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New Delhi, India: A Hong Kong–Delhi Air India flight experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flight AI 315, operated by an Airbus A321neo, had just arrived from Hong Kong and was on the taxiway when a fire broke out in the APU, located in the aircraft’s tail section. The APU provides electrical power to the aircraft while it is on the ground. Fire and smoke were detected during disembarkation, prompting immediate deployment of fire tenders. According to airport officials, the fire was quickly extinguished and the aircraft was evacuated without incident. Visuals from the scene showed flames and smoke near the rear fuselage before the emergency response teams brought the situation under control. In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire occurred while the aircraft was on ground power. “The aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) caught fire after landing. The fire was detected while passengers were disembarking, and the aircraft's built-in systems automatically shut down the APU. All passengers and crew are safe,” the airline said. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspection. The DGCA has launched a technical investigation into the incident. Initial assessments suggest a possible maintenance-related fault in the APU system, though a definitive cause will only be determined after a full inspection of the aircraft’s systems and maintenance records. This comes at a time when Air India is already under regulatory oversight following a fatal crash last month and a series of operational incidents. In response to the June 12 crash of Flight AI 171, the DGCA had recently directed a detailed inspection of locking mechanisms in the fuel control switches across Air India’s Boeing fleet. The airline completed the checks and reported no discrepancies. The incident marks the third technical issue involving an Air India aircraft in less than 48 hours. On Monday, another Airbus A320 operating a domestic route skidded off the runway at Mumbai airport during heavy rainfall. That aircraft, too, was grounded, though no injuries were reported. A senior DGCA official said that while the APU fire is a ground-level issue with no impact on in-flight operations, it is being treated seriously due to its potential safety implications. “We are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance records, crew statements, and sensor logs. Based on the outcome, further directives may be issued to the airline,” the official added. The affected aircraft will remain grounded until the investigation is complete and any necessary corrective actions are taken.

Air India Plane Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi, Third Technical Glitch in 48 Hours

July 23, 2025

Mumbai, India: A 25-year-old commercial pilot was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly raping a 23-year-old air hostess at his residence in Mira Road, Maharashtra. The accused and the survivor were both employed by a London-based private airline and had returned to Mumbai after a long-haul international flight. According to the Navghar Police, the incident took place on the night of June 30. Following their return from duty, the pilot and the air hostess met for dinner. The complaint states that the accused allegedly took the woman to his apartment in Mira Road, where he sexually assaulted her while she was under the influence of alcohol. The survivor initially did not approach the authorities due to alleged threats. She later lodged a formal complaint on July 18 at the Navghar police station. Based on her statement, an FIR was registered under Sections 69 and 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which correspond to rape and related offences under the previous Indian Penal Code. The accused was apprehended at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on July 19, just as he was preparing to board a flight to Hong Kong. Authorities stated that the pilot had secured a visa and had been hired by an airline based in Hong Kong. Police believe he intended to leave the country to evade arrest following the filing of the complaint. Upon arrest, the accused was produced in court and remanded to police custody until July 22. Investigating officers are examining mobile data, communications between the two individuals, location records, and any available CCTV footage. Forensic samples have also been collected to support the investigation. As of now, the name of the employing airline has not been disclosed by authorities. No official statement has been released by the company in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Raping 23-Year-Old Air Hostess at his Residence in Mumbai

July 22, 2025

Dhaka, Bangladesh: At least 27 people, most of them children, were killed and more than 170 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school campus in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon, according to official sources. The F-7 fighter jet, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, was on a routine training flight when it suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from a military base in the capital. The aircraft lost control and crashed into Milestone School and College at approximately 13:06 local time (07:06 GMT). In a statement issued by the armed forces, authorities confirmed that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the dead. He reportedly attempted to steer the aircraft away from a densely populated zone but was unable to avoid impact. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health said 25 of the 27 confirmed fatalities were schoolchildren. Many of the injured are being treated for severe burn injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and six other hospitals across Dhaka. At least 88 people remain hospitalized, while others were treated and discharged. The school, which caters to students aged four to eighteen, was reportedly just letting out classes for the day when the crash occurred. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed part of the building and black smoke filled the air. "I saw the plane coming down, and then a huge explosion,” said Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the school. “It hit the building directly. There were children everywhere.” Another teacher, Masud Tarik, told local media that he initially mistook the sound for thunder. “When I looked back, I saw only fire and smoke. Parents and children were screaming.” One student recounted that he had just finished an exam and stepped outside when the jet struck. “My best friend was standing right next to me. He didn’t make it.” Officials said a joint investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash. The inquiry will examine mechanical failure, maintenance history, flight data, and standard operating procedures. Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus offered condolences and pledged full government support to victims' families. “This is a moment of deep national grief,” he wrote in a statement. “All affected families will receive the necessary medical, financial, and psychological assistance.” The government has declared Tuesday, July 22, a national day of mourning. Flags are being flown at half-mast across the country. Outside Dhaka’s major hospitals, distraught families continued to gather, searching for loved ones and donating blood. A man mourning his eight-year-old nephew told reporters, “He was just leaving school. Now he’s gone.” This incident is one of the deadliest peacetime aviation accidents involving the Bangladesh military in recent history. Additional updates are expected following the formal investigation.

27 Dead, Over 170 Injured as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School

July 22, 2025

Mumbai, India: An Air India Airbus A320 operating as flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai experienced a runway excursion upon landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday morning. The incident occurred during adverse weather conditions caused by persistent heavy rainfall in the region. According to a statement from Air India, the aircraft landed at approximately 09:27 IST when it veered slightly off the runway surface due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board were safe and that the aircraft subsequently taxied to the parking bay without further incident. “Flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. All passengers and crew disembarked safely. The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection,” an Air India spokesperson said. Airport authorities also confirmed the incident and noted minor damage to runway 09/27. As a precaution, the runway was temporarily closed and flight operations were redirected to secondary runway 14/32. CSMIA’s operations team initiated immediate inspections and surface restoration measures. “CSMIA confirms that an aircraft veered off Runway 09/27 while landing during rain. The situation was promptly brought under control. The runway has been temporarily suspended for checks,” an official airport communication stated. There were no reported injuries, and passengers were provided assistance upon arrival. Airport operations continued with minimal delays after the alternate runway was brought into use. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and is expected to conduct a standard technical inquiry to determine the contributing factors, including weather, braking system performance, and runway surface condition. The incident comes amid continued monsoon activity in western India, which has affected visibility and operational efficiency at several airports. Aviation authorities are monitoring the situation and reviewing protocols for low-visibility landings under wet runway conditions. As of this report, runway 09/27 remained under inspection, while Air India confirmed that the involved aircraft is undergoing detailed engineering checks.

Air India Flight Skids Off Runway in Mumbai Amid Heavy Rain, Aircraft Grounded

July 21, 2025

Ontario, Canada: A 16-year-old boy was killed after a small aircraft crashed into a dock on Lake Scugog on Friday afternoon. According to Durham Regional Police, the teenager was standing on the dock when the plane made impact, fatally striking him. The incident occurred near Fralicks Beach Road, in the Scugog area, at approximately 2:40 p.m. on July 18. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after receiving multiple 911 calls regarding a downed aircraft. The boy was pronounced dead at the site. His identity has not yet been released, pending formal notification of family members. The pilot, the only person aboard the aircraft, sustained injuries and was transported to hospital. Authorities confirmed the injuries were not life-threatening. Aircraft Identified The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has confirmed the aircraft involved was a Champion 7GCBC, a single-engine, two-seat aircraft equipped with floats for water landings. The aircraft had departed from Toronto/Buttonville Municipal Airport and was heading to a private residence on Lake Scugog. The Champion 7GCBC is commonly used for recreational flying and light utility operations, and is capable of operating both on land and water when fitted with appropriate gear. Investigation Underway The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has launched an investigation into the incident. A team of investigators has been deployed to examine the crash site, document wreckage, collect flight data, and conduct witness interviews. “The TSB is gathering information and assessing the occurrence,” the agency stated in an official release on Friday evening. Durham Regional Police are conducting a parallel investigation to assess potential criminal or regulatory violations. A police spokesperson confirmed that the crash scene was secured and that all necessary evidence is being preserved. Investigators are reviewing local security camera footage and encouraging witnesses or nearby residents with any relevant videos or photographs to come forward. The local community of Scugog has been left in shock following the fatal crash. Grief support services are being arranged for those affected, including the victim’s family and friends. “This is a tragic incident that has deeply impacted our community. Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time,” said a Durham Regional Police representative.

16-Year-Old Boy Killed After Being Struck by Plane That Crashed Into Dock in Ontario

July 19, 2025

New Delhi: A SpiceJet flight preparing for departure from Delhi was disrupted earlier this week after the aircraft's air-conditioning system failed while passengers were still boarding. The incident, captured on video by passengers and widely shared on social media, drew criticism over cabin preparedness and passenger handling on the ground. Onboard Discomfort Escalates The incident occurred on July 15 on a domestic SpiceJet flight at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to passenger reports and video evidence, the aircraft remained on the ground for an extended period with no active air-conditioning, leading to visibly distressed passengers. Several passengers can be seen fanning themselves and expressing discomfort, with rising cabin temperatures triggering tensions. The video footage captures passengers loudly demanding the crew “AC chala do” (turn on the AC), while others attempted to leave their seats in protest. The cabin crew reportedly made announcements asking passengers to remain seated and assured them that ground staff were working to resolve the issue. However, according to passengers on board, the delay lasted nearly 45 minutes, during which no effective cooling was provided. Unruly Behaviour and Passenger De-boarding As the situation escalated, two passengers were asked to deboard after allegedly arguing with the crew and attempting to approach the front galley. SpiceJet, in a brief internal report reviewed by airport sources, confirmed that the two individuals were offloaded for non-compliance with crew instructions. Security staff and airline representatives were called to the aircraft, and the situation was resolved without further delay. The aircraft was later cleared for departure after a technical inspection and resumption of cooling systems. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not issued a public statement but is understood to be monitoring the case as part of routine oversight. A preliminary review of aircraft readiness and turnaround procedures may follow, especially given the high ambient temperatures currently prevailing across North India. Cockpit Intrusion Incident In a separate and unrelated incident, another SpiceJet flight (SG 9282, Delhi to Mumbai) faced disruption on July 14 when two male passengers attempted to access the cockpit while the aircraft was taxiing. The flight was brought back to the parking bay, and the individuals were handed over to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The flight departed with a significant delay after security clearance.

SpiceJet Flight Hit by AC Failure Sparks Passenger Outcry, Unruly Passengers Removed

July 18, 2025

Magadan, Russia: Russian emergency authorities have confirmed the deaths of five people following the crash of a Mil Mi-8 helicopter that went missing earlier this week in the country’s Far Eastern region. The helicopter, operated by Magadan-based civil aviation company APK Vzlyot, had been en route from Chumikan to Magadan on July 14 when it lost radio contact and disappeared from radar. The aircraft was carrying three crew members and two technical staff at the time. Following an intensive search operation, Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) announced on July 16 that the wreckage was discovered near Cape Gadikan in Khabarovsk Krai, a remote and mountainous coastal area along the Sea of Okhotsk. All five individuals on board were found dead. “The search and rescue team located the aircraft's debris in a hard-to-reach area. There were no survivors,” a spokesperson for the Ministry stated. No Distress Signal Received Officials confirmed that no distress signal had been received from the helicopter prior to its disappearance. The emergency locator beacon reportedly failed to activate, which complicated the initial search efforts. Weather conditions in the region, known for heavy fog and rugged terrain, had also hampered aerial reconnaissance flights during the first two days of the operation. Criminal Investigation Underway Russia’s Investigative Committee has launched a criminal case under Article 263 of the Russian Criminal Code, which addresses violations of safety rules during air transport operations. The probe will focus on whether flight safety regulations were properly followed by the operator. Investigators are currently examining the crash site and are expected to retrieve flight documentation and inspect any recoverable components of the aircraft. There is no official comment yet regarding the helicopter’s technical condition or any preliminary cause of the crash. Background on the Aircraft and Operator The Mi-8 is a Soviet-designed medium twin-turbine helicopter widely used in both civil and military aviation. Despite its age, it remains in extensive service across remote regions of Russia due to its reliability and load-carrying capability. APK Vzlyot, the operator of the downed helicopter, provides cargo and passenger transport services across the Russian Far East. The company has not released a public statement as of this writing but is cooperating with authorities. This is a developing story. Further details will be provided as they are released by EMERCOM, the Investigative Committee, or Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s federal air transport agency.

Five Dead in Russian Mi-8 Helicopter Crash, Wreckage Found After 48-Hour Search

July 17, 2025

India: A Right to Information (RTI) response from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as reported by The Times of India, has revealed that Indian airspace recorded 65 in-flight engine shutdowns over the past five years. The data also disclosed 11 Mayday calls between January 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, four of which were linked to Hyderabad’s air traffic control region. Engine Shutdowns Involving Multiple Airlines and Aircraft The incidents spanned both domestic and foreign carriers, with shutdowns occurring during takeoff, in cruise, or as a precautionary measure following cockpit alerts. The DGCA identified key technical causes, including: Blocked or contaminated fuel filters Interrupted fuel supply Oil pressure loss Foreign object ingestion Turbine control unit malfunctions All 65 incidents were classified as reportable occurrences under India’s civil aviation regulations and were investigated by the concerned operators under DGCA supervision. “We continue to witness shutdowns due to recurring causes like fuel contamination or component wear. Every occurrence is tracked and mandates technical review,” said Capt. C. S. Randhawa, President of the Federation of Indian Pilots. Mayday Calls Highlight Critical Emergencies The DGCA confirmed that the 11 Mayday calls issued during the 17-month period were in response to severe emergencies requiring immediate crew response. These included engine fires, hydraulic failures, and other situations jeopardizing flight safety. “A Mayday is the most serious alert. When pilots call one, it means the situation demands urgent intervention be it fire, total engine loss, or system failure,” explained Anil Rao, Executive Member, ALPA-India. Though the RTI reply did not identify the specific flights or aircraft types, officials confirmed that all events were subject to post-flight safety reviews, many involving the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB). BCAS Staffing Vacancies Raise Oversight Concerns Separately, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), India’s aviation security watchdog, reported 224 vacancies out of 598 sanctioned posts as of March 2025. The shortfall represents a staffing gap of over 37%. A recent parliamentary standing committee had raised concerns that such vacancies may hinder effective regulatory oversight. Air India Express Crash Raises Safety Scrutiny The disclosure comes shortly after the Air India Express Flight IX-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, in which an engine failure during climb-out was suspected based on preliminary reports. While the DGCA has not confirmed whether the case is counted among the 65 shutdowns, the timeline places it within the scope of the RTI data. Aviation regulators emphasize that twin-engine aircraft are certified under ETOPS to continue flying with one engine inoperative, but each incident is taken seriously. Investigations may lead to maintenance bulletins, airworthiness directives, or fleet-wide inspections. Lack of Public Safety Dashboard India currently does not provide a public-facing aviation safety dashboard like the FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) system. Access to data on technical issues or Mayday calls remains limited, often requiring RTI filings. Increased transparency in aviation safety has been a growing demand among Indian aviation stakeholders. In its June 2025 report, a civil aviation working group recommended enhanced publication of anonymized safety statistics and the establishment of a centralized digital platform for incident data.

DGCA Confirms 65 Engine Shutdowns Since 2020 and 11 Maydays in Last 17 Months

July 17, 2025

Tuva, Russia: An Air China Airbus A350-900 operating as Flight CA967 from Shanghai Pudong to Milan Malpensa was involved in a serious airspace incident over southern Siberia after it climbed through an occupied flight level, coming dangerously close to a cargo aircraft. According to preliminary radar and ATC data, the Air China aircraft began a climb from 34,100 feet to 36,000 feet without receiving explicit clearance from Russian air traffic control. During this unauthorized climb, the aircraft came within approximately 300 to 400 feet vertically of an SF Airlines Boeing 767 freighter cruising at 35,000 feet on a crossing path. The incident occurred over the Tuva region of the Russian Federation at approximately 21:39 UTC. TCAS Resolution Prevents Collision Both aircraft were equipped with functioning Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), which detected the impending conflict and issued resolution advisories. Crews on both aircraft responded promptly to TCAS instructions. No collision occurred, and both flights continued to their respective destinations without further incident. The separation between the two aircraft fell significantly below the minimum vertical separation required under ICAO standards, which is 1,000 feet for aircraft at cruising altitude. Controller-Pilot Communication Discrepancies Cockpit audio recordings released on social media and verified by local media outlets reveal apparent miscommunication between the Air China crew and Russian air traffic control. In the audio, the pilot of the SF Airlines cargo aircraft can be heard questioning the Air China flight’s climb, stating that the aircraft had initiated the climb while only 20 nautical miles ahead and without clearance. The Air China pilot did not confirm that clearance was received and appeared to acknowledge that the climb had not been explicitly approved. Russian controllers can be heard instructing other aircraft in the vicinity to maintain level flight to avoid additional conflict during the incident. Investigation Authorities from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) have launched a joint investigation. Both regulatory bodies have confirmed that standard incident reporting procedures have been initiated and that flight data recorders, cockpit voice recordings, and ATC logs will be reviewed. Officials are examining possible causes including frequency congestion, language barriers, and incorrect readbacks. The Tuva region lies within a transition area where communication overlaps and limited coverage have previously been noted in operational reports. No passengers or crew were injured during the incident. Flight CA967 continued to Milan Malpensa, arriving on schedule. The SF Airlines Boeing 767 also completed its scheduled route without diversion. Authorities have not yet released the final investigation timeline. Air China has not issued a public statement as of this report.

Air China A350 Breaches Altitude Separation, Near-Miss with Cargo Jet Over Russia

July 16, 2025

Vancouver, Canada: A stolen Cessna 172 aircraft caused a significant security incident and temporary flight disruptions at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an emergency response by airport authorities and federal law enforcement agencies. According to a statement issued by the Richmond Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the aircraft was reported stolen from the Victoria Flying Club, based at Victoria International Airport, shortly after 1:00 p.m. PDT. The plane was identified as having departed Victoria without authorization and subsequently entered Vancouver’s controlled airspace without prior clearance. Airport officials and air traffic controllers monitored the aircraft as it approached and circled the airspace above Vancouver International Airport. Flight tracking data showed the Cessna maneuvering erratically at low altitude, raising immediate concerns among air traffic personnel. Out of precaution, the airport implemented a full ground stop on all inbound arrivals at approximately 1:15 p.m., halting flight operations while authorities coordinated a response. At approximately 1:45 p.m., the aircraft made a safe landing at YVR. The RCMP, supported by YVR Security and RCMP Air Services, moved quickly to secure the aircraft and arrest the individual who was taken into custody without incident on the airfield. No injuries were reported during the event, and the aircraft sustained no apparent damage. A total of nine inbound flights were diverted during the lockdown period, and dozens more were delayed. The temporary ground stop lasted for approximately 39 minutes, with normal flight operations resuming shortly after 2:00 p.m. The Vancouver Airport Authority later confirmed that while residual delays were expected, the airport had returned to regular operational status. In an official update, Richmond RCMP stated that the individual taken into custody is believed to have acted alone. The identity of the suspect has not yet been disclosed, and no motive has been confirmed at this stage of the investigation. Authorities confirmed that the individual did not possess clearance to operate the aircraft and is not believed to be a licensed commercial pilot. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has been notified and is assessing whether a formal investigation will be opened. Meanwhile, the RCMP has launched a criminal investigation into the unauthorized use of the aircraft, including potential violations of the Canadian Aviation Regulations and other federal statutes. The Victoria Flying Club, operator of the aircraft, issued a brief statement acknowledging the incident and confirmed it is fully cooperating with investigators. Airport operations at YVR have since stabilized, and the airport authority has advised travelers to monitor airline communications for any residual delays or schedule adjustments. No further public safety threats are currently associated with the event, according to police. Authorities are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.

Stolen Cessna Causes Disruption at Vancouver Airport, Suspect Had No Pilot License

July 16, 2025

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