aviation briefing Archives

AAIB Flags Civil-Military ATC Coordination Lapses In Air India-Navy Helicopter Near Miss

Aviation Today News Desk / May 24, 2026

Port Blair, India: India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has released its final investigation report into a serious midair proximity […]

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.

Investigation

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

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

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways short-haul flight from London Gatwick to Italy was forced to return shortly after departure on April 29, 2026, following a technical issue involving the aircraft’s landing gear, prompting a precautionary diversion back to the departure airport. Flight BA2590, operated by an Airbus A321, had departed London Gatwick Airport en route to Verona when the crew identified that the landing gear had failed to retract as expected after takeoff. The issue, detected during the climb phase, significantly affected the aircraft’s performance and fuel efficiency, making it unsuitable to continue the planned journey. According to aviation incident tracking reports, the aircraft remained airborne for over an hour while the crew assessed the situation and coordinated a safe return. Standard operational procedures were followed, including fuel management and system checks, before initiating the diversion. The pilots subsequently made the decision to return to London Gatwick as a precautionary measure. Aircraft with partially or fully extended landing gear experience increased aerodynamic drag and higher fuel burn, limiting their operational range and making continued flight impractical. The aircraft landed safely at Gatwick with emergency services on standby. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the disembarkation was carried out without incident. The aircraft has since been withdrawn from service for technical inspection to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Passengers affected by the disruption were accommodated on alternative arrangements to continue their journey.

Incidents

British Airways Flight BA2590 Returns To Gatwick After Landing Gear Malfunction

Aviation Today News Desk / May 1, 2026

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways short-haul flight from London Gatwick to Italy was forced to return shortly after departure

Investigation

Icelandair Probes Pilot After Unauthorised Low Flyover On Final Flight Pre-Retirement

Aviation Today News Desk / April 14, 2026

Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland: Iceland’s flag carrier Icelandair has launched an investigation after one of its senior pilots conducted an unauthorised low-altitude

Glasgow, United Kingdom: An easyJet flight bound for Jersey was forced to return to Glasgow shortly after departure on March 29, 2026, after encountering turbulence that left a cabin crew member injured, prompting a precautionary emergency landing. Flight EZY439, operated by an Airbus A319, departed Glasgow Airport at approximately 12:00 PM local time and experienced sudden turbulence during the initial climb phase. The incident occurred within minutes of takeoff, at a time when cabin crew are typically engaged in onboard duties, increasing their exposure to in-flight disturbances. Following the incident, the flight crew made the decision to discontinue the journey and return to Glasgow as the injured crew member required medical attention. The aircraft landed safely at around 12:37 PM, roughly 37 minutes after departure, where it was met by emergency medical services on arrival. Airline officials confirmed that one cabin crew member sustained injuries, while no passengers were reported hurt. The nature and severity of the injury have not been disclosed. The airline described the situation as an “extraordinary circumstance” and reiterated that the return to base was carried out purely as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those onboard. The flight had originally been scheduled to arrive in Jersey at approximately 1:25 PM. However, due to the diversion, passengers experienced a delay of around five hours. The service was later rescheduled to depart Glasgow at about 5:15 PM and subsequently arrived in Jersey at approximately 6:33 PM. easyJet arranged assistance for passengers in line with its standard policies for delays and disruptions. In a statement, an easyJet spokesperson said the flight returned to Glasgow due to a cabin crew member requiring medical assistance and confirmed that it landed normally and was met by medical personnel. The airline emphasized that safety remains its highest priority. No official figures regarding the total number of passengers and crew onboard have been released. Additionally, there have been no reports of any damage to the aircraft, and no further updates have been provided on the condition of the injured crew member.

Incidents

easyJet Flight Bound For Jersey Returns To Glasgow After Turbulence Injures Crew Member

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

Glasgow, United Kingdom: An easyJet flight bound for Jersey was forced to return to Glasgow shortly after departure on March

Aircraft Crashes

Colorado Plane Crash Kills 4 Onboard Near Steamboat, All Victims Identified By Police

Aviation Today News Desk / February 16, 2026

Steamboat Springs, United States: A private single-engine aircraft crashed into mountainous terrain near Steamboat Springs in the early hours of

aviation briefing

AAIB Flags Civil-Military ATC Coordination Lapses In Air India-Navy Helicopter Near Miss

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

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

British Airways Flight BA2590 Returns To Gatwick After Landing Gear Malfunction

Icelandair Probes Pilot After Unauthorised Low Flyover On Final Flight Pre-Retirement

easyJet Flight Bound For Jersey Returns To Glasgow After Turbulence Injures Crew Member

Colorado Plane Crash Kills 4 Onboard Near Steamboat, All Victims Identified By Police

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