Aircraft

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    Helicopter Crashes in Islamorada FL

    What: G & S Helicopters Inc. Robinson R22 Beta II
    Where: Robbie’s Marina , Indian Key State Park, Islamorada Florida
    When: 2:30 p.m. Nov 30 2009
    Who: pilot
    Why: The pilot made an emergency landing on an island to inspect his plane. When he checked the tail rotor, the helicopter lifted off without him, at which point he tried to get back in but fell. The helicopter continued up about 70 feet before it crashed.

    The pilot received doctor’s care for his broken arm, after being rescued by a boat from a local marina.

    I’ve heard of people getting out of their car while it was running…But…a helicopter?

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    Tam Hydraulics Failure over Sao Paulo


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Matthew I. Smith

    What: TAM Linhas Aereas Airbus A330-200 en route from Sao Paulo Brazil to Buenos Aires Argentina
    Where: Sao Paulo
    When: Dec 1st 2009
    Who: 169 passengers
    Why: After takeoff, the plane experienced hydraulics failure. The crew decided to return to the airport. The Airbus landed safely, although it had to be towed from runway 09L.

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    Tam Birdstrike in Rio


    Pictured-A TAM Airbus A320-232 over Sao Paulo
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Bruno Pereira

    What: Tam Linhas Aereas Airbus A320-200 en route from Rio de Janeiro Salvador Brazil
    Where: Rio de Janeiro
    When: Nov 30th 2009
    Who: not available
    Why: On takeoff, the plane struck a bird, evidenced by a “bang” emitting from an engine, which followed by engine issues. The plane landed safely and passengers were rerouted.

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    Flying with a Chance of Ice

    The latest brouhaha in the aviation set is that the safety directive on Rolls Royce Engines–which are liable to ice up–does not ground the planes for repair, but instead has a repair date of 2011. The engines are in Boeing 777s, and have been acknowledged to be responsible for engines shutting down while in flight.

    Two questionable parts do not require replacement until 2011.

    Read the directive below:

    SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Under certain ambient conditions, ice can accumulate on the walls of the fuel pipes within the aircraft fuel system, which can then be released downstream when fuel flow demand is increased. This released ice can then collect on the fuel-to-oil heat exchanger (FOHE) front face and limit fuel flow through the FOHE.

    We are issuing this AD to prevent ice from blocking the FOHE, which could result in an unacceptable engine power loss, and loss of control of the airplane.

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    6 Lost in Seaplane Crash


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

    What: Seair Seaplanes De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Mk. 1 en route from Tofino to Vancouver
    Where: Lyall Harbour, British Columbia, Canada
    When: Nov 29 2009 4:10 p.m.
    Who: 8 aboard, 6 fatalities
    Why: After departing Lyall Harbour on Saturna Island, the flight crashed on departure. Two people—a male pilot and a female passenger— were rescued from the water. Rescuers had a difficult time dealing with near-zero visibility and strong currents

    Fatalities included Vancouver doctor Kerry Telford Morrissey and her baby daughter, Sarah, and a California couple Richard Bruce Haskitt, 49, and Cindy Schafer, 44, with a cottage on Saturna, Catherine White-Holman, 55, of Vancouver; and Thomas Gordon Glenn, 60, of White Rock.

    TSB investigators supervising the recovery are offering counseling to relatives, and recovery workers.

    Read More

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    EasyJet Lightning Strike


    Pictured: An EasyJet Airline Airbus A319-111
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Daniel Villa

    What: Easyjet Airbus 319 en route from Gatwick to Lanzarote
    Where: Nantes
    When: Sunday November 29, 8.30am.
    Who: 136 passengers
    Why: After a takeoff during stormy weather, the plane was struck by lightning. The plane returned to London and made a safe landing. After landing, the plane was checked out and deemed safe, and went on to make the flight to Lanzarote.

    A passenger describes the experience.

    “There was a huge flash and a loud bang. The plane shuddered and there was quite a lot of turbulence, the worst I’ve ever experienced. Then the aircraft suddenly dropped dramatically and some people were quite scared. As we landed back in Gatwick, we had fire-engines chasing us down the runway.”

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    Air France Airbus in Turbulence over Atlantic.


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

    What: Air France Airbus A330-200 en route from Sao Paulo to Paris Charles de Gaulle
    Where: over Atlantic
    When: Nov 30th 2009
    Who: not available
    Why: While en route over the Atlantic ( 680nm northeast of Fortaleza, Brazil and 750nm southwest of Praia, Cape Verde) the flight encountered severe turbulence, that led them to send out a mayday call, that was relayed by another Airbus amidflight from Paris to Rio.
    They descended to a lower altitude, and landed at Paris six hours forty minutes after the mayday call. This was reputedly one of several flights experiencing similar turbulence in the same area over the past month.

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    Piper Crash at Memphis International Airport


    Pictured: A Piper PA-32RT-300T Turbo Lance II
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Roberto Gorini

    What: Piper PA32RT-300 en route from Lewisburg, West Virginia to Memphis
    Where: near the old National Guard site off Democrat Road, Memphis
    When: November 29, 2009, 4:15 p.m
    Who: 4 on board, one in critical condition
    Why: On approach to the runway, the plane landed 1500-2000 feet short of the runway and caught fire. No cause is given, but it is under investigation by the FAA. Co-owner Emmett O’Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene.

    UPDATE
    The FAA confirms that O’Ryan was caught flying in 2007 in Olive Branch in an unsafe aircraft not meeting FAA standards. Records show the incident involved the same plane in this crash

    The injured were transported by ambulance to the hospital. Three are non-critical.

    Piloting the plane was businessman Emmett O’Ryan. Aboard was his daughter Ruth, his son Robert, and Robert’s friend Patrick Jenning.

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    Lufthansa Emergency Landing


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Michael Charles Bartholomew

    What: Lufthansa Cityline Avro RJ-85 en route from Linz Austria to Frankfurt
    Where: Linz
    When: Nov 29th
    Who: 61 passengers and 4 crew
    Why: By the time the flight took off, there was smoke not only in the cockpit but also in the cabin. After the plane landed safely, one individual was treated for shock; otherwise there were no injuries reported. The cause of the smoke was not released.

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    Emergency Landing in NY


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

    What: Saudi Arabian Boeing 777-200 en route from New York to Riyadh Saudi Arabia
    Where: New York
    When: Nov 28th 2009
    Who: not available
    Why: While en route, the plane indicated a main gear door not closing. The plane dumped fuel and returned to NY for a safe landing less than an hour after take-off

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    Fatal Avient Take-off


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Kok Chwee SIM

    What: Avient Aviation McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter en route from Shanghai to Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
    Where: Shanghai
    When: Nov 28th 2009, 8am local time
    Who: 7 crew
    Why: On takeoff, the MD-11’s main gear left the ground over the runway but the plane climbed less than 10 feet, ran into approach lights, fell, broke into parts and caught on fire. The plane rotated for takeoff but failed to become airborne and sustained at least one tailstrike.

    There are three fatalities, all American crew members, and 4 critically injured. Those aboard were from the US, Belgium, Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

    One injured US citizen (61 year old co-pilot) is in critical condition with multiple rib fractures, blast lung injury and pneumothorax. The other 3 survivors sustained chest and limb injuries.

    This plane, flying as HL7372 Korean Air Lines tipped on its tail at Sydney Airport while being unloaded on JAN 09 2002.

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    Wonky Air France Airbus Autopilot Delays Flight


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

    What: Air France Airbus A380-800 en route from New York to Paris
    Where: Long Island
    When: Nov 27th 2009
    Who: not available
    Why: After takeoff, the plane indicated an autopilot problem. They returned to the airport where the plane landed, was repaired and took off again, arriving safely in Paris about 6 hours late-

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    Still not EU Blacklisted

    Does Yemenia Airlines (or backers) have Deeper Pockets?

    After months of being under the public eye following the loss of an Airbus A310 in the Comoros, Yemenia Airlines has still not been formally blacklisted. The plane was inspected in 2007 by the French Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile, and found to have a number of faults. It was never re-inspected because the operators of that plane stopped flying within French airspace. (They flew up to French airspace, unloaded their passengers, took on new passengers and flew back.) The faults that failed French standards continued to be inflicted on non-French airspace.

    There are 15 countries forbidden from conducting European Union operations.

    Yemenia Airlines is looking for a third party to adjudicate in the Comoros accident investigation, citing “harassment” by French government officials has followed the crash, which is being handled by France’s BEA investigation agency. While simultaneously complaining about BEA harassment , Yemenia obligated itself for $700 million for 10 A320s for delivery from late 2011.

    Nothing like backroom deals to keep the world going round.

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    Sri Lanka AF Crash Kills 4

    Update
    What: Sri Lankan Air Force MI-24
    Where: Rattaran Kivula’ mountains in Buttala 240 kilometers from Colombo
    When: Friday
    Who: 2 pilots, 2 passengers
    Why: Pilots reported a mechanical problem to ATC prior to the crash. A probe panel to investigate Friday’s crash. The flight was on a training mission when it crashed in the southeastern Moneragala district.

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    New Gulfstream G650 Completes 1st Flight

    SAVANNAH, Ga., November 25, 2009 — Gulfstream Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), today announced that its newest business jet and the flagship of its fleet, the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G650, successfully completed its first flight.

    Flown by experimental test pilot Jake Howard and senior experimental test pilot Tom Horne, the G650 took off from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport at 1:41 p.m. local time today with flight engineer Bill Osborne on board. Because pilots were alerted to a slight vibration in a landing-gear door, they curtailed the testing regimen as a precautionary measure. The aircraft landed 12 minutes later.

    “We are pleased to announce that the G650 successfully completed its first flight today,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream. “Systems were fully operational. The aircraft achieved an altitude of 6,600 feet and a speed of 170 knots. Flight controls and characteristics performed as expected. We consider this flight a success and look forward to pursuing our full flight-test plan.”

    Under its own power, the G650 rolled out of the Savannah manufacturing facility on Sept. 29, 2009. It remains on schedule for type certification by 2011, followed by entry-into-service in 2012.

    The G650 offers the longest range at the fastest speed in its class. Powered by best-in-class Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the business jet is capable of traveling 7,000 nautical miles at 0.85 Mach and has a maximum operating speed of 0.925 Mach. Its 7,000-nautical-mile range means the G650 can fly nonstop from Dubai to Chicago. With an initial cruise altitude of 41,000 feet at 0.85 Mach, the G650 can climb to a maximum altitude of 51,000 feet and avoid traffic and inclement weather.

    With its all-new aerodynamically optimized wing, the G650 can meet the latest takeoff certification requirements. At maximum takeoff weight, the aircraft can depart from a 6,000-foot runway.

    Passenger comfort is one of the G650’s main attributes. The aircraft features the largest purpose-built business-jet cabin, which leaves room for larger galleys and lavatories, and increased storage. The jet, which seats 11-18 passengers, also has 16 Gulfstream-signature oval windows that measure 28 by 20.5 inches, the biggest in the industry.

    The G650 provides the most productive cabin environment. A cabin altitude of 4,850 feet at FL510 and 3,300 feet at FL410 reduces fatigue, increases mental alertness and enhances productivity. A quieter cabin allows for a better environment for conversation or relaxation.

    The aircraft comes with the new Gulfstream Cabin Essential™ package, so a single-point failure will not result in the loss of functionality. That means a toilet always flushes; water is always available; and an entertainment source always works.

    Additionally, the G650 features the PlaneView™ II cockpit, the most advanced flight deck in business aviation, and an Advanced Health and Trend Monitoring System (AHTMS) to support aircraft maintenance planning and enhance availability.

    NOTE TO EDITORS

    Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced some 1,800 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, comprising the wide-cabin, high-speed Gulfstream G150®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G200®; the new large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G250®; the large-cabin, mid-range Gulfstream G350®; the large-cabin, long-range G450®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G500®; the large-cabin, ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550® and the ultra-large-cabin, ultra-long-range G650®. Gulfstream also offers aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream Financial Services Division and Gulfstream Pre-Owned Aircraft Sales®. The company employs approximately 9,000 people at seven major locations. We invite you to visit our Web site for more information and photos of Gulfstream aircraft at www.gulfstream.com.

    General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), headquartered in Falls Church, Va., employs approximately 92,300 people worldwide. The company is a market leader in business aviation; land and expeditionary combat systems, armaments and munitions; shipbuilding and marine systems; and information systems and technologies. More information about General Dynamics is available online at www.gd.com.

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    Grading the make: Airbus Military A400M

    The testing program for the Airbus Military A400M airlifter has begun, including test engine runs on November 23rd and taxiing at Airbus Military’s Seville, Spain plant.

    Engine and systems tests on four Europrop International (EPI) TP400 turboprops progressed from low to full take-off power.

    Initial testing runs at low speed were performed on the aircraft’s braking and steering systems, normal, alternate and emergency braking systems; the anti-skid system; and the nosewheel steering and reverse power. Test included electrical and on-board data networks, 180 degree turns and reverse taxiing.

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    Airbus Emergency Landing in Grand Cayman


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

    What: Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-100 en route from the Nicaraguan capital of Managua to Fort Lauderdale
    Where: Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman
    When: November 25, 2009
    Who: 133 passengers
    Why: While en route, a cockpit indicator signified smoke in the cockpit; the flight diverted to Owen Roberts International Airport, Grand Cayman where it landed safely.

    On inspection, maintenance found neither smoke nor fire, and instead of rebooking the passengers, the flight continued on safely to its destination.

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    Airbus Boeing Navigation Issue


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

    What: Air France Boeing 777-200 en route from Paris to Sao Paulo
    Where: Portugal
    When: Nov 25th 2009
    Who: 252 passengers including nine players and the coaches of the Brazilian Volleyball National Team travelling home after winning the Men’s World League Championship
    Why: Two hours into the flight while west of Lisbon, the plane developed navigational problems. The crew decided to return to Paris which they did; and they made a safe landing.

    George’s Point of View

    Things happen. It’s good to see that even with a navigation problem, they were able to make it back to the airport safely.

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    Embraer Warning Error over Saskatoon


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

    What: Compass Airlines Embraer ERJ-170-200 en route from Minneapolis to Saskatoon
    Where: Saskatoon
    When: Nov 20th 2009
    Who: 56 on board
    Why: On approach to Saskatoon, the plane sent a nose wheel steering warning. The plane landed in Saskatoon incident-free, and inspected the plane without finding a cause or record of the warning. Subsequently, the systems were rebooted.

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    Toilet Diversion


    Pictured: interior of a Cathay Pacific Airways Airbus A330-343X
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Simon Mok

    What: Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300 en route from Riyadh Saudi Arabia to Hong Kong
    Where: Mumbai
    When: Nov 17th 2009
    Who: 278 passengers
    Why: While en route, all ten toilets on the flight became clogged, and the flight had to divert to Mumbai. Apparently, Cathay Pacific has had this problem on other Airbus A340-300s, as passengers dispose of everything from medicine bottles to stuffed animals in the airline toilets. They have requested assistance from Airbus to help come up with a solution.

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    Salvador Emergency Landing


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Paulo João Pianaro

    What: Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras Embraer ERJ-190 en route from Salvador to Sao Paulo
    Where: Brazil
    When: Nov 24th 2009
    Who: 94 passengers
    Why: Half an hour after leaving Salvador, the cabin lost air pressure. Oxygen masks deployed as the flight returned to Viracopos Airport. The flight landed safely, and passengers debarked. Passengers were provided alternative flights.

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    Boeing Emergency Landing in Paraguay


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Tales De Lass Graciano

    What: AeroSur Boeing 737-200 en route from Asuncion Paraguay to Santa Cruz
    Where: Asuncio
    When: Nov 23rd 2009
    Who: 71 passengers
    Why: While en route, the pressure in one engine dropped. The crew shut down that engine, and returned to the airport where they made a safe landing.

    The 737 joined the AeroSur fleet in December 2008.