Event

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    Vintage “Ghost” Crashes, Pilot Nosedives Into History

    What: Aero-Trans Corp. DBA North American P-51D-15-NA Mustang (mod.)
    Where: Reno Stead Airport, Nevada
    When: 16-SEP-2011
    Who: 3 fatalities, 1 aboard (2 on the ground)
    Why: The Reno air race show was the site of unexpected carnage today. The famous movie stunt pilot and racer nosedived near the spectator’s box seats, veering into the tarmacs apron (likely to avoid the crowds.) Witnesses say there was a problem with the tail or elevators. Perhaps the investigation will make it clear.

    “The Galloping Ghost” the North American Racer, piloted by Jimmy Leeward crashed in the crowd just before 4:30 p.m. during the National Championship Air Races. In the race, pilots fly an oval path around pylons. Leeward had apparently experienced a technical problem on the third lap which caused the plane to go out of control. It flew up before it nosedived.

    Leeward, and two bystanders were killed, and 75 were injured. The grandstand holds 10,000 but 7,500 were in attendance.

    Pilot Jimmy Leeward had a reputation of being one of Reno’s best pilots. His highly modified “Galloping Ghost” purportedly lost a elevator tab which made his sad demise inevitable. We don’t always say it in every post, but we always wish deepest heartfelt condolences to the families.

    , , and

    Statement from the Reno National Championship Air Races
    “The National Championship extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to all of the families involved in today’s tragic accident. The Air Races are truly one big family and our thoughts are with all of our aviation family members, immediate and extended. While we can’t confirm the number of casualties or fatalities, local hospitals and emergency response organizations are beginning to release this information.

    “At this point, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the communications and investigation of this incident and the representatives from the National Championship Air Races will not be granting any further interviews tonight or early tomorrow morning. We will work with the NTSB to hold a press update at some point tomorrow, though no time has been established. Should the National Championship Air Races have any additional information to release tonight or tomorrow morning, we will issue a statement and post this on our website.

    “Those wishing to check on the status of loved ones should call 775.337.5800 or locally dialing 211. We appreciate all of the thoughts and support that have been extended from around the world this evening.”

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    Airbus Major Airshow Humiliation


    Damaged A380 Wing
    Update
    The gearbox problem is not the only recent technical glitch that occurred. The aircraft’s huge propellors built by French company Ratier-Figeac, (indirectly owned by U.S. group United Technologies _UTX.N_,) developed cracks prematurely.


    What: A380 superjumbo,
    Where: Le Bourget airport, Paris
    When: June 17, 2011
    Who: no reported injuries
    Why: Before an audience including 2,100 exhibitors from 45 countries—a jury of its peers—during the Paris Airshow, Airbus had to pull its A380 display.

    The A 380 was withdrawn from the flying display when the jet had an on-the-ground collision with a building, clipping a wing on a taxiway structure.

    Also, although it made a fly-over, the Airbus A400 M military transport demo was cancelled due to a “a minor gearbox problem”

    Then on Saturday Airbus announced that two of three versions of the A350, would be delayed for about two years. We commend the decision to delay, because while Rolls Royce will be granted more time to develop a more powerful motor, hopefully Airbus will take the time to work on whatever bugs are in its system. A delay in release is clearly an opportunity to perfect the product, from a safety perspective.

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    Rag Bags Plane Crashes during Vancouver Island Airshow

    What: Home built “rag bags” kit plane
    Where: Nanaimo Airport, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
    When: June 4, 2011
    Who: pilot Dr. Bill Phipps, 71, of Campbell River
    Why: Six minutes into a planned eight minute exhibition before 1000 spectators at the Wings and Wheels air show, while supposed to be doing a four point roll, Dr. Phipps home built plane was “tail-on to the crowd and upright” and flew into the ground. A witness describes that “The right wing clipped the ground and he did a cartwheel.” Another witness said it was likely he stalled and that his wings lost lift.

    Rag Bags was Phipps name for his home-built wood and fabric plane.

    B.C. Ambulance and Cranberry Fire and Rescue recovered Phips, who was airlifted to Victoria General Hospital. He was in serious condition, with severe injuries but was stable Monday.

    See Video here: https://airflightdisaster.com/?p=17289

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    Air France, Providing an Example

    Air France


    For the last ten years, the victims families of the Air France 4590 Concorde crash have been provided memorials arranged by Air France.

    Air France continues that tradition by providing two anniversary memorial services for Air France Flight 447 victims, one in Rio de Janeiro for 100 participants, and one in Paris for 400 participants. Air France is providing transportation and facilities for the memorials and reunions.

    The glass monument recalling the victims was placed in Leblon (Rio); it has 228 swallows etched into it, each representing someone who died aboard the flight.

    Air India Express


    There was also a monument placed in Kenjar, India of six scribed granite slabs remembering 158 people killed in the May 22 Air India Express crash, but it was vandalized in October of 2010. One tragedy compounded by a senseless act of malicious mischief.

    Air Blue


    Where is the memorial to the 152 victims of Air Blue Flight 202? Airblue management promised that the names of 19 whose bodies were consigned to a communal grave would be scribed on a monument. Where is this monument?

    Where is the monument to all the 152 victims, Airblue?

    Where will you be holding the anniversary service on July 28?

    As the homemade cardboard tribute says “Sympathy is no substitute for action.”

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    Florida Weather Blasts Airshow, Tornadoes Toy with planes

    What: Lakeland Linder Regional 2011 Sun n’ Fun fly-in and exposition
    Where: Central Florida
    When: March 31 2011
    Who: Multiple injuries, no fatalities
    Why: A tornado disrupted a central Florida airshow, although reports that a hanger collapsed on spectators is false. Seven people reported injuries but there were no fatalities. Heavy winds, damaging rain, fallen trees, and alot of wrecked planes. The airshow is planning on reopening Friday. You have to give them credit for that.

    And elsewhere in Florida, the storm caused more problems. At Cape Canaveral exercises were put on hold while the storm passed through.

  • Conference:European Aviation Asset Management Leasing, financing and growth in the current environment

    2nd Annual
    European Aviation Asset Management
    Leasing, financing and growth in the current environment

    Thursday 7th April 2011
    Hilton Reykjavik Nordica
    Reykjavik, Iceland
    https://airflightdisaster.com/wp-admin/media-upload.php?post_id=14640&type=image&TB_iframe=1
    CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
    Senior Representative of Icelandair Group
    Mark Byrne, Director, ICM Aviation
    Christian Castang, Executive Director, Altaïr Aero Projects
    Spiro Farougias, Director Marketing, International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC)
    Michael Fuerst, Vice President Marketing & Sales, Airbus Freighter Conversion
    Yves Lavigne, Owner – Partner, Regio Lease
    Roland H. Moore, Aviation Attorney
    Robin Springthorpe, Partner – Aviation, Bird & Bird
    Ala Toukatli, Partner and Principal Strategy and Network, Lufthansa Consulting
    Gary Weissel, Vice President – co-Managing Officer Commercial and Business Aviation, SH&E
    Senior Representative of Bombardier Commercial Aircraft

    FREE ADMISSION FOR AIRLINES

    Following the success of the summit in 2010, the 2nd Annual event will explore the latest developments in aviation asset management in Europe as well as the future of asset management services. The event will provide the platform for high level debate, exchange of ideas and information as well as extensive networking opportunities for aviation executives from Europe and around the world.

    The main purpose of the conference is to debate issues that affect asset management in the European aviation market. Topics to be discussed will include the management of aviation assets for airlines, appraisals, leasing and financing aircraft, valuation, pre-purchase inspection, leasing management, finance and strategic planning, risk management, portfolio management, insurance, remarketing, repossession, technical asset management, engine maintenance, airworthiness assessment, aircraft sales, aircraft delivery, asset recovery, safety and regulatory compliance, security, legal issues, new airlines, all-business class aircraft operators, case studies from European regions, low cost airlines, and the future of European aviation.

    The event will also provide the opportunity for networking with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, banks, airports, law firms, financial analysts, leasing and finance companies and any aviation professional involved with the development of the aviation asset management sector in Europe.

    REGISTER
    EARLY-BIRD
    DELEGATE FEE: €100
    for a linited time
    – Regular Fee: €250 –
    FREE ADMISSION FOR AIRLINES

    To reserve your Exhibition Space and for information about other promotional opportunities,
    please contact sponsor@aeropodium.com

    SAFO11002

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    Lethbridge Jet Crash

    What: Canadian air force CF-18 Hornet
    Where: Lethbridge County Airport
    When: July 23, 2010
    Who: pilot Capt. Brian Bews
    Why: Practicing for the Alberta International Air Show, the 419 Moose Squadron
    jet olled right and nosedived, sputtered and emitted smoke, before the jet exploded in flames. The pilot ejected from the plane, and survived with minor injuries. The one other hornet in the show may or may not perform in the airshow.

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    Air India Express compliance in key areas reviewed by DGCA

    This is Air India Express’s own Press Release

    June 14, 2010
    Air India Express compliance in key areas viz. Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Security and Commercial were reviewed in a meeting convened by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Delhi, recently. Dr. Nasim Zaidi, DGCA, Mr. Arvind Jadhav, Chairman & Managing Director, Air India Express and officials from DGCA and Air India Express attended the meeting.

    DGCA highlighted certain issues relating to positioning of officers in Operations, Safety and Training areas, Pilots on the regular roll of Air India Express, Flight dispatch, Crew rostering and monitoring of their Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), Internal auditors, pre-flight medical, requirement of more mechanics etc. during the meeting.

    Air India Express has already acted upon these issues viz. issuance of office order for appointment of the Chief of Operations, order to have the pilots deputed to Air India Express to continue for a period of five years, deployment of the trainee pilots, under training now, on Boeing 737s, Computerization and automation of the Crew rostering system & FDTL monitoring, ensuring implementation of regulations with regard to Pre-flight medical, recruitment of additional mechanics from Defence etc.

    Memorandum of Understanding already exists between NACIL and Air India Express regarding Flight Dispatch, Ramp and Traffic Handling.

    The Chief Operating Officer, NACIL will soon issue Standard Operating Procedures including strict compliance with training schedule on monsoon and ALAR tool kit, regulations on special precautions during take-offs and landings, 100% FOQA, Crew Resource Management & optimal use of First Officers, strict implementation of regulations on simulation of unsafe situation during training, strict adherence to approach parameters and Voluntary safety reporting system.

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    FAA Event Alert

    “Exciting Educational Journey into the Back Country”

    Topic: Back country flying and mountain flying safety including flying rough, short, high-altitude, no-go-around, canyon airstrips.
    On Monday, April 19, 2010 at 7:00 PM
    Location:
    Torrance Airport General Aviation Center
    3301 Airport Drive

    Torrance, CA 90505
    Select Number:
    WP0531637
    Description:
    Ramona Cox, known as Skychick, with over 20 years’ experience will share the joys and trials of back-country AIR-camping in her Cessna TU206. The presentation will include safety aspects of desert and mountain flying including getting into and out of rough, short, high-altitude, no-go-around, canyon airstrips and how to prepare for those flights.
    To view further details and registration information for this event, click here.
    The sponsor for this event is: Long Beach FSDO
    The following credit(s) are available for the WINGS/AMT Programs:
    KEB 1.00

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    Aero Friedrichshafen


    Global Airshow for General Aviation
    April 8-11 2010

    Friedrichshafen, Germany –
    Over the past 30 years, AERO, a former aerial sports and leisure fair, has developed into an international communication platform for the businessoriented General Aviation industry.

    We would show more of the 2010 Press Releases but they aren’t up yet.

    This page will have the hall, exhibitors, products, aircraft, novelties and contact information “Starting in spring 2010.

    The show’s brochure will be available approx. 4 weeks prior to the show.
    “

  • Dubai Air Show 2009


    Pictured: Dubai Air Show
    Contact photographer Vasco Garcia

    At the Dubai Airshow

    • $725 million in orders for 737-800 Boeing jetliners were made by airlines backed by the Algerian government: seven by the North African country’s national flag carrier Air Algerie, and 4 by Tassili Airlines
    • Dubai Aerospace Enterprise orders $340 million from International Aero Engines consortium (Rolls-Royce (RR.L) and Pratt & Whitney)
    • Ethiopian Airlines orders for 12 Airbus A350-900 jets worth $2.9 billion and $480 million in engine orders to Rolls-Royce
    • Libyan Airlines orders CFM engines to power seven Airbus A320
    • Tunisair orders a $180 million from CFM (joint venture between General Electric (GE.N) and Safran)
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    Vintage Plane Crashes during Fort Myers Airshow


    Pictured: a Curtiss Wright Travel Air 4000
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Paul Robbins

    What: Low and Slow Aviation Ventures Curtiss Wright Travel Air 4000 built in 1927
    Where: Page Field General Aviation Airport
    When: 10:18 a.m.
    Who: pilot and 2 passengers
    Why: During an event during which rides were sold, the vintage bi-plane crashed. A witness noted the pilot was in trouble before the crash.

    Two victims, a small boy and an older gentleman, left the wreckage on their own before being taken to the hospital. The pilot was removed by EMS.

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    Biplane crash Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome


    An Avro 504K replica on the flight line ready for the weekly airshow, Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Rhinebeck NY
    Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
    Contact photographer Adam Cramer

    What: Avro504K replica bi-plane
    Where: Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Stone Church Road and Norton Avenue in Red Hook, just north of the Rhinebeck line.
    When: Saturday October 17 2009
    Who: pilot William Gordan
    Why: The engine stalled at an altitude of about 300 feet, crashed into a swamp on the aerodrome property, causing the top wings to collapse. Its lower wings sustained damage. By the time assistance arrived, the pilot had already climbed out of the plane.

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    Last Flight of California Aerobatic Champion

    What: Edge E40 in aerobatics competition
    Where: World Aerobatic Championships at Silverstone Circuit Silverstone, Dadford Road, Buckingham.
    When: 12.12pm
    Who: 40-year-old Californian and US Aerobatic Team Champion, President of the International Aerobatic Club Vicki Cruse
    Why: The crash occurred when the pilot was performing a vertical stall. Apparently she wasnt high enough when her engine stalled, or her engine ran out of fuel.

    Link to bio of Vicki Cruse. Please note this is a .pdf

  • Paris Airshow

    The Air France Airbus crash and the strained economy have cast a pall over the hundredth annual Paris Airshow, but in the meantime, Boeing sold a couple of 737s to Mitsubishi’s MC Aviation. As Airbus has missed deadlines on an order of 180 planes and has a backlog of 3500 planes and 21 cancellations, Boeing may be in line for more orders. The Air Show closes Sunday.

    George’s Point of View

    WE need the business in the U.S.
    Great News!

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    Expo Crash, Fatality at Sebring Regional Airport

    What: single engine Remos Light Sport plane manufactured by Remos Aircraft Inc.
    Where: Sebring Regional Airport in the airport’s south ramp.
    When: rashed around 7:45 a.m.
    Who: pilot Mike Kostelac was flown to Tampa General Hospital, passenger Steven Fletcher who was killed was a UK photographer.
    Why: The crash happened shortly after takeoff. A second plane that was going to take off for formation. The crash happened before the last day of the expo opened at 9 a.m.

    Sport Aviation Expo had 175 spaces rented to vendors of which Remos was one. Remos’ main office is located in Berlin Germany.

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    Replica Avro Warbird Crashes


    What: World War I-era vintage Avro 504K owned by Wellington-based company The Vintage Aviator
    Where: Hood Aerodrome
    When: took off about 10.30am but crashed a few minutes later
    Who: The pilot’s name was not released.
    Why: the engines failed and the pilot, 34, tried to land the plane but was unable to clear the trees. The pilot was able to successfully exit the plane. The plane was disassembled in the tree and removed to be reassembled and repaired later.

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    A Czech Z-37 Crashes at German Air Show

    BERLIN, April 26 – While taking off, the small propeller airplane formerly used for crop dusting rolled off the runway and into air show spectators. There were seven minor injuries, three serious injuries and one woman was killed. The pilot survived with injuries, though he was pinned in the cockpit of the single seat plane.