Carrier

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    Air Nippon Receives Ground Clearance Warning over Mountain Range


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

    What: Air Nippon Boeing 737-800 en route from Nagoya to Asahikawa
    Where: Asahikaw
    When: Oct 26 2010
    Why: 16 nautical miles east of the airport, the flight received a ground proximity warning system warning. The pilot climbed to a safe height in the mountainous area, and continued to make a safe landing at the Asahikawa Airport.

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    Flat Tire at Patna

    What: Air India Airbus A320-200 en route from Delhi to Patna
    Where: Patna
    When: Oct 26 2010
    Why: A runway inspection indicated a runway inspection at Delhi indicated debris on the runway, and that on takeoff, several runway edge lights had been destroyed, presumably from the takeoff of the Air India Airbus A320-200. The runway had to be closed for repairs.

    On landing at Patna, a tire burst on the Airbus. It is presumed that the runway edge lights may have caused some preliminary damage to the tires.

    George’s Point of View

    *Note to pilot: repeat 3 x: runway lights are not speed bumps.

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    Hull Breach in American Airlines Flight


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

    What: American Airlines Boeing 757-200 from Miami,FL to Boston,MA
    Where: Miami
    When: Oct 26th 2010
    Who: 154 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: A half hour after takeoff, the plane developed rapid decompression at 31,000 feet requiring oxygen masks, an emergency descent and a return to Miami.

    Maintenance found a one by two foot hole in the hull.

    George’s Point of View

    Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance!

    Even with AD Directives issued, this was still missed. Was there telltale evidence prior to this event that could have prevented endangering 154 passengers and six crew?

    The hole in the hull is not unprecedented. Sixteen months prior to flight AA-1640, Southwest Airlines (SWA) flight 2294, (another Boeing suffering a hole in the hull in July 13, 2009), the FAA has already issued Airworthiness Directive 2010-01-09 mandating inspection requirements. At that time, they ascribed the hull failure to a design fault: Fuselage skin failure due to preexisting fatigue at a chemically milled step.

    It’s an easy enough thing to visualize-picture slightly squeezing an empty cola can, then blowing into it; and repeating the process, over and over. In a soda can, it would not take the 20 years this plane has been flying for the stressed areas to develop a crease, and eventually crack.

    Not that a soda can is expected to sustain the significant pressures at 10,000+ feet, nor does it have the design flaw of chemical milling, nor is its skin made of single and double bonded layers. If it were, one could theoretically presume and anticipate metal fatigue to occur at the weakest location–the edges of where the metal is double-bonded.

    In the Southwest Airlines event, it was observed that the progression of metal fatigue tends to be higher at the borders between chemically milled and non-chemically milled bays.

    The inspection requirements in SB 737-53A1301 require inspections to detect cracks in the vulnerable areas (the chem-mill step) to avoid sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels.

    Did this plane undergo “repetitive external non-destructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin“?

    Carriers out there, when there are directives which indicate potential problems, pay attention!

    If not for the stellar performance of this flight crew, this plane would have been a statistic.

    Thank you, John D King for sending the links.

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    Threat Called in to Skywest


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    Contact photographer

    What: Skywest-Delta CRJ-200 commuter jet en route from Helena, Montana to Salt Lake City
    Where: Salt Lake City
    When: October 28, 2010
    Who: 46 passengers, 3 crew
    Why: A bomb threat call claiming there was an incendiary device aboard Skywest-Delta flight 4654 was reported to Skywest at St. George. Law enforcement was notified.

    Bomb-sniffing dogs did not find anything. The call is being traced, and security has been doubled.

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    Injury Delays Flight


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

    What: Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200 en route from Orlando to Salt Lake City
    Where: Orlando
    When: Oct 27 2010
    Who: 1 injury
    Why: Before takeoff, the plane made a sharp stop while taxiing, injuring one.

    The injury did not prevent takeoff, although there was a short delay while the injured party received treatment.

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    Indigo Airbus Lands without Steering


    Pictured: An IndiGo Airbus A320-232 taking off from Ahmedabad
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Sunandan Subramaniam

    What: IndiGo Airbus A320-200 en route from Guwahati to Kolkata
    Where: Kolkata India
    When: Oct 27 2010
    Who: 169 people on board
    Why: 7.30pm on approach to Kolkata, the pilot notified ATC that his plane had developed a problem with the hydraulics, and landing gear problems were ruled out.

    The plane made a safe landing at 7:53 pm. Nose gear steering was unavailable, so the plane was towed to the gate. While the plane was stuck on the runway, the airport shut down operations, although not for long. Incoming planes had to circle for less than half an hour.

    The next leg of the plane’s itinerary was Chennai; another plane was flown in to accommodate the passengers.

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    Maintenance, Smoke Grounds UA Flight to Shanghai

    What: United Airlines Boeing 777 en route from Chicago to Shanghai
    Where: Winnipeg
    When: Oct 25, 2010 1:40 pm
    Who: 194 passengers
    Why: While en route, the plane developed smoke in the cabin. The nearest place to land a 777 (requiring a long runway) was Winnipeg, so the pilot diverted to Winnipeg and made a safe landing with emergency crews on standby on the tarmac. Monday afternoon, a UA crew was assessing the plane; but a replacement plan is scheduled to arrive Tuesday to take the passengers to Shanghai.

    George’s Point of View

    Sometimes it seems as if it takes an emergency for a plane to get maintenance.

    Airliners never stop; they land, unload passengers, cleanup, fuel up, load more passengers and they are off again.

    When do planes get maintenance? After they see smoke?

    It’s not just United.

    Look at our posts: Engine failures, engine fires, cracked windshields, no oil pressure, low air pressure, breaking landing gear, non-working nose gear, shredding tires, smokey cabins…

    When do they stop a plane long enough for it to truly get a little TLC?

    I knew a former navy mechanic who said he would never fly on a commercial plane. Before AND After every flight, the crew checks every plane from nose to tail, ensuring everything is in perfect working order. It seems like a commercial plane only gets a good once over once it’s too late.

    We don’t do that with our cars. You know once the car’s warning light comes on, it’s already too late, and damage has already happened. So we get timely oil changes, and basic care because every dollar spent on maintenance is a hundred dollars not spent on repair.

    Sure, flight 835 plane is getting a once over now, but for that to happen, a plane full of passengers had to be put at risk.

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    Emergency Landing Kuwait City


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

    What: Kuwait Airways Airbus A300-600 en route from Kuwait City to Dhaka
    Where: Kuwait
    When: Oct 23rd 2010
    Why: After takeoff, the windshield developed a crack. The pilot returned to Kuwait and made a safe landing.

    Conflicting reports:
    According to Mohammed Bursali, Public Relations Director of Kuwait Airways, The windshield was replaced and the flight resumed an hour later. However, a replacement jet arrived four hours later to resume the flight.

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    Chaos on Aero Contractors in Lagos


    Not the 500. Pictured: Boeing 737-322 exAero Contractors Nigeria lease
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer JayDeeKay

    What: Aero Contractors Boeing 737-500 en route from Port Harcourt to Lagos
    Where: Nigeria
    When: Oct 24 2010
    Who: 84 passengers, 15 injuries
    Why: Passengers were complaining of pressure problems resulting in ear pain. Passengers reportedly “ran amuck” in the cabin when they saw smoke, apparently resulting in injury.

    Officially, ten minutes before arrival in Lagos, a smoke problem in the cabin was reported to ATC. The crew reported the smoke, and made a safe landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with emergency on standby at 6:30 pm. Passengers evacuated, resulting in fifteen injuries. Passenger’s luggage was not released until 8:30 pm

    According to maintenance, the smoke problem was mist and condensation from the air conditioning which had been switched to manual.

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    Two in one: Pia Emergency

    What: PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A310-300 en route from Quetta to Islamabad
    Where: Islamabad
    When: Oct 24 2010
    Who: 187 passengers
    Why: On approach to Islamabad, nose gear failed. The pilot shut down the plane on the runway, and the plane was towed.


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

    What: PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A310-300 en route from Manchester to Islamabad
    Where: Manchester
    When: Oct 24 2010
    Who: 190 passengers
    Why: After takeoff, suffering a technical problem, the pilot returned to Manchester where he made a safe landing. The flight (or a replacement) was rescheduled for the next day.

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    Plane lost in Washington

    What: Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute twin engine Cessna 304 en route from Chehalis to Lewiston Idaho
    Where: Packwood/Morton area, Southwest Washington
    When: October 25, 2010
    Who: pilot and 2 passengers
    Why: A pilot en route to Lewiston Idaho told ATC that one of his engines was down. He reported he was diverting to Chehalis but transmission stopped. Radar contact was lost at 7:44 am

    A search is being conducted by a navy helicopter and a jet ranger. There is a weak beacon signal indicating the location.

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    US Airways Diverts to Stephenville


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

    What: U S Airways Boeing 757-200 from Philadelphia to Brussels
    Where: Stephenville
    When: Oct 24, 2010, 10:00 pm
    Who: 149 passengers, 9 crew
    Why: The flight diverted to Stephenville when there was smoke in the cockpit. Passengers disembarked, and waited in the terminal until the replacement flight arrived at 5:30 a.m.

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    Emergency Landing in Malta

    What: Smartlynx Airbus A320-200 en route from Tenerife to Antalya
    Where: Malta
    When: Oct 22 2010
    Why: While en route, the flight suffered a loss of cabin pressure. The pilot diverted to Malta where they made a safe landing. In less than 24 hours, the plane was en route again. Disposition of the passengers is unknown.

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    Aero Emergency Pandemonium Causes Evacuation Injuries

    What: Aero B737-500 en route from Yenagoa to Abuja
    Where: Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Nigeria
    When: Oct 24 2010
    Who: 84 passengers
    Why: On approach to lagos, the plane made a reportedly “terrifying” noise and began emitting smoke in the cabin. The pilot managed the landing and directed the crew to assist with evacuations. The passengers panicked, causing a number of injuries as they jumped out of the emergency exits.

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    Fog Diverts Delhi Flight to Patna

    What: Go Airways en route from Lucknow to Delhi
    Where: Patna
    When: October 22, 2010
    Why: While en route, weather (fog) developed in Delhi, and the flight diverted to Patna where it made a safe landing. There were no injuries. However the passengers were upset, as they pressured for information about when they would be able to continue to Delhi.

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    Fed Ex Flight Diverts to Mumbai

    What: Fedex Federal Express McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter en route from Dubai to Bangalore
    Where: Mumbai
    When: Oct 22 2010
    Who: crew
    Why: The plane’s instrumentation indicated a fire in the cargo hold. The flight was diverted to Mumbai where they made a safe landing. However, at 18.24 pm on landing no fire was detected.

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    Allegiant Flies to Vegas with Damaged Nose Gear Tire

    What: Allegiant McDonnell Douglas MD-83 en route from Cedar Rapids to Las Vegas
    Where: Las Vegas
    When: Oct 22 2010
    Why: On takeoff, the plane blew a “front” tire. However, the flight continued to Las Vegas as scheduled. They landed with emergency crews on standby, and after landing taxied to the edge of the runway. The tire was repaired, and the plane continued to the gate, where passengers disembarked.

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    American Airlines Federal Credit Union Partners With PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc.

    FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 22 — American Airlines Federal Credit Union (AA Credit Union) is proud to announce its partnership with PrimeVest Financial Group, Inc. The services will be offered by the newly renamed Flagship Financial Group to better provide member-owners with comprehensive investment and insurance solutions for all their personal money management needs.

    PrimeVest is one of the nation’s leading broker-dealers exclusively serving clients at credit unions and banks.

    “With PrimeVest’s support, Flagship Financial Group advisors can offer a holistic approach to assisting members with their financial goals,” said Sherry Reams, Managing Director of Flagship Financial Group. “PrimeVest’s sound financial products complement AA Credit Union’s offerings.

    “The benefits of working with PrimeVest are plentiful,” Reams added. Member-owners will gain access to a large assortment of investment and insurance solutions that can be customized to fit their unique needs. Flagship Financial Group’s knowledgeable advisors will use the latest technology and resources to support the entire process making it easier to meet the varied needs of AA Credit Union members.

    Flagship Financial Group advisors will serve as PrimeVest-registered representatives at AA Credit Union. They can be reached at (800) 533-0035, Ext. 36699.

    Securities and insurance products offered by PrimeVest: are not FDIC/NCUSIF insured, may go down in value, are not financial institution guaranteed, are not deposits, and are not insured by any federal government agency.

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    Unruly Passenger Hauled off by Mounties and Fined $28,000 Canadian


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    Contact photographer

    What: Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747-400 en route from Orlando,FL (USA) to Manchester
    Where: Gander
    When: Oct 21 2010
    Who: 451 passengers and 17 crew
    Why: While underway, a drunken passenger got into a brawl with his wife and father in law. The pilot diverted to Gander where the disruptive passenger, UK citizen Roy Anthony Heaps, was escorted out of the airport by Mounties.

    The court ordered Heaps to pay a fine of $15,000 for charges of assault, uttering threats, mischief and interfering with an air crew; and restitution to the airline along the lines of 13,000 Canadian Dollars.

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    Overloaded (?) Cessna Crashes in Colombia

    What: Condor Cessna TU206G Turbo Stationair
    Where: El Astillero, Cerro San Antonio de Prado, Colombia
    When: October 20, 2010, 9:40 am
    Who: 4 aboard, 4 fatalities
    Why: The plane carrying provisions to Urabá and 3 passengers flew into San Antonio Mountain, killing all aboard. A would-be passenger’s life was saved because he could not board the flight—because it was full.

    The pilot did not report an emergency to the tower.

    The pilot was Juan Guillermo Mondragon. Passengers included John Amado Pérez, Osías Sierra and Xenobia Palacios.

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    Kingfisher Emergency Landing in Mumbai

    What: Kingfisher Airbus A320-200 en route from Hyderabad to Mumbai
    Where: Mumbai, India
    When: Oct 21 2010
    Who: 136 aboard
    Why: On final approach to Mumbai, the plane incurred a bird strike which struck the landing gear. The plane made a safe landing at Mumbai, although there was some damage to the plane. Everyone made it safely off the plane.

    Newspapers reported “bird was trapped inside the wheels of the plane.”

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    Sydney: Jetstar Airbus Lands on One Engine


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

    What: Jetstar Airbus A320-200 en route from Christchurch to Sydney
    Where: Sydney
    When: Oct 19th 2010
    Who: 118 passengers
    Why: While en route, passengers reported hearing a bang and seeing black smoke coming from an engine.

    The pilot shut down that engine, and made a safe landing in Sydney. Maintenance confirmed that the engine seized.

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    North Cariboo Lands in Peace River on One Engine


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

    What: North Cariboo Flying Service de Havilland Dash 8-100 en route from Edmonton to Fort Nelson
    Where: Peace River, Canada
    When: Oct 19th 2010
    Who: 28 passengers and 3 crew
    Why: While en route, the plane developed low oil pressure in the left engine. The crew shut down the engine and diverted to Peace River where they made a safe landing.

    George’s Point of View

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    Orlando: Virgin America Airbus Window Cracked


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

    What: Virgin America Airbus A320-200 en route from Orlando,FL to San Francisco,CA
    Where: Orlando
    When: Oct 20 2010
    Who: 141 passengers
    Why: After takeoff, the plane developed a crack in the windshield, and by the time it had been aloft for a few moments, the crack began spidering. The plane returned to Orlando and made a safe landing. Passengers were provided an alternative flight within a couple of hours—by 7 pm

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    Body Found on Gulf Air Flight

    What: Gulf Air Airbus A330-200 en route from Bahrain to Manila
    Where: Manila
    When: Oct 20th 2010
    Why: Prior to landing in Manila, a Filipino electrician, Marlon Cueva, 36, of Lubang Island, Mindoro Occidental, who had been working in Abu Dhabi for three months was found with a cord around his neck in the lavatory. The news is reporting this alternately as a murder or a suicide. Although news reports say he was found inside the toilet at the rear of the plane by a flight steward after landing, other reports say the discovery was called in thirty minutes before landing. His wife and relatives were waiting at the airport for the plane to arrive, and they say there was no reason for him to commit suicide. Police are investigating if this could be a murder.