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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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    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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    Press Release: New agreements between Canada and Switzerland

    Air Transportation Agreement

    One of Canada’s top-20 international air travel markets, Switzerland is an important aviation partner for Canada. In this context, Canada and Switzerland have successfully concluded negotiations toward an Open Skies-type air transportation agreement, which modernizes the 1975 agreement (last amended in 2002) to better reflect today’s market realities.

    The agreement now contains expanded operating rights for airlines from Canada and Switzerland to operate air transportation between each other’s territory and third countries, in conjunction with scheduled passenger and/or all-cargo air services between the two countries. It also enables airlines to adjust their prices with greater flexibility to meet current market conditions.

    Overall, the agreement provides more flexibility for airlines and airports to consider commercial opportunities, facilitates greater economic activity, strengthens ties with Switzerland and ultimately benefits passengers and shippers by allowing more flight options and routings (routes?).

    Protocol Amending the Canada-Switzerland Double Taxation Convention

    The double taxation convention currently in force between Canada and Switzerland was signed on May 5, 1997.

    New Protocol provisions related to the elimination of double taxation, such as exemption from the withholding of tax on dividends paid to pension plans and interest payments between unrelated parties, are expected to further strengthen trade and economic links between the two countries.

    The Protocol also implements the latest internationally agreed standard for the exchange of tax information, as developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in order to enable Canadian tax authorities to obtain information relevant for the enforcement and administration of Canadian taxation laws and to assist them in preventing international tax evasion. This supports Canada’s commitment as a G-20 member to promote the effective exchange of tax information and to protect its public finances and financial systems.

    The Protocol will enter into force once both countries have completed their respective domestic implementation procedures and will apply, generally, for taxation years that begin on or after January 1 of the year following the Protocol’s entry into force.

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    Cessna Crashes in Pond, no fatalities


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

    What: Ardmore Flying School Cessna C172R
    Where: Thames New Zealand
    When: Oct 25 2010
    Who: 2 aboard
    Why: At 10:22 a.m, the plane crashed into the pond at the end of a runway. Both individuals aboard the plane were able to exit under their own power. The plane presumably is a total loss. This is not the first time a plane has crashed into the pond at the foot of the runway.

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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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    The Real Reason behind the Democratic Republic of Congo Crash this August

    In case anyone is following this, the real reason behind the Aug 25th 2010 crash of the Filair LET L-410 en route from Kinshasa Ndolo to Bandundu Democratic Republic of Congo has been published. A passenger had secreted an alligator in his duffel bag, when the alligator got loose, everyone ran away from it, which unbalanced the plane which caused the crash. Of the 18 passengers and 3 crew, there were only 3 survivors (2 people plus the alligator.) One of the survivors later died; and someone killed the crocodile with a machete. I wonder if the lone survivor is the one who owned the duffel bag. Somehow I doubt it.

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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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    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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    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.

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    Food Poisoning In the Skies


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

    What: Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 en route from Newark to Munich
    Where: Keflavik International Airport
    When: October 20, 2010 6: 40 am
    Who: 5 or 6 passengers
    Why: The flight landed due to passengers showing symptoms of food poisoning. They made a safe landing at Keflavik and the ill passengers were taken by ambulance to the hospital.

    An investigation of the restaurants where the passengers ate, as well as the food they consumed on the plane is underway.

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    Turbulence injures 30 Passengers


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

    What: Vietnam Airlines Boeing 777-200 from Hanoi to Paris
    Where: Russia
    When: Oct 20th 2010
    Who: 30 injured
    Why: During the flight, while over Russia, the plane encountered “severe” turbulence which injured thirty passengers. A total of 33 injuries were reported. Eighteen passengers and 3 crew were given first aid on the plane. After making a safe landing in Paris, only 6 passengers and 3 crew were hospitalized.

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    Indigo Airbus Bird Strike; Safe Landing


    Cockpit of VT-INK (cn 3192) after landing in Goa
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Nitin Sarin

    What: Indigo Airbus A320-200 en route from Vadodara to Delhi (India)
    Where: Harni airport Vadodara
    When: Oct 17 2010
    Who: 60 passengers
    Why: On takeoff, a bird strike occurred. The pilot returned to Vadodara where they made a safe landing. The extent of damage has not been released, but there were no injuries reported.

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    Valencia County Crash

    What: home built plane en route to Los Chavez
    Where: Mid-Valley airport in Los Chavez, Valencia County
    When: Oct 17, 2010 7: 58 am
    Who: pilot and passenger
    Why: The plane was on approach to Los Chavez when it crashed into a drainage ditch. The occupants survived but had to be extracted from the wreckage.

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    Biman Bangladesh Brake Fire, Emergency Evacuation


    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Dn280

    What: Biman Bangladesh Airbus A310-300 en route from Kuwait to Dhaka Bangladesh
    Where: Kuwait
    When: Oct 14 2010
    Who: 229 passengers
    Why: During take-off, an indicator displayed that a cargo door was open, so the take-off was aborted; braking caught the wheels on fire. The plane was evacuated, with no injuries.

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    Zambia Crash Endangers President’s Staff

    What: Zambia Air Force plane registration # AF 215 en route to Kasempa
    Where: Mukinge airstrip in Kasempa
    When: October 16, 2010
    Who: Government officials from President Rupiah Banda’s staff
    Why: According to published reports, the pilot delayed his descent, landed too far down the runway. He applied emergency brakes and lost control of the plane, which crashed past the end of the runway.

    Government workers including Minister Mike Mulongoti, Community Development Minister, Michael Kaingu and Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane were aboard but unharmed

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    Helicopter Crash in Minatitlan Kills 8

    What: Heliservicios Campeche Bell 212 helicopter en route from Cd del Carmen en route to Minatitlan in Veracruz
    Where: Las Choapas, Minatitlan Mexico
    When: Oct 15 2010
    Who: 8 aboard
    Why: Witnesses say the helicopter caught fire while still in the air.

    The Heliservicios Campeche helicopter was transporting Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) employees at the time of the crash. Two pilots and six Pemex technicians were killed. Their bodies have been recovered.

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    Medical Mission: Cessna Crashes in Colombia

    What: Alas de Colombia Cessna 172N en route from Bucaramanga to Malaga
    Where: Pescaderito Bajo village, a kilometer from Malaga Colombia
    When: Oct 15 2010
    Who: 4 aboard, all fatalities
    Why: The pilot performed two flybys without landing and crashed on the third attempt. The crash may have been due to mechanical failure.

    The plane was on a medical mission. The pilot Víctor Granados, anesthesiologist Luis Berrezueta, doctor Martha Rivera and head nurse Alba Hernández were killed in the crash.

    Photos of the wreckage