Aviation Incident Archives - Page 16 of 27

American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Return To Barbados Post Burst Tyre On Takeoff

Aviation Today News Desk / February 11, 2026

Bridgetown, Barbados: An American Airlines Boeing 737-823, operating Flight AA1284 from Bridgetown to Miami, was forced to make an emergency […]

Incidents

Starsky Plane With 55 Onboard Skids Into Sea After Emergency Landing In Somalia

Aviation Today News Desk / February 11, 2026

Mogadishu, Somalia: A passenger aircraft carrying 55 people safely evacuated after veering off the runway and ending up on a

Aircraft Crashes

Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure, Hits 3 Cars On Georgia Road

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Gainesville, United States: A small single-engine aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on a busy Gainesville roadway Monday

Helicopter Crash

5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Tripoli, Libya: Five people lost their lives when a helicopter crashed near Al-Sarra Air Base, close to Kufra in southeastern

Incidents

AirAsia X Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Brisbane Following Cabin Pressure Alert

Aviation Today News Desk / February 9, 2026

Brisbane, Australia: An AirAsia X long‑haul international flight travelling from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur was forced to divert to Brisbane

London, United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has formally asked Air India to provide a detailed explanation of an incident involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner that departed London Heathrow Airport on February 1 despite a reported anomaly with a critical aircraft system. The regulator has warned the airline that failure to respond fully within one week could trigger regulatory action affecting its Dreamliner operations. Air India flight AI132, operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner registered VT-ANX, departed Heathrow for Bengaluru after pilots noted irregular behaviour with a fuel control switch, a vital cockpit control that regulates fuel flow to the engines. During engine start, one of the two fuel control switches did not remain positively latched in the “RUN” position on the first two attempts before stabilising on the third. The flight continued without in-air issues and landed in Bengaluru. Upon arrival, the crew filed a defect report citing the anomaly, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection on February 2. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has taken the step of demanding a formal response from Air India, including: A comprehensive account of pre-flight maintenance actions taken before departure, A root-cause analysis of the fuel control switch event, A preventive action plan to reduce the risk of recurrence across Air India’s Dreamliner fleet, which comprises 33 aircraft. In official correspondence, the CAA emphasised that regulators routinely seek detailed explanations following incidents affecting safety-critical components, particularly when an aircraft departs with a potential defect. Air India said it conducted precautionary re-inspections of fuel control switches across its Boeing 787 fleet after the incident and reported no issues found during these checks. The airline acknowledged the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) oversight and said it will comply with the regulator’s guidance to circulate Boeing’s recommended operating procedures for the switches to all flight crews. India’s DGCA also issued a clarification, stating that post-flight inspections determined the fuel switches were serviceable and functioning normally. According to the regulator, the switch may move if light pressure is applied in an incorrect direction, but its design does not indicate a defect when used according to approved procedures. The DGCA advised Air India to reinforce correct switch handling among pilots. Fuel control switches are crucial for aircraft safety. They allow pilots to start and shut down engines and are designed with locking mechanisms to prevent unintended movement. This category of component has been under heightened scrutiny following the June 2025 crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 in Ahmedabad, where preliminary investigation reports indicated fuel control switches played a role in dual-engine power loss shortly after takeoff. That accident, which resulted in significant loss of life, triggered industry-wide inspections and close regulatory observation of Boeing 787 systems. Though the final accident report remains pending, aviation authorities worldwide have been monitoring similar technical aspects, including fuel system controls, in current operations. Air India faces a deadline to submit its response to the UK CAA within one week of the February 4 notice. The airline has stressed safety as its utmost priority and reiterated cooperation with international regulators and Boeing in evaluating the matter.

Airlines

UK CAA Seeks Formal Explanation On Air India 787 Fuel Switch Event; DGCA Finds No Fault

Aviation Today News Desk / February 7, 2026

London, United Kingdom: The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has formally asked Air India to provide a detailed explanation of

Goolwa South, Australia: Three men died on Friday afternoon when a light aircraft plunged into the Southern Ocean off South Australia’s south coast, authorities confirmed, triggering a multi‑agency emergency response and an ongoing safety investigation. The single‑engine Cessna light aircraft crashed into the water near Long Bay, close to Goolwa South and the Murray Mouth, at approximately 4:20 p.m. local time, according to South Australia Police and emergency services. All three occupants of the aircraft were found deceased, police said. They included the 57‑year‑old pilot, a Morphett Vale resident, and two young male passengers, an 18‑year‑old from Freeling and a 19‑year‑old from Pasadena. Police, air and sea rescue units, including water police and an SA Police helicopter, responded rapidly to the scene following reports of the crash. The wreckage was subsequently recovered and brought ashore near the Murray Mouth, where investigators continue their work. Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes said police will prepare a formal report for the coroner as part of the post‑incident process. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched a transport safety investigation into the crash. According to the ATSB’s preliminary media release, investigators are expected to attend the scene to examine the recovered wreckage, interview witnesses, collect available video footage and any recorded flight tracking data, and obtain pilot and aircraft maintenance records. In their statement, the ATSB urged anyone who captured video footage of the aircraft in flight or during the accident sequence to contact the bureau, as such material could assist the investigation. Local residents and bystanders described a sudden and devastating impact during the final moments of the flight. An eyewitness near the Murray Mouth reported the aircraft spiralling before it struck the water with significant force, generating a large splash visible from the shore. The crash occurred in a relatively remote but popular fishing and recreation area, drawing immediate attention from bystanders who called emergency services. Emergency responders and local authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and gratitude to all individuals and agencies involved in the recovery effort. The incident has also renewed discussion about light aircraft safety in the region.

Aircraft Crashes

Three Killed As Light Plane Plunges Into Ocean Off Goolwa South In South Australia

Aviation Today News Desk / February 7, 2026

Goolwa South, Australia: Three men died on Friday afternoon when a light aircraft plunged into the Southern Ocean off South

Maryland, United States: A FedEx Express cargo aircraft experienced a mechanical failure on Wednesday when its nose landing gear collapsed while the plane was parked outside a maintenance hangar at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The incident occurred on Feb. 4, 2026, involving an Airbus A300-600F freighter, registered N682FE, which was undergoing scheduled maintenance at the time. The aircraft, operated by FedEx Express, settled forward as the nose gear gave way, coming to rest on the airport ramp. There were no injuries to FedEx personnel or emergency responders at the scene. Airport fire and rescue crews were dispatched promptly after the collapse was reported. A spokesperson for BWI-Marshall confirmed that emergency units responded and secured the area. Commercial passenger operations were unaffected, as the aircraft was in a designated cargo and maintenance zone well clear of active passenger facilities. In a statement to WBAL-TV 11 News, FedEx said it was aware of the incident and thanked its teams and first responders for their quick action. The company reiterated that no injuries resulted from the gear collapse. The Airbus A300-600F involved is part of FedEx’s older freighter fleet and has been in service for more than two decades. According to aircraft registry data, N682FE was delivered in 1999 and has been a long-serving cargo workhorse for the carrier. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to inspect the aircraft and investigate the cause of the landing gear failure. Officials have not yet released details regarding preliminary findings, and it remains unclear whether the collapse stemmed from a mechanical defect, maintenance error, or another factor. Airport authorities and FedEx investigators are coordinating with federal regulators to determine contributing causes and to prevent similar events in the future. As of this writing, there has been no indication of broader fleet groundings or operational impacts beyond the immediate response and inspection activities.

Incidents

FedEx Cargo Plane Nose Gear Collapses During Maintenance At BWI-Marshall Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / February 6, 2026

Maryland, United States: A FedEx Express cargo aircraft experienced a mechanical failure on Wednesday when its nose landing gear collapsed

Brussels, Belgium: A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Airbus A320neo operating flight SK2590 from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Copenhagen (CPH) narrowly avoided a serious runway incident on Thursday evening after pilots inadvertently initiated a takeoff roll on a taxiway rather than the designated runway, aviation tracking data and eyewitness reports confirm. The flight, cleared for departure from Runway 07R shortly after 21:00 UTC, taxied toward the runway but instead turned onto a parallel taxiway (identified as E1/V1) and began accelerating as if commencing a normal departure. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft reached approximately 107 knots (around 198 km/h) before the crew recognised the error and aborted the takeoff, applying heavy braking and reverse thrust to bring the aircraft to a stop near the end of the taxiway and adjacent grassy area. All 135 passengers and crew disembarked safely, and there are no reported injuries. Airport fire and rescue services assisted passengers, who were later rebooked onto alternate flights to Copenhagen. SAS’s Head of Communications, Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji, confirmed the incident to Danish broadcaster TV 2, stating that the flight from Brussels to Copenhagen was canceled due to an “irregularity.” She confirmed the airline’s account of an aborted departure and that passengers were accommodated on subsequent services. Belgian civil aviation authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the circumstances that led to the aircraft taking the wrong surface for departure. Investigators will review air traffic control communications, flight crew procedures, and airport surface signage and lighting, particularly given the complex layout of taxiways and runways at one of Europe’s busiest hubs. The taxiway departures are rare and emphasise the importance of rigorous cross-checks by flight crews and air traffic controllers to ensure correct runway alignment before high-speed acceleration. Any final determinations about human factors or procedural issues will await the outcome of the official investigation

Incidents

SAS A320neo Narrowly Avoids Runway Incident After Taxiway Takeoff Attempt In Brussels

Aviation Today News Desk / February 6, 2026

Brussels, Belgium: A Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Airbus A320neo operating flight SK2590 from Brussels Airport (BRU) to Copenhagen (CPH) narrowly avoided

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding the December 22, 2025, crash of a Mexican Navy medical flight in Galveston Bay that killed six people and left two seriously injured, according to the preliminary report released by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Beechcraft B300 aircraft, registered ANX1209 and operated by the Mexican Navy, was on a humanitarian medical mission coordinated with the Michou y Mau Foundation. The flight was transporting a severely burned pediatric patient from Mérida, Mexico, to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas, when it crashed into West Bay during its approach to Scholes International Airport shortly before 3:15 p.m. local time. According to the NTSB preliminary report, Houston Approach Control cleared the flight crew for an RNAV (GPS-based) approach to Runway 14 but did not clear the aircraft to land. The flight crew’s initial readback mistakenly stated they were “cleared to land,” prompting controllers to twice clarify that the aircraft was cleared only for the approach and not for landing. Controllers then directed the crew to contact the tower. Despite repeated clarifications, the crew’s responses indicated persistent misunderstanding. During the final stages of the approach, air traffic controllers issued multiple low-altitude alerts, but received no further communication from the flight crew before radar contact was lost. The preliminary report and weather observations confirmed dense fog and severely restricted visibility during the aircraft’s final descent. Controllers advised the crew that cloud ceilings near the airport were approximately 300 feet, a condition that significantly limits visual reference and places heavy reliance on instrument procedures. Local weather data and witness accounts indicate visibility at times was as low as approximately a quarter mile with heavy sea fog common along the Texas Gulf Coast under certain conditions further complicating the approach. The aircraft impacted the waters of West Galveston Bay approximately half a mile from the shoreline. Six occupants including the pilot, co-pilot, two flight crew members and two passengers were fatally injured. Two passengers, reported to be a flight nurse and the mother of the pediatric patient, survived with serious injuries. Search and rescue operations immediately following the crash involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and local first responders. The wreckage was located in shallow water, facilitating recovery efforts. The NTSB’s preliminary report is part of an ongoing investigation to determine all contributing factors. These factual reports do not assign probable cause but document the circumstances surrounding the accident based on available data, including air traffic control communications and radar information. Federal investigators will continue to analyze cockpit voice recordings, flight data, maintenance records and meteorological data. A final report typically released 12–24 months after an accident will include a probable cause determination and safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding

Aviation Incident

American Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Return To Barbados Post Burst Tyre On Takeoff

Plane Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure, Hits 3 Cars On Georgia Road

5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

AirAsia X Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Brisbane Following Cabin Pressure Alert

UK CAA Seeks Formal Explanation On Air India 787 Fuel Switch Event; DGCA Finds No Fault

Three Killed As Light Plane Plunges Into Ocean Off Goolwa South In South Australia

FedEx Cargo Plane Nose Gear Collapses During Maintenance At BWI-Marshall Airport

SAS A320neo Narrowly Avoids Runway Incident After Taxiway Takeoff Attempt In Brussels

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

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