aviation investigation Archives

São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling equipment during pre-departure operations at São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), forcing 169 passengers to leave the aircraft as a safety precaution. According to LATAM, the incident occurred while the aircraft was preparing for a scheduled service to Porto Alegre. The fire did not originate from the aircraft itself but from third-party baggage-loading equipment positioned near the fuselage. Smoke from the blaze prompted the flight crew to activate emergency evacuation procedures. Passengers exited the aircraft using both the boarding bridge and emergency evacuation slides. Airport fire and rescue teams responded immediately and contained the fire within minutes. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. LATAM stated that all affected passengers were provided with assistance following the evacuation. Of the 169 onboard, 159 passengers were re-accommodated on flights the following morning, while the remaining travellers were assisted through alternative arrangements, including ground transport. As a precaution, refuelling operations for other aircraft at the airport were temporarily suspended for about 10 minutes while emergency crews secured the area. Normal airport operations resumed shortly after the situation was declared under control. The airport operator and LATAM have both confirmed that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the fire involving the ground-handling equipment. The airline reiterated that passenger safety remains its highest priority and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. Guarulhos International Airport is Brazil’s busiest aviation hub, handling hundreds of domestic and international flights daily. While ground-equipment fires are rare, aviation safety experts note that such incidents highlight the importance of strict maintenance and monitoring standards on the ramp.

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Aviation Today News Desk / December 6, 2025

São Paulo, Brazil: A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 was evacuated late on Thursday after a fire broke out in ground-handling […]

Malé, Maldives: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 belonging to flydubai was damaged on 4 December 2025 after a ground‑services fuel truck struck the aircraft while it was parked at Velana International Airport (MLE), the airline confirmed. The aircraft registration A6‑FMM, operating flight FZ1025 from Dubai (DXB) had just arrived in Malé when the collision occurred on the apron during routine ground handling at approximately 08:50 local time. Reports indicate that the lower left‑hand winglet sustained damage. flydubai swiftly confirmed that all passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries, fuel spillage or fire risk reported. The airline said affected travellers have been re‑accommodated on the next available flights while the damaged aircraft undergoes inspection and repair. The next scheduled leg, a flight from Malé to Colombo, was cancelled as a result of the incident. Authorities at the Maldives airport are expected to launch a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on apron safety protocols, ground‑handling procedures and vehicle movement controls around parked aircraft. flydubai reiterated that the “safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority at all times.” The aircraft will remain grounded until repairs are completed and regulatory standards for airworthiness are satisfied. On 28 November 2025 a Emirates Airbus A380‑842 at Manchester Airport (UK) was struck by a fuel‑truck while parked at a gate, during routine turnaround after arrival from Dubai. The collision damaged the cowling of the engine intake though there was no fuel leak, fire or injuries and forced cancellation of the return flight EK18 to Dubai. The aircraft remained grounded for inspections and repairs, and took off again on 30 November for flight EK20 to Dubai, signalling the damage was deemed repairable.

Incidents

Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 Damaged In Ground Collision At Maldives Airport, No Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / December 5, 2025

Malé, Maldives: A Boeing 737 MAX 8 belonging to flydubai was damaged on 4 December 2025 after a ground‑services fuel truck

Auckland, New Zealand: An Airbus A320‑Neo operated by Air New Zealand (Flight NZ249) experienced an uncommanded engine shutdown mid‑flight last year, due to a defective fire‑switch, the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) confirmed in its interim report released on 4 December 2025. The incident occurred on 1 December 2024, when the aircraft was en route from Wellington to Sydney. Approximately 40 minutes after takeoff, the No. 2 engine unexpectedly shut down following activation of the overhead fire‑switch despite no pilot input. The crew declared a mayday and safely diverted to Auckland Airport, with all 154 passengers and crew unharmed. TAIC’s report identifies internal damage to the fire‑switch mechanism as the primary cause. A retaining pin inside the switch had bent, reducing the latching security and allowing vibration or normal operation to trigger the switch inadvertently. Inspections revealed that the panel surrounding the switch also showed signs of deformation, further contributing to the uncommanded activation. “The fire‑switch is designed to be manually operated only in case of an actual engine fire,” TAIC noted. “Its activation without pilot input posed a significant safety risk.” The commission also highlighted that the same fire‑panel design is used across the global A320 fleet indicating that other aircraft could potentially be affected. The switch manufacturer had issued service bulletins in late 2024 recommending inspection of previously repaired panels, but those checks focused on visually detectable external damage. Following the ANZ incident, Airbus expanded its guidance to inspect all affected fire‑panels for any signs of deformation within 1,000 flight cycles. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has since issued an Airworthiness Directive mandating such inspections and, where necessary, replacement of defective panels. Air New Zealand reportedly removed suspect panels from its fleet in early December 2024. On 28 November 2025, Airbus triggered another major safety action ordering a global recall of approximately 6,000 A320‑family aircraft, following a serious mid‑air flight‑control issue linked to corruption of flight‑control data under intense solar radiation. In a statement, Airbus described the recall as “precautionary,” urging all operators worldwide to apply an immediate software rollback (or, where required, hardware modifications) before affected aircraft are flown again. This recall reportedly the largest in Airbus’s 55‑year history affects over half of the global A320 fleet and has already prompted airlines across the U.S., Europe, Asia and beyond to ground jets for urgent software updates.

Investigation

Air NZ A320-Neo Suffered Uncommanded Engine Shutdown Due to Faulty Fire-Switch: TAIC

Aviation Today News Desk / December 4, 2025

Auckland, New Zealand: An Airbus A320‑Neo operated by Air New Zealand (Flight NZ249) experienced an uncommanded engine shutdown mid‑flight last

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on Monday after the crew detected a technical malfunction shortly after take-off. The aircraft landed safely after remaining airborne for nearly two hours as part of standard safety procedures. No injuries were reported. The aircraft, operating as Flight IX 611, departed Trichy at around 1:55 PM, carrying approximately 152 people onboard, after a brief delay from its scheduled departure time of 12:45 PM. Soon after take-off, pilots reported a technical snag and immediately entered a holding pattern over the Tiruchirappalli and Pudukottai airspace to burn excess fuel before attempting a safe landing. After circling for nearly two hours, the aircraft touched down safely at 3:53 PM, triggering emergency protocols at the airport. Fire and rescue services remained on standby as a precautionary measure. Airport sources said 11 passengers were offloaded following the return. The remaining 135 travellers, along with six crew members, were shifted to another aircraft through a one-to-one transfer process. Air India Express has not yet disclosed the exact nature of the technical fault. Officials confirmed that a detailed investigation will be conducted in line with aviation safety protocols. Airport authorities stated that the incident was handled efficiently and that passenger safety was never compromised. Several passengers reportedly contacted relatives after noticing the aircraft was not gaining cruising altitude, sparking momentary concern before the safe landing was confirmed. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the technical report once it is submitted by the airline.

Incidents

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Tiruchirappalli, India: A Dubai-bound Air India Express flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tiruchirappalli International Airport on

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a temporary closure of the runway. All 63 passengers and four crew members on board disembarked safely, and no injuries have been reported, airport and airline officials confirmed. The aircraft involved was an Embraer E170 (registration SP-LDK), operating flight LO771 from Warsaw (Poland) to Vilnius (Lithuania). The flight landed at 13:43 local time (runway 01) without apparent issues. However, while taxiing toward the stand, the aircraft veered off the paved surface sliding onto the northern side of the airfield. Flight-tracking records show the plane had slowed to under 30 knots before the final taxiway turn but nevertheless “continued straight,” failing to make the turn and leaving the paved taxiway surface. Emergency services including fire and ground-handling teams responded immediately. Passengers disembarked via mobile stairs and were safely transported to the terminal. No injuries or medical emergencies have been reported. The airline confirmed the return flight, LO772 from Vilnius to Warsaw, has been cancelled pending technical inspection. LOT’s technical team, together with airport authorities, is assessing the aircraft and runway condition before any further operations resume. Following the incident, Vilnius Airport under the authority of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) issued a NOTAM and closed its runway, suspending all arrivals and departures. Initial estimates suggested resumption by 17:00 local time, but the closure was later extended until at least 22:00 as recovery and inspection work continued. The closure has affected other scheduled flights. Passengers on flights due to depart or arrive during the shutdown were advised to contact their airlines for updated schedules. The incident occurred amid heavy, wet snowfall in Vilnius part of a broader winter weather surge across Lithuania. The buildup of snow and slush likely contributed to poor friction on taxiway/runway surfaces. Meteorological warnings had been issued earlier, cautioning travelers about hazardous conditions. While the exact cause has not yet been determined, local media and aviation-safety observers have highlighted slippery surfaces from snow and wet slush as plausible contributing factors. Immediately after the incident, the airport’s Emergency Commission convened a meeting. The gathering included the transport minister, justice-department officials, and LTOU management, signaling the start of a formal investigation. Authorities have yet to publish a preliminary report. The investigation is expected to examine multiple aspects including runway/taxiway surface condition, snow/ice removal procedures, friction measurements, aircraft handling during taxi, and possible human or technical errors.

Incidents

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

Vilnius, Lithuania: A regional jet operated by LOT Polish Airlines slid off the taxiway at Vilnius Airport today, forcing a

Kolwezi, Africa: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mines Minister, Louis Watum Kabamba, along with other passengers, survived a runway overrun and fire at Kolwezi Airport on Monday, officials confirmed. The chartered aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145 operated by Airjet Angola (registration D2-AJB), was on a flight (MBC-100) from Lubumbashi to Kolwezi when it veered off runway 29 during landing and caught fire. According to the bureau of aircraft accident archives, both main landing gears were reportedly sheared off as the airplane came to a halt, and the tail section ignited. All 26 passengers and 3 crew evacuated; there are no reported fatalities or serious injuries. Initial reports suggest the aircraft touched down before a displaced threshold on runway 29, which was under maintenance. The Notam issued for Kolwezi Airport indicated that 1,000 metres of the runway were being resurfaced, reducing the effective landing distance. According to the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives, this could have contributed to the gear collapse. Eyewitnesses and social media footage show thick smoke rising from the rear fuselage as passengers escaped, some via overwing exits. Isaac Nyembo, communications adviser to Minister Kabamba, said around 20 people were evacuated before the fire spread, though luggage was damaged. Concerns have also been raised over emergency response readiness at Kolwezi Airport. No fire trucks arrived for several minutes, despite the airport being categorized to require rapid rescue capability. Minister Kabamba and his delegation were heading to Kalondo, near Kolwezi, following a recent mining accident in which over 30 workers died in a bridge collapse. The delegation was expected to assess the damage, console affected families, and coordinate government support. An investigation has been launched by the DRC’s aviation authority (BPEA) into the cause of the runway excursion and fire. Kolwezi Airport, located in Lualaba Province, has a single asphalt runway (11/29), around 2,410 metres long. Aviation experts have pointed out that infrastructure challenges, such as runway maintenance, coupled with limited firefighting capacity, may pose ongoing safety risks.

Aircraft Crashes

29 Aboard Survive As ERJ-145 Overruns Kolwezi Airport Runway And Catches Fire

Aviation Today News Desk / November 18, 2025

Kolwezi, Africa: The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Mines Minister, Louis Watum Kabamba, along with other passengers, survived a runway overrun

Incidents

Federal Judge Declines More Jail For Pilot Who Tried To Cut Fuel To Alaska Jet Engines

Aviation Today News Desk / November 18, 2025

Portland, United States: A federal judge has ruled that Joseph David Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, will not serve

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport late Sunday night after reporting an engine malfunction during descent, officials confirmed. The aircraft, operating as SpiceJet flight SG 670, took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai) and was nearing Kolkata when the flight crew reported a technical issue involving one of its engines. Air traffic control promptly declared a full emergency, and rescue and fire services were placed on standby. According to airport officials, the aircraft landed safely at 11:38 p.m. (IST) and taxied to the parking bay without further incident. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The airline did not disclose specific details about the nature of the engine failure. Technical engineers have begun an inspection of the aircraft to determine the cause of the malfunction. No smoke or fire was detected upon landing, according to airport emergency services. Authorities withdrew the full emergency status shortly after touchdown, confirming that the situation was under control. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to review the incident as part of its routine safety oversight, officials familiar with the matter said. Industry experts note that while modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to fly safely on one engine, in-flight engine shutdowns trigger mandatory reporting and inspection protocols under DGCA norms.

Incidents

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / November 11, 2025

Kolkata, India: A SpiceJet flight operating from Mumbai to Kolkata made an emergency landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International

Dagestan, Russia: A Russian Ka-226 light utility helicopter operated by Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ) crashed in the Republic of Dagestan on Friday, after catching fire mid-air, killing at least five people, including senior officials of the defense manufacturer. The helicopter, registered RA-19307, was flying from Kizlyar to Izberbash on November 7 when it reportedly caught fire while airborne near the village of Achi-Su, close to the Caspian Sea. videos circulating on Russian and international media show the aircraft’s tail section detaching as it spun uncontrollably before slamming into the ground and erupting into flames. According to a statement by the plant, the dead included KEMZ’s deputy general director, chief engineer, and chief designer. Two other employees who were initially reported injured also succumbed to their injuries, KEMZ, part of the Rostec defense conglomerate, manufactures the Ka-226 multipurpose helicopter used by Russian armed forces and civilian operators. Video evidence reviewed by multiple outlets shows the pilot struggling to stabilize the aircraft after its tail rotor failed mid-air. Witnesses reported seeing the helicopter hover momentarily before the fuselage ignited and fell to the ground. The aircraft crashed into an unoccupied private house, causing no ground casualties, regional authorities confirmed. Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) classified the event as a “disaster” and opened an inquiry into possible violations of flight-safety regulations. The Investigative Committee of Russia has launched a separate criminal probe into potential breaches of airworthiness and maintenance procedures. Preliminary assessments suggest a mechanical or structural failure in the tail section may have triggered the inflight breakup. Experts also noted that ongoing sanctions have limited access to certain aviation components, raising maintenance and reliability concerns across several Russian aircraft fleets. The pilot appeared to have continued flight despite visible structural damage before attempting an emergency landing. Aviation analysts have called the decision “questionable,” given the apparent loss of tail-rotor control, which is critical for helicopter stability. The Kamov Ka-226 is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter designed for reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and transport missions. Known for its coaxial rotor configuration, the type has been in service since the late 1990s and is produced by KEMZ under license. The same model was previously involved in several non-fatal incidents linked to gearbox and rotor-system issues. Authorities have not yet released the flight data or cockpit voice recorders, and the investigation is expected to continue in coordination with Russia’s Interstate Aviation Committee.

Helicopter Crash

Five Dead As Russian Ka-226 Helicopter Breaks Apart And Crashes In Dagestan

Aviation Today News Desk / November 10, 2025

Dagestan, Russia: A Russian Ka-226 light utility helicopter operated by Kizlyar Electromechanical Plant (KEMZ) crashed in the Republic of Dagestan

Kuwait City, Kuwait: A Kuwait Airways flight bound for Manila was delayed early Friday morning after the aircraft encountered a minor technical malfunction while taxiing for departure at Kuwait International Airport (KWI), authorities confirmed. The incident involved Kuwait Airways Flight KU417, a scheduled service from Kuwait City to Manila. The aircraft suffered a braking system malfunction shortly before takeoff. The fault reportedly caused a brief halt in aircraft movement on the taxiway but did not lead to any injuries or fire onboard. “The situation was brought under control quickly, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew,” Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) said in an official statement. “The technical teams carried out immediate safety checks, and the aircraft was secured in accordance with international aviation protocols.” Airport ground crews, fire services, and airline maintenance teams responded promptly to the alert. The aircraft, which had 284 passengers onboard, was towed back to the gate area for inspection. Passengers were deboarded safely and provided refreshments while Kuwait Airways arranged an alternate aircraft to operate the route. A replacement aircraft later departed Kuwait for Manila around 12:20 p.m. local time, several hours after the initial schedule. The airline confirmed that no flight operations or other services at the airport were affected by the incident. The Public Authority for Civil Aviation – Kuwait (PACA) has initiated a standard investigation to determine the cause of the malfunction. Preliminary findings suggest a mechanical issue in the braking system, but officials emphasized that it posed no threat to flight safety. PACA reaffirmed that all safety procedures were executed without delay, adding that the aircraft’s crew followed prescribed emergency checklists effectively. “Passenger safety is our foremost priority. Incidents of this nature are handled in accordance with international standards and in coordination with Kuwait Airways’ engineering division,” the authority said. Kuwait Airways stated that its engineering and safety teams are carrying out detailed inspections on the affected aircraft before returning it to service. The airline added that passengers who missed connecting flights were rebooked and assisted at Kuwait International Airport’s customer service desk. Operations across Kuwait Airways’ regional network reportedly continued without disruption. Aviation tracking services showed regular departures from KWI through the day. The aircraft involved remains grounded pending engineering clearance and PACA certification. No further issues or related incidents have been reported.

Incidents

Kuwait Airways Flight To Manila Delayed After A Technical Incident At Kuwait Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / November 8, 2025

Kuwait City, Kuwait: A Kuwait Airways flight bound for Manila was delayed early Friday morning after the aircraft encountered a

aviation investigation

169 Evacuated As Ground Equipment Catches Fire Near LATAM Aircraft At GRU At Sao Paulo

Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 Damaged In Ground Collision At Maldives Airport, No Injuries

Air NZ A320-Neo Suffered Uncommanded Engine Shutdown Due to Faulty Fire-Switch: TAIC

Dubai-Bound Air India Express Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing At Trichy After Snag

LOT Polish Airlines Jet Slides Off Taxiway At Vilnius Airport, Runway Shut After Snow

29 Aboard Survive As ERJ-145 Overruns Kolwezi Airport Runway And Catches Fire

Federal Judge Declines More Jail For Pilot Who Tried To Cut Fuel To Alaska Jet Engines

SpiceJet Mumbai–Kolkata Flight Makes Safe Emergency Landing After Engine Failure

Five Dead As Russian Ka-226 Helicopter Breaks Apart And Crashes In Dagestan

Kuwait Airways Flight To Manila Delayed After A Technical Incident At Kuwait Airport

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