Aircraft Investigation Archives

BFU Interim Report Finds Brake Inputs During Vietnam Airlines 787 Take-Off In Munich

Aviation Today News Desk / September 29, 2026

Munich, Germany: Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation (BFU) released an interim report on 28 September 2026 into the

Airlines

Amazon Pauses 21 Air Operations After Fatal Miami Cargo Crash, NTSB Probe Continues

Aviation Today News Desk / September 14, 2026

Miami, United States: Amazon has paused its operations with Miami-based cargo carrier 21 Air following the fatal crash of an

Investigation

Amazon Air 767 Crew Warned Of Excessive Speed Before Miami Runway Overrun, NTSB Reveals

Aviation Today News Desk / September 10, 2026

Miami, United States: One of the pilots of Amazon Prime Air Flight 7598 repeatedly warned that the Boeing 767 was

Benin City, Nigeria: An Enugu Air Embraer E170 overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State, Nigeria, on July 23, with 63 passengers and five crew members on board. All 68 occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported. The aircraft, registered 5N-ENR, was operating Enugu Air Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin when the runway excursion occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The aircraft reportedly continued beyond the end of Runway 05 during the landing before leaving the runway area. Early reports described the aircraft as having veered into the surrounding area beyond the runway, while images and videos circulating after the incident showed the Embraer E170 off the paved runway surface. Emergency personnel responded to the occurrence, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated or disembarked. The NSIB confirmed that there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board, correcting earlier media reports that had cited different passenger figures. Enugu Air confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a runway excursion after landing. The airline said all passengers and crew had safely disembarked and that there were no injuries or casualties. The carrier said the aircraft had been secured and that the relevant aviation authorities had been notified in line with established procedures. It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence was underway. The NSIB has since launched an investigation into the incident. Its Go Team was mobilised and reached the occurrence site within minutes of notification. Investigators are gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical information. The cause of the runway excursion has not yet been established. Authorities have not publicly attributed the incident to any specific technical failure, weather condition, braking problem or pilot action, and the investigation is expected to determine the circumstances and contributing factors. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft remains secured as investigators conduct their work. NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. said the bureau was relieved that all passengers and crew members were safe but stressed that runway excursions are serious occurrences requiring thorough and independent investigation. He also urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigators work in accordance with international standards. The NSIB said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, in line with regulatory requirements. A final investigation report, including any safety recommendations, will be published after the investigation is completed. The incident also temporarily disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials began assessing the situation. The incident occurred less than three weeks after Enugu Air officially commenced commercial operations, making the runway excursion one of the first significant operational incidents involving the newly launched state-owned carrier. However, with all 68 people on board safe and the investigation still in its early stages, authorities have yet to determine exactly why the aircraft overran the runway.

Incidents

Enugu Air Embraer E170 Overruns Runway At Benin Airport With 68 On Board, All Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2026

Benin City, Nigeria: An Enugu Air Embraer E170 overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport in

Investigation

SACAA Preliminary Report Details Cessna 172 Cockpit Fire And Student Pilot’s Escape

Aviation Today News Desk / July 14, 2026

Secunda, South Africa: The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released its preliminary accident report into the crash of

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Cessna 152 Crashes Near North Weald During Flight Experience in Essex

Aviation Today News Desk / July 2, 2026

Ongar, United Kingdom: Two people were killed after a light aircraft crashed into a field near High Ongar in Essex

Beijing, China: China has reportedly imposed a nationwide suspension on private light fixed-wing aircraft operations after a fatal light aircraft crash into Beijing's tallest skyscraper, marking one of the country's most unusual aviation incidents in recent years. According to multiple reports, authorities have issued a nationwide airspace control order halting recreational flying activities involving private light aircraft. The restrictions reportedly extend to flight clubs, skydiving, gliding, paragliding and other low-altitude recreational aviation operations. Although operators across China confirmed receiving official instructions, the measures have not been publicly announced by Chinese authorities, and no timeline has been provided for when the restrictions will be lifted. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has also not issued a public statement confirming the order. The move follows the June 26 crash of a light aircraft into the CITIC Tower, also known as China Zun, a 528-metre (1,732-foot), 109-storey skyscraper that serves as the headquarters of CITIC Group and is the tallest building in Beijing. The accident occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. local time on June 26, when a Sunward SA60L Aurora, a Chinese-built single-engine, two-seat light sport aircraft registered B-12PP, struck the upper exterior of the CITIC Tower in Beijing's Central Business District in Chaoyang District during the evening rush hour. The aircraft had departed from Shifosi Airport on Beijing's eastern outskirts at around 5:30 p.m. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft flew a wide circuit before heading toward central Beijing, with tracking ending moments before the collision. Authorities confirmed that only one person was on board the pilot who was killed in the crash. Officials have not released the pilot's identity. The collision shattered two large glass façade panels on the skyscraper, sending aircraft debris and broken glass onto the streets below. Thirteen people on the ground were injured, reportedly by falling debris and shattered glass. All injured victims were taken to hospitals for treatment. Their identities and medical conditions have not been disclosed. Despite the dramatic impact, structural damage to the building appeared limited to the broken exterior glass panels, which were boarded up shortly after the accident. Flight tracking information identified the aircraft as a Sunward SA60L Aurora, a Chinese-manufactured two-seat light sport aircraft. The aircraft carried the registration B-12PP and is believed to have been operated by Dongshi Shuangyue General Aviation, a Beijing-based general aviation company that offers sightseeing flights, introductory flying experiences and pilot training from Shifosi Airport in Beijing's Pinggu District. Company promotional material advertising sightseeing flights was removed from Chinese social media shortly after the crash. Reuters reported it could not independently confirm whether the company still owned or operated the aircraft at the time of the accident, while an employee declined to verify ownership. Chinese authorities have launched an investigation into the accident. As of June 30, investigators have not identified the cause of the crash, and no preliminary findings have been released. Officials have not indicated whether the accident resulted from mechanical failure, pilot error, medical issues or any other factor.

Aircraft Crashes

China Reportedly Halts Recreational Flying After Fatal Beijing Skyscraper Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / June 30, 2026

Beijing, China: China has reportedly imposed a nationwide suspension on private light fixed-wing aircraft operations after a fatal light aircraft

Washington, United States: Two California men were killed after their float-equipped aircraft struck a high-voltage transmission line and crashed into the Columbia River near the Tri-Cities area of southeastern Washington on Wednesday afternoon, triggering widespread power outages, a brush fire, and a large-scale emergency response. The accident occurred at approximately 2:29 p.m. PDT on June 24 near the Cable Bridge and Clover Island, between Pasco and Kennewick. According to emergency officials, the aircraft collided with a transmission line spanning the Columbia River before overturning and crashing into the water. Authorities later identified the victims as Randy J. Peterson, 64, of Sonoma, California, who was piloting the aircraft, and Eric Wayne Houston, 50, also of Sonoma, who was traveling as a passenger. The Franklin County Coroner confirmed both men died at the scene. Officials said the pair had departed California earlier that day and were en route to Priest Lake, Idaho, where they planned to attend a gathering of seaplane enthusiasts. Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft flying unusually low over the Columbia River moments before the crash. According to accounts provided to local media, the pilot appeared to be attempting to fly beneath the transmission lines crossing the river when the aircraft struck one of the lower power cables. The impact severed the transmission line, causing extensive power outages across the Tri-Cities region. Benton Public Utility District reported that more than 11,000 customers lost electricity. The power outage extended south of the Columbia River from Highway 395 west toward Leslie Road and affected almost 20% of the public utility district’s customers. Franklin PUD also reported a power outage to about 1,800 customers in Pasco north of the Columbia River to Interstate 182. The downed power line also ignited a brush fire near Riverview Park and the Pasco Youth Baseball Complex. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze before it could spread further. Multiple emergency agencies responded immediately to the crash, including the Pasco Fire Department, Pasco Police Department, Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Benton County Sheriff's Office, Columbia Basin Dive Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Patrol, and utility crews from Benton PUD and Franklin PUD. Several witnesses reportedly entered the river in an attempt to rescue the occupants before emergency crews arrived. However, the aircraft had overturned and both occupants were trapped inside. Rescue personnel later recovered the victims from the submerged aircraft. The floatplane remained partially afloat before drifting downstream, where responders secured it using rescue boats. A crane was later used to lift the wreckage from the Columbia River for investigators. The Washington Department of Ecology also responded to monitor the river for any fuel spill. Officials later determined there was no significant environmental impact, stating that only a small amount of fuel had escaped and quickly dissipated. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the accident, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local law enforcement. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft's maintenance history, pilot qualifications, weather conditions, flight path, and the circumstances that led to the collision with the transmission line. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is coordinating the local investigation while federal authorities determine the probable cause of the crash. Publicly available Federal Aviation Administration registration records indicate the float-equipped aircraft was registered in Sonoma, California. However, authorities have not officially identified the registered owner, and investigators have not released additional ownership details. Emergency responders stated that numerous agencies worked together to secure the crash site, recover the victims, restore power, extinguish the brush fire, and ensure public safety throughout the incident. The NTSB said it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and will release additional information as the investigation progresses. A preliminary report is expected in the coming weeks, while the final report may take several months. The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed After Floatplane Hits Power Line And Crashes Into Columbia River

Aviation Today News Desk / June 26, 2026

Washington, United States: Two California men were killed after their float-equipped aircraft struck a high-voltage transmission line and crashed into

Marília, Brazil: Two pilots were killed and a third occupant was seriously injured after a twin-engine aircraft crashed onto a football field shortly after takeoff from Marília Airport in the Brazilian state of São Paulo on Wednesday, June 10, authorities said. The accident involved a Beechcraft Baron 58, registration PT-MDB, which departed Frank Miloye Milenkovich Airport in Marília at approximately 11:13 a.m. local time. According to local authorities and airport operator Rede Voa, the aircraft was conducting a test flight and was expected to return to the airport after departure. Moments after takeoff, the aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the football field of the Associação Atlética Banco do Brasil (AABB), located adjacent to the airport perimeter. Witnesses reported a post-impact fire, and emergency crews from the Fire Department, Civil Defense and the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) responded to the scene. Two occupants were found dead in the wreckage. Brazilian media identified the victims as pilots Henrique Guariente and Gabriel Maloni. A third occupant, identified in local reports as 28-year-old pilot Pablo, survived the crash and was transported to the Hospital das Clínicas in Marília with serious injuries. Authorities said no injuries were reported on the ground despite the aircraft crashing into a sports facility. Images from the scene showed the aircraft heavily damaged and engulfed in flames following the impact. According to data from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), the Beechcraft Baron 58 was manufactured in 1985 and was in normal airworthy condition at the time of the accident. The aircraft carried registration PT-MDB and was listed in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry as authorized for private operations. Preliminary flight-tracking information indicated that the aircraft remained in the vicinity of the airport after departure and reportedly performed several turns before the crash. However, investigators have not determined whether those maneuvers were related to the accident sequence. The cause of the crash has not yet been established. Brazilian aviation authorities are expected to examine the aircraft wreckage, maintenance records, operational history and witness accounts as part of the investigation. Officials emphasized that any conclusions regarding mechanical failure, pilot actions, weather conditions or other contributing factors would be premature until investigators complete their analysis.

Aircraft Crashes

2 Killed, 1 Injured After Beechcraft Crashes Near Marília Airport During Test Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / June 11, 2026

Marília, Brazil: Two pilots were killed and a third occupant was seriously injured after a twin-engine aircraft crashed onto a

New Delhi, India: Indian investigators are preparing an interim report into last year’s fatal Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash instead of a final report, as authorities continue examining one of the deadliest aviation disasters. According to Reuters, the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is expected to issue the interim findings ahead of the first anniversary of the June 12, 2025 crash involving Air India Flight AI171, which was operating from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. The accident killed 260 people after the Boeing 787-8 lost thrust moments after takeoff and crashed into a medical college hostel near the airport. The interim document will be “more comprehensive” than the 15-page preliminary report released in July 2025 and is expected to examine possible primary causes and contributing factors behind the crash. However, investigators said the final report is still not ready because of the complexity of the inquiry and the time required for additional analysis. The preliminary AAIB report found that the aircraft’s engine fuel control switches moved almost simultaneously from the “RUN” to “CUTOFF” position shortly after takeoff, starving both engines of fuel. Cockpit recordings reviewed during the investigation indicated confusion between the pilots over the movement of the switches. The early assessment by U.S. officials reviewing cockpit voice recordings supported the view that the captain may have cut fuel flow to the engines. Indian investigators, however, said at the time that it was “too early to reach any definite conclusions.” The ongoing investigation involves multiple international agencies because the aircraft was designed and manufactured in the United States. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is participating in the probe, while Boeing is assisting as a technical adviser. By issuing an interim report instead of a final one, Indian authorities will not be required to circulate draft findings in advance to the NTSB for review and comment. Under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, draft final reports are generally shared with participating states for consultation before publication. The investigation has gained renewed attention following a separate Air India Boeing 787 incident earlier this year involving fuel control switches. In February 2026, pilots operating a Dreamliner flight from London to Bengaluru reported that the fuel switches did not remain fixed in the “RUN” position during engine start attempts before stabilizing on a third attempt. Indian aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials are expected to travel to Boeing facilities in Seattle in June to observe testing of the fuel switch panel from that aircraft. Under international aviation standards, a final accident report is generally expected within one year of a crash. If the investigation remains incomplete, authorities are required to issue an interim statement outlining progress in the inquiry. Investigators said work on the final report is continuing and no timeline has been confirmed for its release.

Investigation

Report: India Preparing Interim Report On Fatal Air India Boeing 787 Crash Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / May 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: Indian investigators are preparing an interim report into last year’s fatal Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash

Aircraft Investigation

BFU Interim Report Finds Brake Inputs During Vietnam Airlines 787 Take-Off In Munich

Amazon Pauses 21 Air Operations After Fatal Miami Cargo Crash, NTSB Probe Continues

Amazon Air 767 Crew Warned Of Excessive Speed Before Miami Runway Overrun, NTSB Reveals

Enugu Air Embraer E170 Overruns Runway At Benin Airport With 68 On Board, All Safe

SACAA Preliminary Report Details Cessna 172 Cockpit Fire And Student Pilot’s Escape

Two Killed After Cessna 152 Crashes Near North Weald During Flight Experience in Essex

China Reportedly Halts Recreational Flying After Fatal Beijing Skyscraper Crash

Two Killed After Floatplane Hits Power Line And Crashes Into Columbia River

2 Killed, 1 Injured After Beechcraft Crashes Near Marília Airport During Test Flight

Report: India Preparing Interim Report On Fatal Air India Boeing 787 Crash Investigation

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