orders Inspections for Boeing 767 Pylons

    July 21 – The FAA is ordering U.S. operators of 138 Boeing 767 airplanes to reduce the initial pylon inspection time mandated in a September 22, 2005 Airworthiness Directive from 10,000 to 8,000 total flights. This inspection must be done within 400 flights after the most recent inspection required by the 2005 directive, or within 90 days, whichever occurs later.

    The FAA is also reducing the interval for repetitive inspections for cracking of the pylon midspar structural fittings and an adjacent structure from 1,500 to every 400 flights thereafter. There is also an option for replacing the fittings instead of conducting the inspections.

    Since the 2005 Airworthiness Directive (AD), the FAA has received two reports of cracking of the midspar structural fitting on Boeing 767 pylons. The pylon attaches the engine to the wing. Undetected cracking could lead to fracture of the structural components, damage to the pylon, and separation of the engine from the wing.

    The Immediately Adopted AD affects 138 U.S.-registered airplanes out of 314 worldwide. The total cost to U.S. operators is approximately $46,920. The AD affects only those 767 models that have the original pylon design. Boeing has improved the design of the 767 pylon and those aircraft with the improved pylon designs are not included in this AD.

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    Boeing, American Airlines Complete Order for 35 Next-Generation 737s

    SEATTLE, July 21 — Boeing and American Airlines, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMR Corp., today announced the airline has exercised options for an additional 35 Next-Generation 737-800s.

    The order is part of American Airlines’ ongoing fleet renewal plan, replacing MD-80s with fuel-efficient Next-Generation 737s. The 737-800 is 35 percent more fuel efficient on a seat-mile basis than the MD-80s it will replace.

    “American Airlines is leveraging all the performance benefits of the Next-Generation 737 to enhance the airline’s competitive position, while providing an enhanced passenger travel experience,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “American’s investment in additional 737s demonstrates real confidence in the 737’s technology and economics. In addition, the new interiors on its existing 737 fleet and the new 737 Boeing Sky Interior on deliveries starting in 2011 will ensure American’s customers continue to enjoy an exceptional flying experience.”

    “The 737-800 provides additional amenities for our customers while helping to reduce our operating and fuel costs and lessen our impact on the environment,” said Virasb Vahidi, chief commercial officer for American Airlines. “The 737 is a product that benefits all of American’s stakeholders and is a good fit for our current fleet renewal plans.”

    Famous for its extremely efficient operation, high dispatch reliability and leading performance on coast-to-coast flights, the 737-800 remains the airplane of choice for airlines wanting to take advantage of new opportunities in the market.

    Today’s 35 new orders build on an order for 84 737s that began arriving in 2009. American currently expects to have a total of 195 737-800s in its single-aisle fleet by the end of 2012.

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    United Airlines Turbulence over Kansas


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Helmut Schnichels

    What: United Airlines Boeing 777-200 en route from Washington to Los Angeles,CA
    Where: Kansas
    When: Jul 20th 2010
    Who: 255 passengers and 10 crew
    Why: While en route over Kansas, the flight encountered severe turbulence which caused a number of injuries. The flight diverted to Denver Colorado where they made a safe landing and were met by emergency services. 21 passengers and 4 crew were hospitalized with one head injury, one broken leg plus assorted less serious injuries. The interior of the plane incurred minor damage.

    A replacement flight was provided within four hours.

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    Gulf Air Flight Diverts to Beirut


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Akin Diler

    What: Gulf Air Airbus A319-100 en route from Athens Greece to Bahrain
    Where: Beirut Lebanon Rafik Hariri International Airport
    When: Jul 20th 2010
    Who: 101 passengers
    Why: While en route at an altitude of 36000 feet, the plane developed a crack in the right windshield and diverted to Bahrain. They made a safe landing at 9:43 pm. Passengers are expecting at least a 24 hour delay.