Carrier

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    Air Canada Jazz Falling Parts


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

    What: Air Canada de Havilland Dash 8-300 en route from Vancouver,BC to Kelowna,BC
    Where: Vancouver
    When: Jul 25th 2010
    Who: 35 aboard
    Why: While en route after takeoff, observers witnessed a piece of the plane fall off the plane and on to the runway. The part was determined to be a hydraulic hand pump handle. The decision was made to continue to Kelowna, where the plane landed safely and was examined.

    Maintenance discovered the right engine nacelle missing. After maintenance, on return to Vancouver, the missing parts were replaced.

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    Boeing Skids off Rainy Guinea Tarmac

    What: Mauritania Airways Boeing 737-700 en route from Nouakchott to Dakar Senegal to Conakry
    Where: Conakry
    When: Jul 28th 2010, 1:30 am
    Who: 91 passengers and 6 crew, ten injuries.
    Why: While landing in Conakry Guinea in heavy rain, the pilot landed halfway down the runway, resulting in an overran; they came to a dead stop off the tarmac in scrub land.

    Passengers evacuated via emergency services. Reports vary, but between 2 and 12 had minor injuries.

    Mauritania Airways is 51% owned by Tunisair; 49% by investors and the Mauritanian government.

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    Airblue Crash in Pakistan


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact Gary Culpan

    On 28 July 2010 after taking off from Karachi at 0241 UTC (0741 PST)on a domestic flight to Islamabad, Airblue Flight 202 (AP-BJB), an Airbus A321, executed a circling approach for RWY-12 at Islamabad, crashed into the Margalla Hills nine and a half miles north-east of Islamabad apparently due to bad weather. One hundred and forty-six people were aboard, and six crew. One hundred forty-six passengers and all six crew members died. The plane was a total loss. It is the first fatal accident involving an Airbus A321 and Pakistan’s worst air disaster.

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    No Survivors in AirBlue Airbus Crash in Pakistan


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

    What: AirBlue Airbus A321-200 en route from Karachi to Islamabad Pakistan
    Where: Margalla Hills about 10nm north of Islamabad
    When: Jul 28th 2010
    Who: 146 passengers and 6 crew
    Why: While on approach to Islamabad in poor weather conditions during monsoon rain and low visibility, radio contact was lost (at 09:45) and the plane impacted the terrain.

    Helicopters flew into the mountainous area, which is difficult to access. Initial reports were that there were no survivors then helicopters were reported to have flown five survivors to hospitals. Six bodies have been recovered including the pilot but there are no survivors (in spite of the video report.)

    Video

    Airbus Press Release

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    Airbus Press Release: Airblue flight ED 202 accident in Islamabad

    First Release
    28 July 2010

    Airbus regrets to confirm that an Airbus A321 operated by airblue was involved in an accident shortly after 9.45 am local time. The aircraft was operating a scheduled service, Flight ED 202, from Karachi to Islamabad, Pakistan.

    The aircraft involved in the accident, registered under AP-BJB, was MSN (Manufacturer Serial Number) 1218, initially delivered from the production line in 2000. The aircraft is leased to airblue in January 2006. The aircraft had accumulated approximately 34,000 flight hours in some 13,500 flights. It was powered by IAE V2533 engines. At this time no further factual information is available.

    In line with international convention, Airbus will provide full technical assistance to the Authorities of Pakistan, who will be responsible for the investigation into the accident.

    The A321 is a twin-engine single-aisle seating 185 passengers in a standard two-class configuration. The first A321 entered service in January 1994. To date, some 610 A321’s are in service with nearly 70 operators. The entire fleet has accumulated some 10.6 million flight hours in some 5.8 million flights. The A321 is part of the A320 Family which has achieved over 50 million take offs and landings since the first model, the A320, entered commercial service in 1988. Today, more than 4,300 aircraft are in operations to some 310 customers and operators worldwide.

    Airbus will make further factual information available as soon as the details have been confirmed.

    The concerns and sympathy of the Airbus employees go to the families, friends and loved ones affected by the accident of Flight ED 202.

    * * *

    For further information, please contact:
    AIRBUS – MEDIA RELATIONS
    Tel.: (33) 05.61.93.10.00

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    Lufthansa Freighter Splits and Burns


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

    What: Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 freighter
    Where: King Khaled International Airport, Riyadh
    When: July 27 2010
    Who: piloted by 2 German crewmembers
    Why: Observers report seeing smoke coming from the plane as it approached the runway. On landing, the plane burst into flames in the mid-section where the hull broke. The plane split in two and collapsed.

    The pilot and copilot have been hospitalized. No deaths are reported, but the plane is a total loss. It was carrying 80 tons of freight.

    The Lufthansa press release on the crash is titled “Lufthansa Cargo plane crash in Riyadh, 27 Jul 2010.”

    “According to the latest reports, a Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 freighter crashed this morning at 11.38 a.m. (local time) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft, coded Flight LH 8460, was on a flight to Riyadh from Frankfurt, Germany. The plane was piloted by a two-man crew, according to initial reports. Both pilots are being treated in hospital. On board Flight LH 8460 were 80 tonnes of freight. It is not yet known exactly what type of freight it was or which customers are affected. The cause of the accident is still being investigated. At the moment, we have no further details. We will communicate any further information immediately. Updates are also available at www.lufthansa-cargo.com.

    The next press release will be published at 2 p.m. CET.”

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    Comair fined $275,000

    Violating regulations on bumping passengers from overbooked flights has landed Delta’s subsidiary Comair a $275,000 fine from the Department of Transportation.

    Federal rules require that overbooked flights seek volunteers to give up their seats for compensation, and if no volunteers are found, a written statement must be provided, along with financial compensation.

    Comair filed inaccurate reports regarding how many passengers were denied boarding.

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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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    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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    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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    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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    Michelin and Air France Sign Long Term Contract

    PARIS 21 July 2010 – MICHELIN andAIR FRANCE have signed a long term contract. Michelin has also signed a long term contract with the airline companiesKLM.

    The contract encompasses nearly 425 KLM /Air France planes, plus certain third party customers in maintenance contracts with the two companies, will be equipped with Michelin tires.

    Among these planes are 37 Boeing B777-300 ER, 66 Boeing B737-NG, 145 A318-319-320-321 Airbus and 3 A380 Airbus.

    These contracts are typed as “invoicing to the landing plane.” Michelin reputation rests on the quality of its products and its offers of innovative service, a decisive factor leading to the signature of this long-term agreement.

    To ensure its technological leadership, Michelin invests annually nearly 500 million euros in its Center of Technologies. Michelin dedication to Research and Development are without peer in its industry.

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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.

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    LOT Brake Fire in Chicago


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

    What: LOT Polish Airlines Boeing 767-300 en route from Warsaw to Chicago
    Where: Chicago
    When: Jul 17th 2010
    Why: The flight made a safe landing in Chicago. However, after landing, the left brakes and tires were smoking and on fire. The captain told passengers that the brakes had fractured and caused damage to the hydraulic lines leading to the fire.

    Emergency services put out the fire while on the runway–it is not mentioned if passengers disembarked, before, during or after emergency services were deployed.

    Although the left tire and brake were replaced, on return to Warsaw on the 18th, the same plane suffered another brake fire on landing.

    George’s Point of View

    I know I’m being a back seat driver again, because it’s impossible to know from my armchair in California what’s happening on the ground in Chicago and Warsaw, but it seems to me that there is obviously something going on.

    Either the wrong brakes were replaced, or the brakes were not replaced, or the pilot consistently lands too fast, or the wrong (i.e. flammable) grease lubricating the brakes caught fire, or the thrust reverser is flawed or something else is going on that caused the brake fire to repeat on the return flight. Let’s hope LOT’s home base in Warsaw will get to the bottom of it before the plane has to land on a tabletop runway like Mangalore, or an unsurfaced runway like TAM Airlines Flight 3054 at Congonhas-São Paulo International Airport.