Aircraft Damage Archives - Aviation Today

Cedar City, United States: A training helicopter operated by the aviation program of Southern Utah University crashed at Cedar City Regional Airport on Saturday morning, leaving a pilot and a student pilot injured and prompting a federal investigation into the accident. According to authorities, the crash occurred on May 23, 2026, at Cedar City Airport in Iron County, Utah. Officers from the Cedar City Police Department responded to the scene after receiving reports of an accident involving an SUU helicopter used for flight training operations. Police said two people were onboard the aircraft at the time of the accident, a pilot instructor and a student pilot. Both occupants survived the crash and were transported to Cedar City Hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Officials confirmed the helicopter sustained significant damage during the accident. However, no additional injuries were reported on the ground and no other property was damaged. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the helicopter type, registration number, flight phase, or the exact cause of the crash. “We are aware of the accident involving an SUU helicopter at the Cedar City Airport this morning,” SUU public relations director Brooke Heath said in a brief written statement. “The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority, and we are working closely with the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to investigate the incident,” Heath’s statement concluded. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident. Federal investigators are expected to examine operational records, maintenance history, weather conditions, pilot training procedures, and wreckage evidence to determine the cause of the crash. Southern Utah University operates one of the largest collegiate helicopter training fleets in the United States through its aviation division based in Cedar City. The university’s rotorcraft training program uses helicopters for commercial pilot, instructor, mountain flying, and emergency procedure training. Cedar City Regional Airport, located about two miles northwest of Cedar City, is a major hub for flight training activity in southern Utah and hosts both fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations. As of now, officials have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading to the crash, and the investigation remains ongoing.

SUU Flight Training Helicopter Crash In Utah Injures Instructor And Student Pilot

Aviation Today News Desk / May 27, 2026

Cedar City, United States: A training helicopter operated by the aviation program of Southern Utah University crashed at Cedar City […]

Florida, United States: A training aircraft belonging to Florida-based flight school Aamro Aviation was involved in an emergency forced landing Friday afternoon after a reported engine malfunction caused the aircraft to crash into a field near Hobe Sound, Florida, authorities said. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m. west of Interstate 95 near Hobe Sound. Deputies and Martin County Fire Rescue crews responded after the aircraft went down in an open dirt field following an apparent loss of engine power. Both occupants, a flight instructor and a student pilot survived the crash and escaped without serious injuries. The aircraft involved was identified as a 2023-built Cessna 172S Skyhawk SP registered as N294PL. The aircraft sustained “substantial damage” during the forced landing after experiencing engine power loss near Tailwinds Airport (FD15). Flight tracking data showed the aircraft departed from North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport before the emergency unfolded. Reports indicated the airplane was operating as a training flight carrying a certified flight instructor and a student pilot at the time of the accident. Photos released from the scene showed the white single-engine aircraft heavily damaged in the field after the emergency landing. Preliminary information from investigators suggests the instructor attempted an off-airport forced landing after the engine malfunction occurred. The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to investigate the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the exact cause of the reported engine failure and circumstances leading to the crash landing.

Aircraft Crashes

Flight Instructor & Student Escape Unhurt After Forced Landing Crash Incident

Aviation Today News Desk / May 23, 2026

Florida, United States: A training aircraft belonging to Florida-based flight school Aamro Aviation was involved in an emergency forced landing

Pune, India: On Wednesday morning, a two-seater training aircraft belonging to Redbird Aviation crash-landed near Gojubavi village adjacent to Baramati Airport during a training sortie. Preliminary reports said the aircraft went down shortly after takeoff at around 8:30–8:50 AM local time. According to Pune Rural Police and airport officials, only a trainee pilot was onboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. The pilot survived the accident without serious injuries. Authorities said the aircraft was flying at a relatively low altitude when it reportedly developed a technical malfunction. Eyewitnesses told investigators that while attempting an emergency landing, part of the aircraft struck a light pole before crashing into an open field near the airport perimeter. Baramati Airport Director Shivaji Taware confirmed that the aircraft belonged to Redbird Aviation Academy and said the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined. Police teams and local officials rushed to the site immediately after the incident, while technical assessments of the wreckage and a formal investigation are now underway. The crash comes less than four months after the devastating Learjet 45XR accident on January 28, 2026, involving a VSR Ventures charter aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The aircraft, registered VT-SSK, crashed during an attempted landing at Baramati Airport amid poor visibility and heavy fog conditions. All five people onboard including Ajit Pawar, his personal security officer, two pilots and a flight attendant were killed in the crash. The jet burst into flames after impact during a second approach attempt to Runway 11. Redbird’s Previous Training Aircraft Incidents At Baramati Airport: August 9, 2025: Near Baramati Airport in Pune, a Redbird Flight Training Centre trainer aircraft crash-landed after a tyre issue caused the front wheel to detach on touchdown, the trainee pilot escaped unhurt. October 19, 2023: At Baramati Airfield in Maharashtra, a Redbird Aviation Tecnam P2008JC aircraft (VT-RBC) crashed while carrying out circuit landing training after developing a technical snag, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing just outside the airfield boundary. October 22, 2023: The incident occurred near Baramati, Maharashtra, a Redbird Aviation Tecnam P2008JPC aircraft (VT-RBT), operating a sector training flight with an assistant flight instructor and a student on board, suffered an engine failure and crash-landed, toppling after touchdown.

Aircraft Crashes

Trainee Pilot Survives After Red Bird Training Aircraft Crashes Near Baramati Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / May 13, 2026

Pune, India: On Wednesday morning, a two-seater training aircraft belonging to Redbird Aviation crash-landed near Gojubavi village adjacent to Baramati

Helicopter Crash

Two Injured After Light Helicopter Crashes And Catches Fire In Thailand’s Samut Prakan

Aviation Today News Desk / May 4, 2026

Samut Prakan, Thailand: A light helicopter crashed and caught fire shortly after takeoff in Thailand’s Samut Prakan province on Sunday

El Alto, Bolivia: Bolivian authorities have arrested the pilot and co-pilot of a Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules following an official investigation that concluded the February 2026 crash near La Paz was preventable and largely linked to operational errors during landing. The aircraft crashed on February 27, 2026, while attempting to land at El Alto International Airport, after completing a domestic flight from Santa Cruz. During landing in adverse weather, the aircraft failed to decelerate on the runway, veered off the surface, breached the airport perimeter, and ploughed into a busy roadway, striking multiple vehicles before breaking apart in a densely populated area. The crash resulted in 24 fatalities and at least 43 injuries, with the majority of victims on the ground. Among the dead were civilians, including passengers in public transport vehicles hit by the aircraft. Several crew members were also injured, making it one of Bolivia’s deadliest aviation disasters in recent decades. Initial reports had indicated a lower death toll, but the number rose significantly as rescue teams recovered victims from the wreckage and surrounding impact zone. The situation on the ground quickly descended into chaos after it emerged that the aircraft was transporting a large consignment of newly printed banknotes for the Central Bank of Bolivia. The impact scattered currency across the crash site, drawing crowds of civilians who rushed to collect the money. Authorities deployed police and military units, including the use of tear gas, to secure the area and allow emergency responders to operate. Officials later declared the banknotes invalid, as they had not yet entered circulation, and subsequently destroyed recovered cash. A formal investigation by the Bolivian Air Force, the findings of which were released on April 30, 2026, identified a chain of operational failures rather than a single-point cause. Investigators determined that adverse weather conditions, including a wet runway and reduced braking efficiency, were contributing factors but not the primary cause. Instead, the report placed significant emphasis on pilot handling during the landing phase. According to the findings, the aircraft executed an improper landing sequence, touching down with the nose gear before the main landing gear, a critical procedural error that compromised braking effectiveness and aircraft stability. This technique reduced aerodynamic drag and delayed the full deployment of braking systems, significantly increasing stopping distance on an already wet runway. The report further highlighted inadequate coordination and communication with air traffic control, which may have affected situational awareness during the final approach and landing rollout. Investigators also pointed to failure to execute a go-around despite unstable landing conditions, a decision that could have prevented the accident altogether. Additionally, the probe noted that standard landing protocols and safety margins were not maintained, particularly given the weather conditions. The combination of these factors resulted in a runway excursion at high speed, leaving the crew unable to regain control before the aircraft exited the airfield boundary. Crucially, investigators concluded that the crash was preventable, stating that proper adherence to established landing procedures and timely decision-making would likely have avoided the accident. Based on these findings, Bolivian prosecutors issued arrest warrants for the pilot and co-pilot on April 30, with both taken into custody on May 1, 2026, following questioning. The two are currently being held in pre-trial detention and face charges of involuntary manslaughter, with authorities alleging that negligent handling of the aircraft and failure to follow standard operating procedures directly contributed to the loss of life.

Investigation

Pilot & Co-Pilot Arrested After Probe Finds Errors In Bolivian Military Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / May 4, 2026

El Alto, Bolivia: Bolivian authorities have arrested the pilot and co-pilot of a Bolivian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules following

Newark, United States: A United Airlines widebody aircraft struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States on Sunday, raising fresh safety concerns over low-altitude approaches above busy highway infrastructure. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 operating from Venice, Italy, which made contact with roadside infrastructure while descending toward Runway 29 at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time on May 3, 2026. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities, the aircraft’s landing gear and underside struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, a major highway that runs adjacent to the airport’s approach path. The impact caused the light pole to collapse, with debris subsequently striking a passing Jeep on the roadway. Despite the mid-air contact with ground objects, the aircraft continued its approach and landed safely, later taxiing to the gate without further incident. All 221 passengers and 10 crew members onboard were unharmed, airline officials confirmed. However, the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries, primarily cuts from broken glass, and was transported to hospital and is being released. Authorities reported minor structural damage to the aircraft, including impact to a tire and the underside of the fuselage. Emergency responders, including the New Jersey State Police and Port Authority personnel, attended the scene promptly. Airport officials conducted runway inspections for debris, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward. The truck involved in the collision was reportedly transporting goods to an airport facility at the time of the incident. Runway 29 at Newark is known for its low-altitude approach over the New Jersey Turnpike, where aircraft routinely pass just above vehicular traffic before touchdown. "Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft," said a United spokesperson. "We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched formal investigations into the incident. The NTSB has directed the airline to secure critical evidence, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), and has deployed investigators to Newark. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, according to officials.

Incidents

United Airlines Jet Hits Pole & Truck On Approach In Newark; Truck Driver Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / May 4, 2026

Newark, United States: A United Airlines widebody aircraft struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer during its final approach to

Mandera, Kenya: An EBB Air Embraer aircraft operating on the Nairobi-Mandera route veered off the runway during landing at Mandera Airstrip on Friday morning, in a runway excursion incident that triggered an emergency response but left all passengers and crew safe. According to confirmations from aviation authorities and multiple reports, the aircraft departed from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi at around 6:55–6:56 a.m. carrying 32 passengers and 4 crew members, before arriving in Mandera at approximately 8:30–9:10 a.m. local time. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft lost control after touchdown and overran the runway, eventually coming to rest in nearby vegetation or bushes beyond the paved surface of the airstrip. Images circulating from the scene show the aircraft partially embedded in bushy terrain, with its fuselage extending off the runway area. Some visuals also indicated light smoke from the aircraft’s structure following the impact. All 36 occupants were safely evacuated with the assistance of ground emergency teams deployed immediately after the incident. Authorities confirmed that no fatalities or injuries occurred, despite significant damage to the aircraft. The Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) stated that rescue teams responded promptly and secured the scene shortly after the aircraft came to a stop near the airstrip perimeter. The aircraft involved is reported to be an Embraer regional aircraft operated by EBB Air, identified in some aviation records as registration 5Y-EBB. The flight was a scheduled domestic service connecting Nairobi and Mandera, a route that serves government, humanitarian, and commercial travel in Kenya’s northeastern region. Aviation authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the runway excursion. While the exact reason has not been confirmed, early considerations include landing conditions, runway surface factors, or possible technical issues. No official conclusion has yet been issued. The Mandera Airstrip, located near the Kenya–Somalia–Ethiopia border region, is known for handling limited traffic, primarily charter, humanitarian, and regional domestic flights.

Incidents

EBB Air Embraer Aircraft Veers Off Runway At Mandera Airstrip; All 36 On Board Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / April 25, 2026

Mandera, Kenya: An EBB Air Embraer aircraft operating on the Nairobi-Mandera route veered off the runway during landing at Mandera

Yangon, Myanmar: A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) ATR 72-600 aircraft was involved in a ground collision at Yangon International Airport after suffering a brake system failure while taxiing, according to multiple media reports and initial findings. The incident occurred during routine ground movement when the turboprop aircraft reportedly lost braking capability, causing it to accelerate uncontrollably along the taxiway. Unable to slow down, the aircraft collided with the tail section of a stationary Myanmar Airways International (MAI) Airbus A319 parked on the apron. Following the initial impact, the ATR 72 veered off its path, spun, and subsequently struck ground support equipment, including a baggage cart, before coming to a stop within airport premises. The ATR 72-600 sustained damage to its nose/front section, while the parked Airbus A319 was struck on its tail section during the collision. Both aircraft sustained structural damage, and ground equipment was also affected. However, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers, crew, or airport personnel, and no fire or major destruction occurred. Airport authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the brake system malfunction and to evaluate whether any maintenance, operational, or procedural lapses contributed to the incident. Initial reports indicated that airport operations continued with minimal disruption, with damaged aircraft expected to be assessed and removed following the incident.

Incidents

MAI ATR 72 Brake Failure Triggers Ground Collision With MAI Airbus At Yangon Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / April 24, 2026

Yangon, Myanmar: A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) ATR 72-600 aircraft was involved in a ground collision at Yangon International Airport

Investigation

In-Flight Photo Attempt Blamed For South Korean F-15K Jet Collision, Audit Reveals

Aviation Today News Desk / April 23, 2026

Daegu, South Korea: A mid-air collision between two Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K fighter jets has been attributed to

New Delhi, India: A ground collision between two commercial aircraft operated by SpiceJet and Akasa Air at Indira Gandhi International Airport has prompted a regulatory investigation, after both planes sustained damage during taxi operations on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 2:15 PM at Terminal 1, involving a SpiceJet Boeing 737-700 (VT-SLB) arriving from Leh and an Akasa Air Boeing 737 MAX 8 scheduled to operate flight QP1406 from Delhi to Hyderabad. According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the SpiceJet aircraft was taxiing into its designated parking bay after landing when its right winglet struck the left horizontal stabiliser (tail section) of the Akasa aircraft. The Akasa aircraft had already been pushed back from its bay and was positioned for engine start, effectively stationary at the time of impact. Preliminary findings indicate that the SpiceJet aircraft had been cleared by air traffic control to taxi toward bay No. 106 after confirming separation from the Akasa aircraft. However, during the manoeuvre, the aircraft reportedly executed a turn without wing walker clearance, leading to contact between the two planes. Flight tracking data and initial reports suggest the SpiceJet jet was pulling into the gate, while the Akasa aircraft was in pushback or preparing to taxi out for departure. The collision resulted in visible structural damage to both aircraft: SpiceJet: Right winglet damaged Akasa Air: Left-hand horizontal stabiliser damaged The winglet of the SpiceJet aircraft briefly lodged into the Akasa aircraft’s tail section following impact. No injuries were reported. All passengers and crew onboard the Akasa aircraft were safely disembarked, and the airline arranged alternate travel for passengers bound for Hyderabad SpiceJet described the incident as a “ground occurrence while taxiing”, confirming that its aircraft has been withdrawn from service pending checks. Akasa Air stated that its aircraft was stationary when the contact occurred, and confirmed that all standard safety protocols were followed after the incident. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has launched a detailed investigation into the incident. The probe will examine ground handling procedures, ATC instructions, aircraft separation standards, and taxi coordination protocols.

Incidents

SpiceJet Jet Hits Stationary Akasa Aircraft At Delhi Airport, DGCA Orders Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / April 17, 2026

New Delhi, India: A ground collision between two commercial aircraft operated by SpiceJet and Akasa Air at Indira Gandhi International

Aircraft Damage

SUU Flight Training Helicopter Crash In Utah Injures Instructor And Student Pilot

Flight Instructor & Student Escape Unhurt After Forced Landing Crash Incident

Trainee Pilot Survives After Red Bird Training Aircraft Crashes Near Baramati Airport

Two Injured After Light Helicopter Crashes And Catches Fire In Thailand’s Samut Prakan

Pilot & Co-Pilot Arrested After Probe Finds Errors In Bolivian Military Plane Crash

United Airlines Jet Hits Pole & Truck On Approach In Newark; Truck Driver Injured

EBB Air Embraer Aircraft Veers Off Runway At Mandera Airstrip; All 36 On Board Safe

MAI ATR 72 Brake Failure Triggers Ground Collision With MAI Airbus At Yangon Airport

In-Flight Photo Attempt Blamed For South Korean F-15K Jet Collision, Audit Reveals

SpiceJet Jet Hits Stationary Akasa Aircraft At Delhi Airport, DGCA Orders Probe

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