Carrier

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    Rusty the Border Collie Rescued After his Master’s Fatal Crash

    What: Cessna 180 en route from Vulcan, Alta., to Springfield, B.C.,
    Where: Williams Lake, Rocky Mountains
    When April 26 2011, between 8 and 9 am
    Who: Fifty-nine year old pilot Ed Fedaj
    Why: Friday, the dog Rusty was found by Parks staff Rusty survived a plane crash that killed his owner Ed Fedaj, but before the dog could be recovered, he disappeared into the park. After being looked over by a vet, Rusty, a 6 yr-old Border Collie will be returned to his family, to be adopted by Ted Fedaj.

    The Cessna 180 was found where it slammed into a gorge at 1,500 metres on the side of Mount King. Ed’s body was retrieved in spite of an avalanche risk.

    Ed had been visiting relatives in southern Alberta and was returning home to Williams Lake when he crashed.

    The B.C. Coroners Service and the Federal Transportation Safety Board are investigating.

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    SIAI-Marchetti Crashes at Sea, 2 Pilots Lost


    A Philippine SIAI-Marchetti
    Aero Image.com
    Contact photographer Rogier Westerhuis


    What: Philippine Air Force Siai-Marchetti AS-211 Warrior
    Where: Banawang village near the Stela Mariz Beach resort, Philippines
    When: April 28 2011
    Who: 2 pilots
    Why: After taking off from Basa Air Base (Clark Field in Pampanga) on a routine flight, the Aermacchi S-211 trainer jet crashed near the beach.

    Initially reports said there was one person aboard, but later reports say there were two who both died in the crash. One body has been retrieved, and divers are searching for one of the pilots who is missing. The condition of the plane is described as “vaporized” and “disintegrated.” Pieces of the plane, and what can be found of the bodies are being recovered for the examination, and local witnesses are being interviewed about what they saw.

    The fatalities were Maj. Ephraim Gatus Suyom and Juan de Leon.

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    Russian Plane Halts Due to Fire Alert

    What: Kolavia Tupolev TU-154M en route from Mineralny Vody to Surgut Russia
    Where: Mineralny Vody Russia
    When: Apr 29th 2011
    Who: 112 passengers
    Why: While en route, the Tupolev developed a fire in the engine, or at least a fire indication. The pilot returned to Vody and made a safe landing half an hour after taking off.

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    Flight Cancelled Due to UFO (Unidentified Foul Odor)


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

    What: Continental Airlines Boeing 737 en route from San Antonio to Houston
    Where: San Antonio
    When: Apr 28, 2011
    Who: 151 aboard
    Why: The plane had taken off and developed a “strong chemical odor.” The pilots returned to San Antonio International Airport and made a safe landing; however they did not know the cause of the odor and for caution’s sake, took the plane to the “ramp” area. Several passengers developed respiratory distress.

    The crew boarding wore hazmat suits. The source of the chemical odor was not identified.

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    Gol Boeing Drops Panels


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

    What: Gol Linhas Aereas Boeing 737-700 en route from Salvador to Sao Paulo
    Where: Sao Paulo
    When: Apr 26th 2011
    Who: 144 passengers
    Why: On landing at Sao Paulo, the plane touched down, and the vibration from landing knocked the ceiling panels to the cabin floor.

    According to reports, the vibrations came from the nose gear, and the airline claims that the falling panels caused no danger. The vibrations could have been the result of a hard landing on the Congonhas runway.

    Airport Code: CGH
    Longitude: 46° 39’ 19” W
    Latitude : 23° 37’ 36” S
    Runway Length : 6365 ft.
    Runway Elevation : 2631 ft.
    City: Sao Paulo



    View conganhasmap in a larger map

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    NTSB Directive Contradicts Boeing Statement

    On April 25, the NTSB released information about the April 1 Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-300 fuselage incident where the rupture in the fuselage caused depressurization and forced pilots to make an emergency landing in Yuma.

    From the release

    The NTSB Materials Laboratory work is actively conducting additional inspections and examinations in the following areas:

    1. Removal of rivets and examination of rivet hole dimensions, rivet dimensions, and rivet hole alignment between upper and lower skins.
    2. Detailed fractographic analysis of the skin fractures emanating from the rivet holes using optical and scanning electron microscopes.
    3. Fatigue striation analysis using a scanning electron microscope of specific skin fractures to determine the rate of crack propagation.
    4. Additional portions of the lap joints from the accident aircraft.

    Of 136 airplanes inspected worldwide four had crack indications at a single rivet and one plane was found to have crack indications at two rivets.

    In spite of these findings, Boeing Chief Executive Jim McNerney told Reuters“I think the initial data that I think we’re all seeing is suggesting a possible workmanship issue on an airplane, rather than a design issue across a fleet of airplanes.”

    If Boeing believes that the problem was workmanship on a single plane, then how did other planes reveal conditions precursing the same type of rupture incident as was incurred on Southwest Airlines Flight 812?

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    Disappeared Memory-And the 447 Recovery Continues

    Ile de Sein came in on the 26th from Senegal to assist in performing recovery operations in the current phase of Air France flight 447 recovery. The Remora 6000 robot found the chassis of the CSMU but not the actual CSMU memory module, which (after the human remains) is the key prize wanted in this search, being the one thing that can shed light on what occurred on June 21 2009.

    Where is the memory unit? Even if this is just a question of a badly designed insecure containment system, where is the crucial unit?

    68 people aboard the Ile de Sein are working the scene, armed with a crane and the Remora 6000 submarine.

    * images and information are from Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses

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    ANA Boeing Encounters Turbulence


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

    What: ANA All Nippon Airways Boeing 767-300 en route from Miyazaki to Tokyo
    Where: Tokyo
    When: Apr 27th 2011
    Who: 111 passengers, 8 crew
    Why: 150 miles outside of Tokyo, the flight ran into clear air turbulence. Three flight attendants and two passengers were injured at 4:55 PM. One of the flight attendants suffered a broken bone (pelvis).

    The incident is currently under investigation.

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    Turbulence Injures Attendent

    What: United Airlines /Shuttle America Embraer ERJ-170 en route from Chicago to Newark
    Where: Detroit
    When: Apr 23rd 2011
    Why: While en route, the flight encountered severe turbulence that injured a flight attendant. The pilot diverted to detroit and made a safe landing. It is not clear if the flight attendant was hospitalized in detroit, only that undesignated injuries occurred.

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    Airbus 320 Reboot Confounds United Airlines Pilots

    United Airlines pilots guilty as charged again, in that Airbus 320 that had to make an emergency return to New Orleans on April 4. A pilot in command should know he can’t skip procedures on the checklist (especially an Airbus checklist) or else there are consequences. In this case, the emergency restore didn’t work.

    Ok, lest anyone accuse me of being incorrectly legal instead of correctly tongue-in-cheek, no one was “charged” with anything.

    On April 4, 2011, the United Airlines Airbus 320-232 (N409UA), serial number 462, left Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and returned 20 minutes after take-off due to electrical difficulties and an indication of smoke in the cockpit.

    But the NTSB investigation points to pilot error. And as far as I am concerned any error that does not result in damage, but does result in amended procedures is a good thing. What has happened as a result of this pilot error is a revision to the pilot checklist that pilots have to follow when they are handling electrical malfunctions. The malfunction was not really the pilots however. There was a faulty fire-warning sensor, but the reboot procedures just made it worse since in the reboot procedure, a generator didn’t get turned back on.

    Consequences the pilots had to deal with as a result of the absent generator included a blank screen for the copilot, steering issues with the jet’s nose gear and antiskid protection for the brakes, and the intercom.

    It must have been a pretty exciting 20 minute ride for the passengers, as it ended on emergency slided.

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    Street Landing in Big Easy

    What: Single engine 1960 Piper Tri-Pacer en route from Lakefront Airport to St. Charles Parish
    Where: Harrison Avenue and West End, New Orleans
    When: April 16, 2011, 2:15 pm
    Who: pilot
    Why: Pilot Houston Hunter had dropped off his grandson at Lakefront Airport in New Orleans and was en route to Ama Airport in St. Charles Parish when he had mechanical problems and lost power. The pilot turned and tried to return to Lakefront, but had to make an emergency landing on the boulevard median, striking a minivan. Hunter injured his arm. There were three adults and two children in the van but no one was injured.

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    Amazonaves Owner Dies in Brazil Crash


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    Contact photographer João Henrique

    What: Amazonaves EMB-810C Seneca PT-EFS en route from Manaus to Santarem
    Where: Manaus
    When: April 21, 2011, 14:52 LT
    Who: 7 fatalities and a dog called Pimpolho
    Why: A minute after takeoff, an Amazonaves Air taxi which crashed at the threshold of the runway in the neighborhood of Tarumãt West Zone at 3 pm on Thursday had the owner, and his wife and son among those aboard. Antonio Neto Picão, his wife, Luciana, and a son, Matthew, 12 died in the crash and were buried in Boa Vista. Two daughters chose not to fly.

    The four other fatalities were Pilot Waldeir Alencar da Silva,, Kelly Cidrônio, Janilça Oliveira Nascimento and Magno Souza. Santos was buried in Manaus, Alves in Minas Gerais and the two other passengers in Santarém. Janilsa and Magno Nascimento Souza were employees.

    The cause of the crash has not been determined but Infraero confirmed that the plane was carrying 7 people, but only has a capacity for 5.

    Serviço de Investigação de Acidentes Aeronáuticos (Seripa) expects a report in 30 days.

    In 2002, an Amazonaves plane crashed in the Amazon;
    In 2003, an Amazonaves crashed during a flight inspection;
    In 2007, an Amazonaves crashed into a house in Manaus.
    All of the crashes were determined to be due to mechanical failure.

    The two engines and propellers of the Amazonaves Seneca (PT-EFS) will be sent to Sao Paulo where they will undergo deconstruction to be examined for signs of defect.

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    US Airways Emergency Landing

    What: US Airways Bombardier CRJ-300 en route from New York
    Where: Philadelphia International Airport
    When: April 22, 2011 7:30 pm
    Who: 12 passengers and 3
    Why: Citing engine failure, the pilot of a US Airways flight made a successful emergency landing in Philadelphia.

    Emergency crews were on standby. No injuries were reported, and no cause for the failure.

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    The Peshawar High Court Demands Air Blue Inquiry

    An independent board of inquiry for determining the causes of the crash was petitioned by politician Marvi Memon.

    Interior Minister Rehman Malik gave a two month timeframe for the release of the Air Blue report. It still has not been released due to “political pressure.”

    The families have persistent unanswered questions regarding the Air Blue crash in the Margalla Hills in Islamabad. One hundred fifty two people died in that crash in July 2010. As of Thursday, the PHC expects the written submissions (complete statements) from all respondents on the next court date.

    Counsel Omar Farouk Adam requested that the Air Blue Fleet be grounded until the report is made public. According to Chief Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, relief for the victims families must be “fixed” in the inquiry prior to the court ordering interim relief.

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    Orlando-Kentucky: Allegiant Air Emergency landing

    What: Allegiant Air MD80 en route from Orlando to Kentucky
    Where: Orlando
    When: April 22, 2011
    Who:
    Why: After taking off from Orlando, the plane developed (or already had) a problem with the hydraulics.

    The pilot made a safe return to Orlando, without injury. Passengers were provided an alternative flight and/or hotel accommodations, and an alternative flight Saturday.

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    Delta Atlanta-DC flight, MD88 Engine Shut Down

    What: Delta Air Delta MD-88 en route from Atlanta to Washington DC
    Where: Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
    When: April 22, 2011 11:30
    Why: After takeoff, the plane experienced audible engine trouble loud enough to disturb the passengers, although there was no smoke. After a loud bang, the pilot shut down the affected engine.

    The pilot returned to Atlanta and made a safe landing. Passengers were in the air again on a replacement jet by 2 pm.

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    Rocky Skies over Pacific Injure Four Flight Attendants


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    Contact photographer

    What: American Airlines Boeing 777-200 en route from Tokyo to Los Angeles
    Where: Tokyo
    When: Apr 11, 2011
    Who: 231 passengers, 4 flight attendants
    Why: While over the pacific, the Tokyo to Los Angeles flight encountered fifteen seconds of turbulence severe enough to injure four flight attendants. The flight continued as scheduled, and on arrival in the US, the flight attendants were treated.

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    Blacklisted by the EU: Air Madagascar

    According to a unanimous decision by the European Commission’s Air Safety Committee, Air Madagascar is the latest Airline blacklisted by the EU. The decision was made during the 5 – 7 April meeting. In some areas, 98 per cent of ICAO safety standards were not met. All airlines from Mozambique have been added because of persistent, significant safety deficiencies in operation and supervision. Three carriers are banned: Blue Wing Airlines, Meridian Airways, and Silverback Cargo Freighters.

    Russia was warned to “ensure” compliance of their aircraft.

    Mozambique Airlines twice weekly flights from Maputo to Lisbon which are operated under a “wet lease” agreement with a Portuguese company, EuroAtlantic Airways will continue. EuroAtlantic provides the Boeing 767-300, the crew and the maintenance.

    The Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute implemented an inadequate plan for improvement; but Portugal will be assisting the country to overcome safety problems.

    Official Eu Banned List

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    Russian Yak Sustains Damage


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

    What: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Aviation Enterprise Yakovlev Yak-40 en route from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Ossora
    Where: Russia
    When: Apr 16th 2011
    Who: 21 passengers 5 crew
    Why: Due to bad weather, the pilots rerouted to Ust-Kamchatsk.

    On landing, they overran the runway by 300 meters into heavy snow. The right wing sustained damage, (photos of the plane show it leaning on that wing), but no passengers were injured.

    Weather conditions in Ust-Kamchatsk may not have been much better than Ossora–

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    US Airways Flight Rocked by Eastern Turbulence


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    Contact photographer

    What: US Airways Boeing 757-200 en route from Orlando to Philadelphia
    Where: Lynchburg
    When: Apr 16th 2011
    Who: flight attendant
    Why: The plane took off as normal with no problem, but encountered turbulence near Lynchburg Virginia, during which a flight attendant was seriously injured.

    The pilot descended to a lower altitude, and landed safely in Philadelphia less than an hour later.

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    Vegas-Bound Passengers All Shook up

    What: Delta Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-90 en route from Minneapolis to Las Vegas
    Where: Aspen,CO
    When: Apr 17th 2011
    Who: 2 injured
    Why: While en route, the plane encountered unexpected turbulence.

    Two passengers were injured as the plane was over Aspen.

    The pilots continued on and made a safe landing in Las Vegas.

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    Hawker Goes Off Runway with Flat

    What: Piedmont Hawthorne Aviation Hawker Beechjet 400XP en route from Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport to Harrisburg
    Where: Baltimore
    When: April 19, 2011, 11:44
    Who: 0 fatalities
    Why: On takeoff, the plane blew a tire. The plane veered off the left of the runway. Neither of the two pilots nor the passenger was injured. There was no damage to the plane except for the blown tire. Emergency crews were on hand.

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    Seventeen Dead In Arunachal Pradesh When Helicopter Smashes Wall, Falls into Gorge

    What: Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd Mil Mi-172 en route from Gauhati to Tawang India
    Where: Tawang India
    When: April 19, 2011, 13:57
    Who: 23 aboard, 17 fatalities
    Why: The Pawan Hans helicopter Captain Varun Gupta and Captain A. K. Tiwari was flying was approaching the helipad to land in Arunachal Pradesh when it struck a wall, broke into pieces, burst into flame and fell down into a gorge by the helipad.

    Six survived, three of whom are critical. All—two crew members and four passengers who survived —are badly burned.

    The deceased were identified as Mrs Anita, A Baruah, Dr Tendon, Dr Asif, Mrs R Asif, Mrs Jahara, Ms Asif, Master Asif, Mr A Sharma, A K Saraugi, Ms N Botha, Col Sharma, Mr W Bhatia, Mr T Mustafa, second pilot captain Tiwari, flight attendant A Dixit and assistant maintenance engineer S B Kulkarni.

    Survivors include Captain Varun Gupta, Randiv Kumar Chaturvedi, Dorjee Wangdi, Rishi Bothra, Rajendra Pal and Mrs Karishma Saraugi.

    The injured were taken to Tawang hospital and on the 20th will be air-lifted to Guwahati.

    This was a regular flight to Tawang from the Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, and the helicopter has a valid certificate of airworthiness.

    The DGCA speculates the chopper crashed was “likely” due to wind shear and down draft.

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    Smoke Sends US Airways Passengers on a Bus

    What: US Airways Boeing 737-400 en route from Dallas to Charlotte.
    Where: Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
    When: April 18, 2011, 1 pm
    Who: 94 passengers, 5 crew (also reported as 107 aboard)
    Why: After pilots smelled smoke in the cockpit, they diverted the flight to Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport where they made a safe landing with local emergency responders as well as fire crews from Pelham-Batesville and Boiling Springs, and Greenville and Spartanburg EMS were on standby when the plane landed.

    After the plane was grounded, passengers were taken by bus to Charlotte.

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    SAS Scandinavian Airlines: Baby Scalded On Board


    What: SAS Scandinavian Airlines Boeing 737-800 en route from Oslo to Trondheim
    Where: Trondheim
    When: Apr 18th 2011
    Who: infant
    Why: The mother was in the aisle seat with a 2 year old infant on her lap when water from the cart spilled on to the baby. It is said a passenger bumped the cart.

    Medical services on board the flight treated the baby.

    This reminds me of Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants. Remember that case? A jury awarded her $2.86 million for getting burned by a cup of hot Mcdonalds coffee. They reduced that award to $640,000 but I think the final settlement was confidential. Of course Liebeck wasn’t an infant in her mother’s lap. She was 79, presumably familiar with the process of coffee drinking, and the water gave her third-degree burns on six percent of her body. No wonder they treated the baby while still on board.