Emergency

Under FAA JAA IKO rulings, it is mandated that if and when an emergency is declared by an airborne plane, ATC immediately diverts all incoming traffic and gives priority to the emergency situation. Most, if not all, of the events we have described as emergency are official emergencies. However, sometimes they are incorrectly reported as emergencies by our sources, have been downgraded from official emergency status, or are believed to be emergencies by passengers in fear for their lives.

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    American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Tulsa

    American AirlinesAmerican Airlines flight 19 had to divert and make an emergency landing in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on the afternoon of January 30.

    The Airbus A321 had to be diverted after the crew reported issues with bathrooms. The flight was heading from New York to Los Angeles at the time.

    The plane, carrying 79 passengers and 8 crew members, landed uneventfully.

    An airline spokesperson said the company refueled the aircraft and serviced the bathrooms.

    The flight again departed at around 3:45 p.m.

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    AA Flight Diverts to Waterloo Due to Maintenance Issues

    American AirlinesAmerican Airlines flight AA3425 had to make an emergency landing at the Waterloo Regional Airport in Ontario, Canada, on January 31.

    The plane was en-route from Des Moines International Airport, Iowa, to Chicago, Illinois, when the crew reported maintenance issues.

    The plane was then diverted to Waterloo where it made a safe emergency landing. All 49 passengers aboard remained unharmed.

    The airline arranged an alternate aircraft for the passengers.

    The flight was being operated by Envoy Air.

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    Pilot Gets Locked out of Cockpit; Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Las Vegas

    250px-Delta_logo.svgDelta flight 1651 made an emergency landing at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 29.

    The plane was en-route from Minneapolis to Las Vegas when the pilot went out of the cockpit to use bathroom. However on returning, he could not get in because the door got jammed. Fortunately, the first officer was in the cockpit. He promptly took over the controls and made an emergency landing.

    The plane landed uneventfully and taxied to the gate. All 168 people aboard remained unharmed.

    According to Delta spokesperson Lindsay McDuff, all pilots and first officers are trained to handle such situations.

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    United Airlines Jet Makes Emergency Landing in Ontario

    United airlinesUnited Airlines flight 1181 had to make an emergency landing at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, Canada, at around 9 a.m. on January 29.

    The plane was en-route from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport when the crew reported a ‘burning smell’ and requested emergency landing.

    The Boeing 757 landed uneventfully. There were 199 passengers and 7 crew members on-board at the time; all of them remained safe.

    The airline said, “Maintenance team is reviewing the aircraft, and we’re working as quickly as possible to get our customers to Washington, D.C.”

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    Garuda Flight Landed in Emergency after Wing Damage

    GarudaGaruda flight GA 698 had to make an emergency landing at Frans Kaisiepo Airport in Biak, Papua, Indonesia, on January 26.

    The flight, heading from Manokwari to Sentani Airport, Jayapura, had to declare emergency after one of its wings got damaged.

    According to the Head of Sentani Airport, Herson, the technicians in Biak found black smoke coming from the left wing of the plane. He added, “It is suspected that the flight was struck by lightning.”

    Some passenger reported that the flight was postponed till Tuesday.

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    United Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Bridgeport

    United ExpressA United Express jet made an emergency landing at North Central West Virginia Airport in Bridgeport, West Virginia, on January 25.

    The ERJ 145 regional plane was heading from Washington Dulles International Airport, Virginia to Dayton, Ohio when the crew reported engine trouble and requested emergency landing.

    The plane landed uneventfully at around 6 p.m. and no one was injured.

    The aircraft was taken for inspection.

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    U.S. Coast Guard Chopper Hit by Bird; Makes Safe Emergency Landing in Houston

    US Coast guardA helicopter, belonging to the U.S. Coast Guard, had to make an emergency landing in a parking lot in Houston, Texas, on January 22.

    The chopper had to be landed in emergency at a shopping center’s parking area, after a bird hit it. Authorities said the helicopter was flying over the Gulf of Mexico for checking on an unmanned platform at the time of incident.

    Four people were aboard at the time; all of them remained uninjured.

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    Eastern Airways Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Aberdeen Airport

    Eastern AirwaysEastern Airways flight EZE502 made an emergency landing at Aberdeen International Airport in Scotland, on January 23.

    The Saab 2000 aircraft was flying from Scatsta Airport, Shetland, when the crew reported an unusual smell in the cockpit and requested emergency landing.

    Emergency personnel were ready at the scene when the plane safely touched the runway. An airline spokesperson said, “There were no passengers on board and the aircraft with three crew landed safely at 10am today. On arrival, the aircraft taxied to its parking stand…We have launched an investigation and engineers are inspecting the aircraft.”

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    Allegiant Air Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Las Vegas

    AllegiantAllegiant Air Flight 536 had to return and make an emergency landing in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 22.

    The flight was heading from McCarran International Airport to Great Falls, Montana, but was forced to return after a smoke alarm went off.

    The plane landed uneventfully at around 8:50 a.m. None of the 160 passengers aboard was harmed.

    The passengers were shifted to another aircraft which took them to their destination.

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    Japan-Bound Delta Flight Returns to Atlanta on Reports of Smoke

    250px-Delta_logo.svgDelta flight 95 had to turn back for emergency landing at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Georgia, on January 18.

    The Boeing 777, en-route from Atlanta to Narita, Japan, had to return after a pilot of another flight reported smoke coming out of its landing gear.

    The plane landed safely and all 308 people aboard remained unharmed.

    Firefighters and technicians inspected the plane and cleared it at around 1 p.m. after which it again took off for Japan.

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    U.S. Airways Flight Returns to Milwaukee for Emergency Landing

    US AirwaysU.S. Airways Express flight 3846 had to return and make an emergency landing at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on January 20.

    According to a statement issued by the American Airlines, “US Airways Express flight 3846 from Milwaukee to Charlotte returned to Mitchell airport due to an indication of possible smoke in the lavatory. The flight is operated by AirWisconsin.”

    The plane landed uneventfully at 2:44 p.m. and was taken for inspection.

    There were no passengers aboard at the time.

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    Thomas Cook Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Portugal after Shoe Hits a Passenger

    Thomas CookA medical emergency prompted Thomas Cook flight TCX 4125 to make an unscheduled landing in Lisbon, Portugal on January 10.

    The flight was en-route from Fuerteventura to Birmingham when a 79-year-old female passenger Hilda Holland became ill after getting hit by a falling shoe. According to Hilda’s husband John,“The woman sitting behind Hilda decided to get a cardigan from the locker but she pulled a shoe out with it…That came down and hit her on the back of the head and the ear….Ten minutes later I looked over and she was shaking and pale…I thought she wasn’t going to make it, I had never seen her like that.”

    The Airbus A321-211 made a safe emergency landing and the couple was rushed to a hospital.

    They left the hospital next day and were transported to Birmingham through another flight.

    An airline spokesperson said, “Our operations control centre contacted Mr and Mrs Holland at the hospital and offered assistance within a few hours of their arrival… Mr Holland was grateful for the call and advised that he would make arrangements through his insurers and we ensured he had direct contact number for Thomas Cook… Our welfare team have been in touch with the Hollands following their return and we hope Mrs Holland makes a full recovery.”

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    Sydney-Bound Virgin Australia Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Canberra Airport

    Virgin australiaVirgin Australia flight VA1179 had to make an emergency landing at Canberra Airport, Australia, at around 5:30 p.m. on January 16.

    According to the airline spokesperson, “In line with standard operating procedures, the captain decided to divert to Canberra as a precautionary measure after a cockpit indication light illuminated.” The flight was en-route from Albury to Sydney at the time.

    The plane landed uneventfully and all the passengers and crew members remained unhurt.

    The engineers examined the plane and cleared it after some time for resuming the flight.

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    Blue Islands Jet Hit by Lightning; Diverted to London Southend Airport

    Blue IslandsBlue Islands flight SI718 had to divert and make an emergency landing at London Southend Airport in Essex, United Kingdom, at around 6:37 p.m. on January 13.

    The flight, heading from Jersey to London City, was diverted after it was struck by lightning.

    The ATR42 aircraft, carrying 30 passengers, landed uneventfully. None of the passengers and crew members was hurt.

    Airline authorities said the aircraft was taken for inspection while the return flight to Jersey was cancelled.

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    Private Plane Makes Emergency Landing at Louisville International Airport

    KingairA private Beechcraft King F90 Turbo-prop made an emergency landing at Louisville International Airport in Kentucky, at around 8 p.m. on January 13.

    Airport spokesperson Trish Burke confirmed the incident saying that the pilot declared emergency due to a landing gear malfunction.

    The aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy on approach and it had to land on its belly. There were 8 people aboard at the time; all of them remained safe.

    It is believed that the flight was en-route from Syracuse Hancock International Airport, New York to Clark Regional Airport, Sellersburg.

    The NTSB and the FAA are investigating.

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    Minneapolis-Bound Delta Flight Returns to LAX

    250px-Delta_logo.svgDelta Airlines flight 2116 had to return and make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport, California, shortly after 9:30 a.m. on January 13.

    The Boeing 757 took off for Minneapolis at about 8:30 a.m. but had to turn back shortly afterwards due to a mechanical issue.

    The plane landed safely after shedding off extra fuel. All 146 passengers and 6 crew members aboard remained unharmed.

    The airline later said in a statement, “The crew of Delta flight 2116 from Los Angeles to Minneapolis/St. Paul followed procedures to return to Los Angeles International after a potential systems issue was observed. The aircraft landed safely without incident and taxied to the gate under its own power. Delta is currently working to accommodate customers while technicians examine the aircraft. Safety is always Delta’s top priority and apologizes to customers for the inconvenience.”

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    Cessna Makes Emergency Landing in East Carondelet Field

    CessnaA Cessna 172P made an emergency landing on a farmer’s field in East Carondelet, St. Clair County, Illinois, on January 13.

    The pilot landed the plane in emergency after reporting vibration and smell of smoke and oil to the air traffic controller at St. Louis Airport.

    The plane was carrying 2 people at the time of incident; neither of them reported any injuries.

    The aircraft is registered to Delaware-based Christiansen Aviation Inc.

    The NTSB is investigating.

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    Regional Express Airlines Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Orange Airport

    RexRegional Express Airlines Flight ZL936 had to make an emergency landing at Orange Airport, New South Wales, Australia, at around 2 p.m. on January 12.

    Authorities said the Saab 340 plane was heading from Sydney to Broken Hill when the crew requested permission for emergency landing due to an “alleged fault” in one of the engines.

    The plane landed uneventfully and all 28 passengers and 3 crew members remained unharmed.

    The airline made alternative arrangement for the passengers.

    The incident is under investigation.

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    JetBlue Flight Diverted to Norfolk due to Unknown Odor in the Cabin

    JetBlueJetBlue flight 1534 had to divert and make and emergency landing at Norfolk International Airport, Virginia, at around 4:30 p.m. on January 12.

    The Embraer aircraft, en-route from Tampa, Florida to Hartford, Connecticut, was diverted after the crew reported a strange odor in the cabin.

    The plane landed uneventfully. All 93 people aboard remained safe.

    Another aircraft was arranged which later took the passengers to Hartford.

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    United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing at LAX

    United airlinesUnited Airlines flight 401 had to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport, California, on January 11.

    The Airbus A319, travelling from Denver, Colorado, declared emergency due to a suspected mechanical problem.

    The plane landed uneventfully and all 120 passengers aboard remained unharmed.

    The nature of mechanical problem is not clear at the moment.

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    British Airways Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Heathrow Airport

    British airwaysBritish Airways flight BA103 returned to London’s Heathrow Airport on January 8.

    The Boeing Dreamliner 787 was en-route to Calgary, Canada, when a technical issue with one of its engines forced it to return for an emergency landing.

    The airline said in a statement, “The flight landed safely at Heathrow and all customers left the aircraft as normal…We are sorry for the inconvenience but safety is always our highest priority…There was a suspected problem with the engine, and our engineers are now inspecting the aircraft to determine the nature of the problem.”

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    Atlanta-Bound Delta Jet Returns to GSP

    250px-Delta_logo.svgDelta Airlines flight 5437 was forced to return and make an emergency landing at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greer, South Carolina, on January 8.

    Airport spokesperson Rosylin Weston said the plane departed for Atlanta, Georgia, at 10:17 a.m. but had to turn back due to a mechanical problem.

    The plane landed uneventfully at 10:24 a.m. All 46 passengers aboard remained unharmed.

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    Cargo Plane Returns to Portland International Airport after Duck Strikes

    A Boeing 757 cargo jet, flying for a DHL contractor, Air Transport, had to return and make an emergency landing at Portland International Airport, Oregon, on January 7.

    The plane took off for Boeing Field, Seattle, shortly after 6:30 p.m. but had to turn back after atleast 5 northern pintail ducks hit it and caused engine troubles.

    The plane landed uneventfully and no one aboard was injured. Authorities said 5 duck were found during cleaning.

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    Vietnam Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Hong Kong

    Vietnam airlinesVietnam Airlines flight VN350 had to make an emergency landing in Hong Kong, at around 4:10 a.m. on January 4.

    The airline confirmed that the Airbus 321, heading from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Fukuoka, Japan, was forced to land in emergency due to a technical fault in ventilation system.

    The plane landed uneventfully. All 184 passengers and crew members remained unharmed.

    The passengers were accommodated in another flight.

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    Engine Failure Prompts Cessna to Land near Key West International Airport

    A single-engine Cessna made an emergency landing near Key West International Airport in Monroe County, Florida, at around 10:20 a.m. on January 3.

    Authorities said that the plane, en-route from Naples to Key West airport, ended up in around 3 feet of water in salt ponds after the pilot reported engine failure.

    There were 6 people on board at the time of incident; all of them remained unharmed.