Aviation Incident Archives - Page 6 of 6

Washington, D.C., United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report into the in-flight depressurization incident involving Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, identifying critical failures by both Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident, which occurred on January 5, 2024, involved the mid-cabin exit door plug separating mid-air from a Boeing 737-9 MAX, leading to an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon. No fatalities occurred, though eight people sustained minor injuries. The NTSB investigation concludes that a series of manufacturing errors, documentation lapses, and oversight failures contributed to the serious safety breach. Incident Summary Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 departed from Portland International Airport at 5:07 p.m. on January 5, 2024. While climbing through approximately 14,830 feet, the aircraft experienced a sudden depressurization due to the separation of the left mid-cabin exit door plug. The cabin pressure rapidly dropped, oxygen masks deployed, and a loud explosive sound was heard. The crew declared an emergency and landed safely back in Portland at 5:27 p.m., 20 minutes after departure. The aircraft was carrying 171 passengers and six crew members. Manufacturing Lapses at Boeing Identified According to the NTSB’s 19-page final report, the door plug had been removed by Boeing personnel at the company’s Renton, Washington facility during fuselage repairs in September 2023. However, no documentation of the removal or reinstallation was found, violating standard production protocols. Furthermore, investigators determined that four critical bolts securing the door plug were never reinstalled. Boeing's internal tracking systems failed to log the maintenance action. The report states, "Boeing did not have procedures to ensure that the required safety documentation or final inspections were completed after door plug reinstallation." The door plug, which is used to cover an optional emergency exit area on high-density seating configurations, is designed to be held in place by 12 fittings and four key retention bolts. The NTSB confirmed that the plug gradually shifted out of position and ultimately detached due to missing fasteners. Inadequate Training and Procedures The NTSB noted that Boeing’s assembly teams lacked adequate training to properly handle door plug installations. The company’s work instructions were described as overly complex and lacking clarity, particularly regarding non-routine work. The investigation found that the work was performed by a team unfamiliar with the procedure. It was further revealed that quality assurance staff failed to verify the bolt installation, allowing the aircraft to proceed through final assembly and delivery without detecting the omission. FAA Oversight Deficiencies In addition to Boeing’s errors, the NTSB cited the FAA’s ineffective compliance and surveillance mechanisms. While the agency had conducted multiple audits at Boeing facilities in prior years, it failed to detect or address systemic lapses in documentation, workforce training, and final assembly inspections. The NTSB concluded that the FAA’s oversight was “inadequate to identify recurring noncompliance” and did not sufficiently mitigate risk associated with critical assembly processes. Probable Cause and Contributing Factors The report states the probable cause of the accident as: "The in-flight separation of the left mid-cabin exit door plug due to the failure of Boeing to ensure that the plug was reinstalled with all required retention hardware during production... Contributing to the accident was the FAA’s ineffective oversight of Boeing’s production processes and safety compliance." Safety Recommendations Issued In total, the NTSB issued 19 safety recommendations, including: A redesign of the 737-9 MAX mid-exit door plug to prevent inadvertent displacement Improved documentation protocols and quality control procedures for component removal and reinstallation Enhanced workforce training for Boeing production and quality assurance personnel Strengthened FAA audit procedures and risk-based surveillance methods Mandated tracking of critical fastener installation for all high-risk components Nine recommendations were directed to Boeing and ten to the FAA. In a statement, Boeing acknowledged the findings and stated that it has implemented "significant corrective actions" in response to the incident and the investigation. The company has committed over $1 billion toward improving safety systems, production oversight, and employee training across its 737 program. The FAA stated that it is reviewing the NTSB’s recommendations and has already implemented a production cap on 737 MAX aircraft pending further compliance improvements. The January 2024 incident raised renewed scrutiny of the Boeing 737 MAX program, which had previously been grounded worldwide following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Following this event, hundreds of MAX 9 aircraft were temporarily grounded for inspection by the FAA, leading to widespread schedule disruptions for multiple airlines.

NTSB Blames Boeing for Manufacturing Errors for Alaska Airlines Door Plug Incident

Aviation Today News Desk / July 11, 2025

Washington, D.C., United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report into the in-flight depressurization incident […]

Jakarta, Indonesia: A Batik Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft encountered a dangerous crosswind while landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, prompting swift response from air traffic controllers and emergency personnel. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon during Flight ID-6306's final approach to Jakarta. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation, the aircraft registered PK-LDJ was arriving from Kuala Namu International Airport (Medan) when it experienced sudden crosswinds just before touchdown on Runway 25L. Video footage circulating on social media shows the aircraft banking noticeably as it attempted to stabilize during landing, with its left wingtip appearing alarmingly close to the ground. Aircraft Landed Safely, No Injuries Reported Despite the extreme wind conditions, the flight crew managed to maintain control of the aircraft, bringing it to a safe stop on the runway. There were no injuries reported among the 157 passengers and 6 crew members onboard. Emergency response teams were deployed as a precaution and escorted the aircraft to the apron after landing. A preliminary inspection by airport maintenance personnel and Batik Air engineers found no structural damage to the airframe or engines. The aircraft was later cleared for repositioning and further technical evaluation. Official Investigation Underway The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that an internal investigation has been initiated to determine the cause and contributing factors of the incident. A spokesperson for the DGCA noted that weather data showed gusting crosswinds exceeding 25 knots at the time of landing, a threshold that can challenge aircraft handling depending on the approach angle and aircraft configuration. "The flight crew executed the appropriate procedures under crosswind conditions," said Novie Riyanto, Director General of Civil Aviation. "We commend the pilots for maintaining control and ensuring passenger safety. However, all contributing factors—including weather patterns, aircraft handling, and operational decisions will be thoroughly examined." Flight Operations Temporarily Affected Runway 25L was temporarily closed for 20 minutes after the incident as airport safety teams conducted a routine surface inspection. Several arriving flights were held in holding patterns or directed to Runway 25R, but normal operations resumed shortly after. Batik Air, a subsidiary of the Lion Air Group, has not released a detailed statement as of this report but confirmed that it is fully cooperating with aviation authorities. The incident has renewed attention on the importance of robust weather-related safety protocols, especially during Indonesia’s seasonal transition period, when wind shifts and localized thunderstorms are common. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Indonesia's busiest, handles over 1,100 flight movements per day, making safety protocols under challenging weather conditions a critical focus area. The final investigation report by the DGCA is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Incidents

Batik Air Pilots Avert Disaster After Sudden Crosswind Disrupts Jakarta Approach

Aviation Today News Desk / June 30, 2025

Jakarta, Indonesia: A Batik Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft encountered a dangerous crosswind while landing at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, prompting swift

A Cessna Citation II crashed into San Diego’s Murphy Canyon early Thursday, killing all six onboard and igniting fires that damaged several homes. The jet struck power lines while approaching Montgomery-Gibbs Airport. Among the victims were music figures Dave Shapiro and Daniel Williams. Over 100 residents were evacuated, and eight suffered minor injuries. Investigations are underway, though key flight data was lost | Aviation Today

Accidents, Aircraft Crashes, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Investigation, Uncategorized, United States

Six Killed after Cessna Citation II Crashes into San Diego Homes, FAA & NTSB Launch Probe

Aviation Today News Desk / May 23, 2025

Picture Credits: AP Photo/Gregory Bull) San Diego, United States: A tragic aviation accident shook the city of San Diego early

In a serious act of sabotage, three Diamond DA42 aircraft were destroyed in a suspected arson attack at Airways Aviation France | ESMA, located at Montpellier Airport. The fire, which broke out late on May 20, 2025, has prompted an official criminal investigation. Authorities believe the fire was intentionally set, and initial findings suggest a clear breach of airport security. No injuries were reported, but the damage significantly impacts ESMA’s training operations.

Flight School, France, Incidents, Investigation

Arson Attack Destroys Three Diamond DA42s Training Aircraft at Airways Aviation France

Aviation Today News Desk / May 21, 2025

Picture Credits: Airways Aviation Montpellier, France: In a shocking act of sabotage, a suspected arson attack early Tuesday morning severely

On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super Hornet was lost overboard from the USS Harry S. Truman while operating in the Red Sea. The incident occurred during an evasive maneuver to avoid an incoming threat from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Although the fighter jet, valued at $60 million, was not airborne at the time and was under tow in the carrier’s hangar bay, it slipped off the deck during the sharp turn. One sailor sustained minor injuries, but the carrier and its strike group remain operational. The Navy is investigating the loss, and recovery efforts have not yet been initiated due to operational priorities and the depth of the waters. This incident highlights the risks associated with operating in the high-threat environment of the Red Sea, where tensions with the Houthi rebels have been rising due to frequent missile and drone attacks.

Boeing, Fighter Jet, Incidents, United States, US Navy

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Worth $60 Million Plunges Into Red Sea Amid Deadly Evasive Maneuver

Aviation Today News Desk / April 29, 2025

Picture Credits: Mate Airman Phillip A. McDaniel, US Navy (Wikipedia) Washington, UNITED STATES: On April 28, 2025, an F/A-18E Super

A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea claimed the lives of 179 people on Sunday, December 29, 2024, including a 3-year-old boy. The Jeju Air flight, identified as 7C2216, was carrying 175 passengers and six crew members from Bangkok when it tragically crash-landed | Aviation Today

Airplane Crashes

179 Dead in Devastating Jeju Air Crash-Landing in South Korea

Aviation Today News Desk / December 30, 2024

Picture credits: to its respective owners Muan County: A devastating plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea claimed

On December 26, 2024, a two-seater light aircraft from the Jazirah Aviation Club crashed into the sea off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, killing both occupants, The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed on Sunday | Aviation Today

Airplane Crashes

Young Doctor and Pilot Die in UAE Glider Crash Near Ras Al Khaimah

Aviation Today News Desk / December 30, 2024

Picture credits: Jazeirah Aviation Club Ras Al Khaimah: On December 26, 2024, a two-seater light aircraft from the Jazirah Aviation

Aviation Incident

NTSB Blames Boeing for Manufacturing Errors for Alaska Airlines Door Plug Incident

Batik Air Pilots Avert Disaster After Sudden Crosswind Disrupts Jakarta Approach

Six Killed after Cessna Citation II Crashes into San Diego Homes, FAA & NTSB Launch Probe

Arson Attack Destroys Three Diamond DA42s Training Aircraft at Airways Aviation France

U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Worth $60 Million Plunges Into Red Sea Amid Deadly Evasive Maneuver

179 Dead in Devastating Jeju Air Crash-Landing in South Korea

Young Doctor and Pilot Die in UAE Glider Crash Near Ras Al Khaimah

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