aircraft control Archives - Aviation Today

Wuzhou, China: The crash of China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 crash continues to raise critical questions more than four years after the disaster, as newly surfaced U.S. investigative data points toward deliberate cockpit actions while Chinese authorities maintain silence, citing national security concerns. On March 21, 2022, a Boeing 737-800 operated by China Eastern Airlines plunged from cruising altitude into mountainous terrain in Guangxi, killing all 132 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft, en route from Kunming to Guangzhou, entered a near-vertical descent from approximately 29,000 feet, leaving investigators initially baffled due to the absence of distress calls or clear external triggers. Early findings released by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) ruled out conventional causes such as mechanical failure, severe weather, or hazardous cargo. The aircraft was deemed airworthy, the crew qualified and medically fit, and no evidence of explosives was found. Flight data and cockpit voice recorders were recovered and analyzed with assistance from international agencies, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), yet interim reports issued between 2022 and 2024 stopped short of identifying a definitive cause, describing the event as “very complicated and very rare.” Attention began to shift toward possible human involvement after early assessments indicated that control inputs from the cockpit forced the aircraft into its steep descent. However, no official conclusion was publicly endorsed, and the investigation appeared to stall as updates from Chinese authorities became increasingly limited. A significant breakthrough emerged in 2026 following the release of previously undisclosed materials through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the NTSB. According to flight data recorder analysis, both engine fuel control switches were moved to the “cutoff” position approximately 23 seconds before the recording ceased. This action resulted in an immediate loss of engine thrust, followed by autopilot disengagement and aggressive forward control inputs that drove the aircraft into a rapid descent. The loss of electrical power shortly afterward caused the recorder to stop, leaving the final moments of the flight undocumented. The cockpit voice recorder, which continued operating briefly on backup power, was successfully recovered and analyzed. However, its contents have not been made public. The NTSB confirmed that it does not retain copies of the audio, and access remains under the control of Chinese authorities, making it a crucial yet unavailable piece of evidence in determining the sequence of events inside the cockpit. While the available data suggests that the shutdown of both engines was unlikely to be accidental and is consistent with deliberate manual input, investigators have not identified which pilot may have acted or under what circumstances. The data also does not establish motive, leaving open possibilities ranging from intentional action to incapacitation or other in-flight scenarios. Reports speculating about a possible struggle in the cockpit have surfaced in some media outlets but remain unverified and are not part of any confirmed investigative findings. Despite the emergence of these critical details, the CAAC has yet to release a final accident report, well beyond the timeline prescribed under international aviation norms. Officials have indicated that disclosing further information could endanger national security or disrupt social stability, an explanation that has drawn concern from global aviation bodies and safety experts. Under standard practices, accident investigations are expected to produce a final report within one year to ensure that safety lessons are shared across the industry. The continued lack of transparency has left several fundamental questions unanswered. Without access to the cockpit voice recordings and a comprehensive official report, the exact cause of the crash remains unresolved.

NTSB Data Suggests Possible Deliberate Engine Shutdown In MU5735 Crash That Killed 132

Aviation Today News Desk / May 6, 2026

Wuzhou, China: The crash of China Eastern Airlines Flight 5735 crash continues to raise critical questions more than four years […]

Denver, United States: A twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air 200 (N479BR) aircraft successfully landed itself at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport near Denver on December 20, 2025, after an in-flight emergency, marking the first confirmed real-world deployment of Garmin’s certified Emergency Autoland system. The aircraft experienced a sudden cabin pressurization issue while climbing through approximately 23,000 feet during a repositioning flight from Aspen. According to reports, the two pilots immediately donned oxygen masks and initiated emergency procedures. With the situation stabilized but communications limited, the crew allowed the aircraft’s Autoland system to assume control and complete the landing. Once activated, the Emergency Autoland system automatically assessed weather conditions, terrain, runway suitability and fuel status before selecting Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport as the safest landing option. The system then communicated with air traffic control, navigated the aircraft to the airport, conducted the approach, landed on the runway, applied braking, and shut down the engines without pilot input. Emergency services were placed on standby as a precaution, but no injuries were reported, and the aircraft sustained no damage. Initial automated radio transmissions suggested possible pilot incapacitation, prompting early confusion. However, the aircraft’s operator later clarified that both pilots remained conscious throughout the event and intentionally allowed Autoland to manage the landing to reduce operational risk during the emergency. The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the incident as part of standard post-event procedures. Garmin confirmed the landing represents the first documented real-world emergency use of its Autoland technology from engagement through full stop. Emergency Autoland was certified by the FAA in 2020 and is designed to handle situations where pilots are incapacitated or unable to safely fly. The system has been installed on several general aviation aircraft types, including the King Air, Cirrus Vision Jet and select Piper and Daher models. Aviation safety experts described the incident as a significant milestone for general aviation, emphasizing the role advanced automation could play in reducing accidents related to pilot medical emergencies or high-workload situations.

Incidents

Garmin Autoland Makes First Real-World Emergency Landing On King Air In Colorado

Aviation Today News Desk / December 27, 2025

Denver, United States: A twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air 200 (N479BR) aircraft successfully landed itself at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport

Farrukhabad, India: A private jet operated by Jetserve Aviation Pvt Ltd skidded off the runway during takeoff at Mohammadabad airstrip in Uttar Pradesh’s Farrukhabad district on Thursday. All six people onboard, including two pilots and four passengers, escaped unhurt. The aircraft, registered as VT-DEZ, reportedly veered off the runway and came to rest in nearby grass after skidding for nearly 400 metres. The incident occurred around noon when the jet was preparing to depart from the unregulated airstrip. According to reports, those onboard included Ajay Arora, Deputy Managing Director of Woodpecker Greenagri Nutrients Pvt Ltd; Sumit Sharma of the State Bank of India; Rakesh Tikku, Vice President (Operations); and Manish Kumar Pandey, the company’s Uttar Pradesh project head. The flight was being piloted by Nasib Baman and Prateek Fernandes. While no injuries were reported, the aircraft sustained minor structural damage, particularly in the nose section, which appeared to have tilted into the soil following the runway excursion. Officials said that low tyre pressure may have contributed to the incident. According to NDTV, local authorities stated that the pilot was aware of reduced tyre pressure prior to takeoff but proceeded nonetheless. Officials from the district administration and the local police reached the scene shortly after the incident to inspect the site. The fire brigade was not informed in advance about the scheduled flight, and there were claims that the required treasury fees for airstrip use had not been deposited. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the runway excursion and assess whether standard safety procedures were followed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review technical and operational aspects once the aircraft is recovered.

Aircraft Crashes

Private Jet Skids 400 Metres Off Runway At Mohammadabad Airstrip, 6 Escape Unhurt

Aviation Today News Desk / October 10, 2025

Farrukhabad, India: A private jet operated by Jetserve Aviation Pvt Ltd skidded off the runway during takeoff at Mohammadabad airstrip

aircraft control

NTSB Data Suggests Possible Deliberate Engine Shutdown In MU5735 Crash That Killed 132

Garmin Autoland Makes First Real-World Emergency Landing On King Air In Colorado

Private Jet Skids 400 Metres Off Runway At Mohammadabad Airstrip, 6 Escape Unhurt

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