AircraftIncident Archives - Aviation Today

Narita, Japan: A Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 767 operating a domestic service from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Kagoshima Airport (KOJ) made an emergency landing at Narita International Airport (NRT) on May 29 after a suspected tire failure during takeoff prompted the crew to divert the aircraft. The aircraft, carrying 218 passengers and eight crew members, landed safely at Narita at approximately 11:55 a.m. local time. No injuries were reported among those on board. According to Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) and local media reports, the incident began shortly after departure from Haneda Airport when the crew detected a problem believed to be related to the aircraft's landing gear tires. As a precaution, the Boeing 767 discontinued its planned flight to Kagoshima and diverted to Narita, where emergency services were positioned ahead of the landing. The aircraft touched down without further incident and passengers later disembarked safely. Airport and transport authorities immediately launched an investigation into the occurrence. The incident resulted in temporary operational disruptions at both airports. Following the emergency landing, Narita Airport's Runway A was closed for approximately two hours while officials inspected the aircraft and conducted safety assessments. Airport operations later resumed after the runway was cleared for use. Meanwhile, officials at Haneda Airport discovered debris on Runway D, the same runway used by the JAL aircraft for departure. Authorities temporarily closed the runway beginning around 10:30 a.m. to determine whether the debris originated from the Boeing 767. After inspections were completed, Runway D reopened at approximately 1:45 p.m. However, investigators have not yet confirmed whether the debris was connected to the Japan Airlines aircraft. Further details indicated that the aircraft conducted a low approach inspection, during which damage was reportedly observed on two forward tires of the main landing gear. The report suggested the event may have involved more extensive tire damage than initially believed. There were no reported injuries among the 226 occupants onboard and the aircraft landed safely following the occurrence.

Japan Airlines Diverts To Narita After Suspected Tire Failure On Takeoff From Tokyo

Aviation Today News Desk / May 30, 2026

Narita, Japan: A Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 767 operating a domestic service from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to Kagoshima Airport […]

Cape Town, South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) is facing mounting scrutiny after allegations emerged that the airline delayed reporting a serious fuel emergency involving two flights at Cape Town International Airport, prompting calls for a Parliamentary inquiry into aviation safety oversight in South Africa. The controversy centres on SAA flights SA313 and SA327, which were affected by severe weather conditions over Cape Town on 11 May 2026. According to reports, the airline allegedly took eight days to notify the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) about the incidents, despite regulations requiring such events to be reported within 72 hours. The issue has triggered criticism from South Africa’s opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), which has formally requested an urgent hearing before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport. The party said the delay raises concerns about SAA’s safety management systems, regulatory compliance, and transparency. Chris Hunsinger, Democratic Alliance spokesperson on transport, said the incident reflects what he described as a broader pattern of failures within the country’s aviation oversight framework. He warned that repeated operational incidents, delayed reporting, and questions surrounding accountability were eroding public confidence in aviation safety. According to aviation sources cited in local reports, flight SA313, operated by an Airbus A320 from Johannesburg to Cape Town, encountered severe weather during its arrival into Cape Town amid gale-force north-westerly winds, heavy rain, low cloud, and dangerous windshear conditions. The aircraft reportedly conducted a missed approach after receiving onboard windshear alerts. Pilot and aviation analyst Duncan Gillespie stated that a second landing attempt at Cape Town would likely have left the aircraft without sufficient reserves to divert safely to its nominated alternate airport, George Airport. The aircraft subsequently diverted to George, but deteriorating weather conditions there allegedly prevented a safe landing. The aircraft later continued to Gqeberha, where reports claim it landed with fuel reserves below internationally accepted minimum levels. Gillespie alleged the aircraft may have landed with less than 15 minutes of fuel remaining. Under international aviation regulations, commercial aircraft are generally expected to land with approximately 30 minutes of final reserve fuel, and crews are normally required to declare a fuel emergency if projected landing fuel falls below that threshold. Questions have also been raised over whether the crew declared a formal “Mayday Fuel” emergency during the incident. Gillespie noted there was no visible indication on public flight-tracking systems that the aircraft had transmitted the emergency transponder code commonly associated with a Mayday declaration. SAA spokesperson Mphilo Dlamini did not directly address questions regarding the alleged fuel emergency, remaining fuel levels after landing, or whether the crew had declared an emergency. Instead, the airline stated that severe weather conditions affected operations across the Western Cape on 11 May and maintained that SAA followed all required aviation safety procedures and reporting protocols. The SACAA had also not publicly responded to detailed media questions at the time several reports were published. The DA said it intends summoning SAA, SACAA, Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS), and the Department of Transport before Parliament to explain the delayed reporting, oversight concerns, and broader operational issues affecting South African aviation. The party also highlighted ongoing problems within ATNS, including the suspension of 326 instrument flight procedures. The DA further pointed to concerns over regulatory independence, arguing that SACAA investigates entities operating under the same government department, potentially creating conflicts of interest in aviation oversight.

Airlines

SAA Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Reporting Of Alleged 2 Fuel Emergency Incidents

Aviation Today News Desk / May 28, 2026

Cape Town, South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) is facing mounting scrutiny after allegations emerged that the airline delayed reporting

Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a nighttime takeoff attempt at Muscat International Airport on May 15 after the aircraft reportedly lined up with runway edge lights instead of the runway centreline, triggering a high-speed rejected takeoff and a formal accident investigation by Omani authorities. The incident came to public attention nearly nine days later, on May 24, after regulatory sources in Oman confirmed details of the occurrence. The 18-year-old Boeing 737-800 had been preparing to depart Muscat for the approximately three-hour service to Kannur on the night of May 15. During lineup for departure from Runway 26L, the aircraft allegedly tracked the right-hand runway edge lights rather than positioning itself on the runway centreline. As the aircraft accelerated for takeoff at approximately 9:10 pm local time after entering the runway via taxiway E7, the Boeing 737 struck multiple runway edge lights, destroying several of them during the takeoff roll. Flight crew reportedly aborted the takeoff after hearing a loud bang and receiving cockpit warnings. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the incident. Reports stated that the nose landing gear was damaged, at least one tyre deflated, and hydraulic system leaks were observed after the rejected takeoff. Aviation sources also indicated that debris from shattered runway lights may have been ingested into the engines, potentially causing additional engine damage. The aircraft became disabled on the runway following the rejected takeoff, forcing passengers and crew to disembark directly onto the runway surface while emergency teams responded. However, authorities have not officially confirmed all operational details surrounding the evacuation sequence. The aircraft has reportedly remained grounded in Muscat since the incident while technical inspections and investigative work continue. Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector (AAIS) has classified the occurrence as an “accident” rather than a minor incident, underlining the seriousness of the event. Investigators are now examining cockpit procedures, runway lighting conditions, pilot situational awareness, airport surface markings, and other operational factors that may have contributed to the alignment error during nighttime operations.

Incidents

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / May 26, 2026

Muscat, Oman: An Air India Express Boeing 737-800 operating flight IX712 from Muscat to Kannur suffered significant damage during a

Bangalore, India: An Air India Airbus A321 operating flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike incident while landing at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Thursday morning, prompting the airline to ground the aircraft for detailed technical inspections. The incident occurred during the landing phase of the domestic service arriving from Delhi. According to airline officials and multiple media reports, the aircraft landed safely and all passengers and crew members disembarked normally without injuries. The aircraft encountered wake turbulence while approaching the runway at Bengaluru airport. The turbulence was reportedly generated by a departing wide-body aircraft operating nearby at the time of the approach. As the Airbus A321 approached for landing, the pilots initiated a precautionary go-around manoeuvre after experiencing unstable conditions caused by the wake turbulence. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft’s rear lower fuselage reportedly made contact with the runway, resulting in the tail strike. Air India confirmed the occurrence in an official statement, saying the aircraft “experienced a tail-strike during landing.” The airline added that the aircraft has since been withdrawn from service for comprehensive inspections and engineering assessments. The aircraft involved was a narrow-body Airbus A321 operating the Delhi–Bengaluru sector as AI2651. Flight-tracking data also identified the aircraft as an Airbus A321neo variant typically deployed on high-density domestic routes. The aircraft was carrying 181 people, including crew members onboard during the incident. Following the incident, Air India cancelled the return Bengaluru–Delhi service AI2652. The airline stated that alternative travel arrangements were being made for affected passengers while ground staff in Bengaluru were assisting travellers with rebooking and support services. The airline further said the incident would be investigated in coordination with relevant aviation regulatory authorities and under established operational safety procedures.

Incidents

Air India A321 Suffers Tail Strike During Bengaluru Landing, Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / May 22, 2026

Bangalore, India: An Air India Airbus A321 operating flight AI2651 from Delhi to Bengaluru suffered a tail-strike incident while landing

Ocean City, United States: A single-engine aircraft carrying two people made an emergency landing on a crowded beach in Ocean City on Monday evening after departing from the nearby municipal airport, according to emergency officials and multiple local media reports. The aircraft, identified as a 1970 Cessna 150K with registration N6129G, landed on the beach near 94th Street at approximately 5:30 p.m. local time. Officials confirmed that both occupants escaped without injuries and no beachgoers were harmed during the incident. According to the Ocean City Fire Department, firefighters and paramedics responded to reports of an “aircraft emergency” involving a Cessna 150 on the beach. Emergency responders evaluated the two people onboard at the scene, but neither required hospital transport. Local reports said the aircraft had departed from Ocean City Municipal Airport shortly before the emergency landing. Photographs from the scene showed the aircraft nose-down in the sand as emergency crews secured the area around the airplane. In a statement, officials said no fuel leak or fire occurred following the landing. The pilot was also able to avoid nearby people on the beach despite the busy evening conditions. Authorities established a safety perimeter while investigators began examining the aircraft. According to reporting by local television stations, the aircraft is registered to William E. Peters of Bel Air, Maryland. Investigators have not yet publicly confirmed the cause of the emergency landing, though authorities are expected to examine possible mechanical issues and pilot communications before releasing preliminary findings. The Maryland State Police confirmed an investigation is underway. Federal aviation authorities are also expected to review the incident as part of standard post-incident procedures involving emergency aircraft landings. Witnesses at the scene described seeing the aircraft descending unusually low over the shoreline moments before touching down on the sand. Emergency vehicles quickly arrived in the area as beachgoers gathered nearby while authorities secured the aircraft.

Incidents

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Ocean City Beach; No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / May 19, 2026

Ocean City, United States: A single-engine aircraft carrying two people made an emergency landing on a crowded beach in Ocean

Incidents

British Airways Flight Delayed After Accidental Slide Deployment At Heathrow

Aviation Today News Desk / May 18, 2026

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to Washington Dulles was delayed for more than six

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: An Air Europa Boeing 737-800 suffered a landing incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport after an earlier bird strike reportedly damaged the aircraft’s nose landing gear steering system, leading to initial findings that claimed the jet had “lost a wheel” during landing. The incident occurred on May 8 during Air Europa flight UX6079 from Madrid to Palma de Mallorca. The aircraft involved has been identified as a Boeing 737-800 registered EC-MPG. The aircraft sustained a bird strike while on approach to Runway 06L at Palma Airport. The strike reportedly damaged the nose gear steering mechanism before touchdown. The touchdown itself initially appeared normal. However, during the rollout phase, the aircraft gradually veered to the right before exiting the runway area at low speed and coming to a stop near a high-speed turnoff. Early local media reports stated that one of the landing gear wheels detached during landing, with photographs showing the aircraft leaning to one side on the runway surrounded by emergency vehicles. The visible wheel and tyre damage was likely a consequence of the earlier bird-strike-related steering failure rather than an independent mechanical wheel failure. However, authorities have not yet released an official technical conclusion, and the exact sequence of damage remains under investigation. Emergency services responded immediately after the aircraft came to a stop. Passengers were temporarily unable to disembark normally while firefighters and ground personnel secured the aircraft. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Several prominent figures from Mallorca’s tourism industry were reportedly onboard the flight after attending an event in Madrid, according to local Spanish media. The aircraft remained grounded for several hours while maintenance inspections were carried out. The aircraft subsequently returned to service after repairs and inspections were completed.

Incidents

Air Europa Boeing 737-800 Loses Wheel During Landing Following Bird Strike

Aviation Today News Desk / May 11, 2026

Palma de Mallorca, Spain: An Air Europa Boeing 737-800 suffered a landing incident at Palma de Mallorca Airport after an

Kathmandu, Nepal: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 operating flight TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu suffered a tyre fire during landing at Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport on Monday morning, triggering an emergency evacuation and temporarily shutting down the country’s busiest airport. According to Nepal’s Civil Aviation Authority, the incident occurred shortly after the aircraft touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Airport officials said flames and smoke were seen emerging from the aircraft’s right rear landing gear area moments after landing. Emergency response teams stationed at the airport immediately rushed to the runway and brought the situation under control within a short period. The aircraft involved was an Airbus A330 arriving from Istanbul with 278 passengers and 11 crew members onboard, taking the total number of occupants to 289. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated through emergency exits, and no injuries were reported during the evacuation process. Gyanendra Bhul, spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, told Reuters that the fire originated in the aircraft’s right rear tyre after landing. Officials confirmed that firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze before the aircraft was towed away from the runway to a taxiway area, where it remained grounded for technical inspections. The incident forced authorities to suspend airport operations for nearly an hour because Tribhuvan International Airport operates with a single runway. Several incoming flights were reportedly placed on hold or delayed while emergency teams cleared the runway and investigators initiated preliminary assessments. Nepal’s aviation sector continues to face operational challenges due to mountainous terrain, rapidly changing weather conditions and difficult approach procedures into Kathmandu Valley. A previous incident in 2015 involved a Turkish Airlines aircraft, when another Airbus A330 skidded off the runway at Kathmandu during dense fog conditions. No injuries were reported in that earlier occurrence either. Turkish Airlines had not officially issued a detailed statement regarding the exact technical cause of the tyre fire. Aviation authorities in Nepal are expected to conduct a technical investigation into the incident, including inspections of the landing gear and braking systems. The latest Kathmandu incident comes months after another operational issue involving a Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 in February 2026, when flight THY727 operating from Kathmandu to Istanbul reportedly diverted to Kolkata after the aircraft’s right engine developed a fire indication shortly after takeoff. That flight landed safely with all 236 people onboard, and authorities later launched an investigation into the engine-related emergency.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines Suffers Tyre Fire During Landing In Kathmandu; No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / May 11, 2026

Kathmandu, Nepal: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 operating flight TK726 from Istanbul to Kathmandu suffered a tyre fire during landing

Chennai, India: A passenger onboard an Air Arabia flight arriving from Sharjah caused a major security disruption at Chennai International Airport after allegedly opening an emergency exit door while the aircraft was taxiing after landing on Sunday morning. The incident involved Air Arabia flight G9 471 (Airbus A320) which landed in Chennai carrying approximately 231 passengers. According to airport and security officials, the aircraft had safely touched down and was moving along the taxiway towards the terminal when the disruption occurred. As the aircraft proceeded along the taxiway, a 34-year-old male passenger from Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, reportedly opened one of the emergency exit doors without authorization. In some reports, it is also stated that the passenger exited the aircraft after opening the door, triggering immediate alarm among crew and ground authorities. The pilot responded instantly by bringing the aircraft to a halt and alerting Air Traffic Control and airport security agencies. The action resulted in a temporary suspension of operations on the taxiway and main runway. Personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), along with airport security and police teams, rushed to the aircraft. The passenger was quickly restrained and taken into custody for questioning. Officials confirmed that he was later handed over to local police for further investigation. Authorities are also assessing the passenger’s mental condition and behaviour prior to the incident, with preliminary reports suggesting he may have been unwell during the flight. The passenger had complained of discomfort onboard and had experienced vomiting during the journey, though this is part of ongoing verification. Following the incident, Chennai Airport authorities temporarily shut the main runway and taxi operations for security checks and inspection of the aircraft, especially due to the emergency exit deployment. The affected aircraft was later towed to a parking bay after inspection. Authorities confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured, no structural damage to the aircraft was reported and the situation was contained quickly by security teams. The pilot has filed a formal complaint, and aviation security officials are investigating. Airport authorities have stated that normal operations resumed shortly after the incident and security protocols remain under review.

Incidents

Passenger Opens Emergency Exit On Air Arabia Flight After Landing, Detained By CISF

Aviation Today News Desk / May 5, 2026

Chennai, India: A passenger onboard an Air Arabia flight arriving from Sharjah caused a major security disruption at Chennai International

Ankara, Turkey: An aircraft carrying Pedro Sánchez was forced to divert and make an emergency landing at Ankara after a technical malfunction disrupted its flight en route to Armenia, officials confirmed. The Spanish Prime Minister was travelling aboard a government-operated Airbus A310, part of Spain’s official state aviation fleet. The aircraft had departed from Madrid and was scheduled to land in Yerevan for the European Political Community summit, a major diplomatic gathering of European leaders. Midway through the flight, the crew detected what officials described as an “unforeseen technical event.” While the malfunction was not publicly specified in detail, it was classified as a precautionary safety concern rather than a critical failure. In accordance with international aviation safety protocols, the pilots immediately requested diversion to the nearest suitable airport. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Ankara without incident. No injuries were reported among Sánchez or members of his delegation, and there were no signs of panic or emergency escalation during the landing. Authorities confirmed that all passengers disembarked normally and were provided with necessary arrangements upon arrival. Following the diversion, the Prime Minister and his delegation were required to remain overnight in Ankara due to standard diplomatic and operational procedures. The unscheduled stop resulted in a delay to the official itinerary for the European summit in Armenia. Technical teams later inspected the aircraft and resolved the issue that had prompted the diversion. The following day, the aircraft was cleared for further operation, and Sánchez resumed his journey to participate in the summit discussions. The meeting focuses on strengthening political cooperation across Europe, addressing regional security concerns, and coordinating responses to emerging geopolitical challenges. Officials have emphasized that the incident was strictly technical in nature. There were no indications of adverse weather conditions, external interference, or security threats linked to the diversion. Aviation authorities handled the situation in accordance with established safety protocols, ensuring the safe outcome of the flight. The aircraft involved belongs to Spain’s official government fleet used for transporting senior state officials, including the Prime Minister and members of the royal or diplomatic delegation. Unlike commercial flights, such aircraft operate under military aviation command and are deployed for high-level international travel and state duties.

Incidents

Spanish PM’s Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing In Ankara Due To Technical Fault

Aviation Today News Desk / May 5, 2026

Ankara, Turkey: An aircraft carrying Pedro Sánchez was forced to divert and make an emergency landing at Ankara after a

AircraftIncident

Japan Airlines Diverts To Narita After Suspected Tire Failure On Takeoff From Tokyo

SAA Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Reporting Of Alleged 2 Fuel Emergency Incidents

Air India Express Aircraft Damaged After Wrong Runway Alignment During Muscat Takeoff

Air India A321 Suffers Tail Strike During Bengaluru Landing, Aircraft Grounded

Small Plane Makes Emergency Landing On Ocean City Beach; No Injuries Reported

British Airways Flight Delayed After Accidental Slide Deployment At Heathrow

Air Europa Boeing 737-800 Loses Wheel During Landing Following Bird Strike

Turkish Airlines Suffers Tyre Fire During Landing In Kathmandu; No Injuries Reported

Passenger Opens Emergency Exit On Air Arabia Flight After Landing, Detained By CISF

Spanish PM’s Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing In Ankara Due To Technical Fault

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