aviation investigation Archives - Page 9 of 15

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving their wingtips on Tuesday evening, prompting inspections and an immediate probe by aviation authorities. All passengers and crew onboard both flights were unharmed, officials confirmed. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 pm IST when Air India flight AI 2732, bound for Coimbatore, was taxiing for departure and the IndiGo flight 6E 791 had just landed from Hyderabad and was taxiing toward the terminal. Both aircraft involved were narrow-body Airbus A320s. According to Air India, the right wingtip of its aircraft made contact with the wingtip of the IndiGo aircraft while maneuvering on the taxiway prior to taking off. The airline said the contact resulted in damage to its aircraft’s wingtip, and the aircraft was immediately grounded for technical checks as a precautionary measure. All passengers were safely deplaned, and ground teams began arranging alternative onward travel. IndiGo released a separate statement confirming that the wingtip of its aircraft operating flight 6E 791 touched the wing of another airline’s aircraft while taxiing after landing. The airline said all passengers disembarked safely, and its aircraft is undergoing maintenance inspection in line with standard protocols. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dispatched a team from its Mumbai office to the site soon after the incident. DGCA officials confirmed both aircraft returned to their respective bays and were taken out of service pending inspection. The regulator has initiated an inquiry to determine the factors leading to the collision, focusing on ground vehicle and aircraft movement controls at the busy international airport. “No injuries have been reported among passengers or crew,” according to civil aviation sources, highlighting that the low-speed nature of the taxiing incident limited the impact to aircraft structures rather than human safety. The airport, which operates parallel runways and heavy traffic movements daily, did not report any significant disruptions to other flights following the incident. Authorities said that routine operations continued while the affected aircraft were inspected.

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / February 4, 2026

Mumbai, India: Two commercial aircraft operating at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) were involved in a ground collision involving

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Unqualified Second-In-Command In Greg Biffle Plane Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / February 3, 2026

North Carolina, United States: The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary investigative report on the December 18,

Nabire, Indonesia: A Smart Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft carrying 13 people was forced to make an emergency water landing off the coast of Nabire, Central Papua on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Authorities confirmed that all passengers and crew survived the incident without serious injury. The single-engine turboprop, registered PK-SNS, had departed from Douw Aturure Airport (NBX) bound for Kaimana Airport (KNG) shortly after noon local time. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew detected a technical issue with the aircraft’s engine, prompting the captain to attempt a return to the departure airport. With engine thrust diminishing, the pilot executed an emergency landing at the Logpond Kaladiri area, a shallow coastal waterway adjacent to the airport. The aircraft came down at approximately 13:40 WIT (Western Indonesian Time), skidding into the water near Karadiri Beach before finally coming to rest. Officials from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Nabire and local police were on scene to assist with evacuation efforts. All 13 occupants comprising 11 passengers and 2 crew members were safely evacuated and accounted for. Many were initially taken to RSUD Nabire hospital for evaluation and later released. Nabire Police Chief AKBP Samuel Tatiratu confirmed there were no fatalities or serious injuries. “All passengers and crew are reported to be in good condition and safe,” Tatiratu said. Preliminary information from the Ministry of Transportation’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation indicates the incident was triggered by engine malfunction shortly after takeoff, prompting a Return-to-Base decision, followed by an emergency landing when thrust power continued to degrade. The aircraft belongs to PT Smart Cakrawala Aviation and operates scheduled regional services in eastern Indonesia. Authorities, including the Komite Nasional Keselamatan Transportasi (KNKT), are expected to launch a formal investigation into the mechanical issue to determine precise causes and contributing factors. Local residents who witnessed the event assisted rescue personnel in pulling survivors from the water while emergency services coordinated further safety assessments at the scene.

Incidents

Smart Air Cessna Makes Emergency Water Landing Off Nabire Coast, All 13 On Board Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / January 29, 2026

Nabire, Indonesia: A Smart Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft carrying 13 people was forced to make an emergency water

Pune, India: A chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar crashed while attempting to land at Baramati Airport on Wednesday morning, killing multiple people including Pawar, officials and news agencies reported. The crash occurred during what authorities described as an emergency landing attempt in Baramati, located in Pune district. Early reports suggest the aircraft suffered a catastrophic failure while on final approach to the runway. According to preliminary information from the Press Trust of India (PTI) cited reports, Ajit Pawar and at least five other individuals on board died in the accident. The DGCA said all six on board, including Pawar, two staff members, and two crew and the pilot were killed in the crash. The wreckage showed significant structural breakup after the aircraft crashed, and that emergency services were deployed to the site immediately after the incident. Ajit Pawar was travelling from Mumbai to Baramati to attend a series of political events related to the forthcoming Zilla Parishad elections. Media reports stated that the aircraft was a chartered Learjet 45 and was carrying the deputy chief minister along with security personnel, pilots and other passengers. Baramati Airport manager Shivaji Taware told reporters the aircraft went off the side of the runway before crashing, though exact details of what precipitated the accident are still under investigation. State emergency services, including fire and rescue teams, responded swiftly to the crash site. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other aviation authorities are expected to launch a formal investigation into the cause of the crash. Factors such as technical issues, weather, or procedural error are yet to be confirmed. Official statements from the Maharashtra government and spokespersons for the NCP are anticipated later today as authorities gather more information and complete an initial assessment of the accident.

Aircraft Crashes

Plane Crashes During Emergency Landing At Baramati, DCM Ajit Pawar, 4 Others Killed

Aviation Today News Desk / January 28, 2026

Pune, India: A chartered aircraft carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar crashed while

Jakarta, Indonesia: Indonesian authorities confirmed on Friday that all 10 victims from the fatal crash of an Indonesia Air Transport (IAT) ATR 42-500 turboprop aircraft have been recovered, concluding a seven-day search and rescue operation on the steep slopes of Mount Bulusaraung in South Sulawesi. The aircraft, registered PK-THT, disappeared from radar on January 17 while on a maritime surveillance mission for the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. It was en route from Adisutjipto Airport, Yogyakarta, to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar when contact was lost during its final approach. Rescue teams, comprising personnel from the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), military, police, and volunteers, faced rugged terrain, steep ravines, dense fog, and volatile weather throughout the operation. Bodies were found in scattered locations on the mountainside and transported to forensic specialists in Makassar for Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) procedures. By Friday morning, the 10th and final victim had been located, marking the official end of the recovery phase. Authorities expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated support for identification and repatriation processes. A key breakthrough in the investigation came with the recovery of the aircraft’s cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR) from the wreckage. A joint SAR team located both units intact in the tail section of the aircraft on January 21, despite adverse weather delaying initial access. Following extraction from the crash site, the devices were secured and transported to a checkpoint in Tompobulu village, before being handed over to the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), Indonesia’s official air accident investigation authority. Basarnas Chief Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii confirmed that the recorders will be analyzed to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Earlier in the response, the KNKT classified the crash as a Controlled Flight Into Terrain (CFIT) incident, indicating the aircraft was under control when it impacted the mountain slope although classification does not imply pilot intent or assign fault. The investigation team has not yet publicly disclosed a definitive cause, citing the ongoing analysis of flight recorder data and other evidence. The ATR 42-500 turboprop was conducting a routine surveillance mission in support of fisheries and maritime resource monitoring when it vanished. Initial reports indicated 10 people on board, including seven crew members and three passengers from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The mountainous crash zone spans portions of Maros and Pangkajene and Islands regencies, complicating early rescue efforts and driving a multi-agency coordinated response.

Investigation

Search Ends After All 10 Victims Are Found In Indonesia ATR-42 Crash In Sulawesi Mountains

Aviation Today News Desk / January 25, 2026

Jakarta, Indonesia: Indonesian authorities confirmed on Friday that all 10 victims from the fatal crash of an Indonesia Air Transport

Florida, United States: JetBlue Airways flight B61058, operating from Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), was forced to divert and make an emergency landing at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after suffering an engine failure shortly after takeoff, airline and flight tracking sources confirmed. The aircraft, an Airbus A321neo registered N2086J, departed Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport at approximately 1:59 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST). Shortly after leaving the runway, pilots reported a “loud bang” and identified a malfunction in the right engine, prompting an immediate emergency declaration using the internationally recognized distress transponder code 7700, according to aviation reports. Following standard safety protocols, the flight crew elected to maintain a holding pattern near Aruba to burn and, as necessary, dump fuel to reduce weight ahead of landing. Once stabilized and in communication with air traffic control, the decision was made to divert to Fort Lauderdale, a major JetBlue maintenance hub with full emergency response capabilities. The aircraft landed safely at 5:21 PM local time (EST). Emergency response teams were positioned on standby at the airport, though no injuries were reported among the 180 passengers and six crew members aboard. Passengers were subsequently disembarked and provided assistance, with the airline arranging rebooking or alternative flights to New York to minimize disruption to travel plans. In the aftermath of the diversion, the aircraft was moved to a secure area of FLL where JetBlue’s technical personnel, supported by federal and aviation authorities, began a detailed inspection to determine the exact cause of the engine failure. The investigation will assess whether the issue stemmed from a mechanical fault within the engine, a related component malfunction, or other technical factors. JetBlue has placed the aircraft out of service pending completion of this assessment. It is standard practice in such incidents for airlines to work with regulatory and manufacturer stakeholders to analyze flight data, conduct engine examinations, and ensure that corrective actions or maintenance directives are implemented as needed.

Incidents

JetBlue Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Florida After Mid-Air Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / January 22, 2026

Florida, United States: JetBlue Airways flight B61058, operating from Oranjestad, Aruba (AUA) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport

Prayagraj, India: A two‑seater Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight trainer aircraft made an emergency landing into a pond near KP College in Prayagraj on Wednesday afternoon after developing a technical snag mid‑flight, officials and eyewitnesses said. The aircraft, which had departed on a routine training sortie from Air Force Station Bamrauli at approximately 12:15 pm, reportedly lost altitude after a suspected technical malfunction, possibly related to engine failure, according to defence sources and eyewitness accounts. Eyewitnesses said the light trainer circled at low altitude before descending into the water‑hyacinth covered pond behind KP College, generating a loud noise that drew immediate attention from local residents. Local residents were first on the scene and played a critical role in assisting the two pilots out of the shallow, muddy water before formal emergency teams arrived. Police, fire brigade personnel and rescue divers were deployed shortly after the incident was reported. Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Manish Shandilya confirmed that both crew members escaped without injuries and that there were no reports of civilian casualties or property damage. In a statement released on the IAF’s official social media channels, the Air Force said, “A Microlite aircraft of the IAF, while undertaking a routine sortie, from AF Station Bamrauli near Prayagraj at 1215 hrs on January 21, 2026, experienced a technical malfunction, and was safely force landed in an uninhabited area, ensuring no damage to civil life or property. Both pilots on board are safe.” The IAF further announced that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact cause of the malfunction and to review flight records, maintenance logs and pilot reports as part of the formal investigation process. Previous Incidents: In 2025, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar two-seater fighter jet crashed near Jamnagar, Gujarat, during a night training mission on April 2, 2025, after the aircraft encountered a technical malfunction mid-air, forcing the pilots to eject to safety, officials said. One pilot succumbed to injuries sustained in the incident and was later confirmed dead, while the other was rescued and is undergoing treatment in Jamnagar. The crash occurred in an open field near Suvarda village, about 12 km from Jamnagar city, triggering a fire and scattering wreckage, though there were no civilian casualties or damage to nearby property. The IAF expressed deep regret over the loss, extended condolences to the bereaved family, and announced that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the accident. Later in the same year, a twin-seater Indian Air Force (IAF) Jaguar trainer aircraft crashed on July 9, 2025, near Bhanuda village in Churu district, Rajasthan, during a routine training sortie, killing both pilots on board, defence officials confirmed. The aircraft, which had taken off from Suratgarh Air Force Base, went down in an agricultural field around mid-afternoon, scattering wreckage across the impact zone, and causing no reported damage to civilian property.

Aircraft Crashes

IAF Microlight Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing In Pond In Prayagraj, Both Pilots Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / January 22, 2026

Prayagraj, India: A two‑seater Indian Air Force (IAF) microlight trainer aircraft made an emergency landing into a pond near KP

Athens, Greece: A government-appointed investigation has concluded that last week’s eight-hour communications blackout in Greek airspace at Athens International Airport was caused by outdated and unsynchronised systems, not a cyberattack, exposing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities in one of Europe’s busiest flight regions. On January 4, radio communications across the Athens Flight Information Region (FIR) collapsed in a “blackout” that forced authorities to clear the airspace, ground departures and divert incoming flights for several hours. The incident left thousands of passengers stranded and triggered delays that rippled through European air traffic networks. According to the official report submitted to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas, the root cause was desynchronisation and “digital noise” in legacy telecommunications hardware supporting the Greek Civil Aviation Authority’s (HCAA) voice communication system. The systems rely on Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) technology no longer supported by manufacturers, leaving them vulnerable to failures without modern operational guarantees. The expert panel, which included representatives from the HCAA, national cybersecurity authority, telecom regulator and EUROCONTROL, confirmed there were no indications of a cyberattack or external interference. Full restoration occurred after telecommunications circuits were resynchronised and rerouted, with services returning to normal by approximately 16:53 local time. The incident was classified as “low risk” under aviation safety reporting criteria, with no breaches of minimum separation standards or evidence that aircraft were exposed to direct threat, according to the report. In the wake of the findings, HCAA governor Giorgos Saounatsos resigned at the request of Minister Dimas, who said the report underscored serious weaknesses in air traffic management infrastructure. Deputy governor Giorgos Vagenas will serve as interim head while the process to appoint a new administrator begins. The investigative committee recommended a rapid transition to Voice over IP (VoIP) communications, acquisition of nearly 500 new transceivers, and the establishment of a permanent joint crisis-response mechanism between the HCAA and national telecom provider OTE. It also called for improved remote monitoring, stronger spectrum oversight and relocation of critical facilities to reduce systemic risk. A ministry statement said plans to modernise Greece’s air traffic communications are underway but not expected to be complete before 2028, leaving systemic vulnerabilities in place as the nation prepares for its peak summer travel season. Air traffic controllers’ unions and aviation safety experts have long warned that ageing infrastructure and equipment obsolescence posed escalating operational risks. Following release of the committee’s findings, controllers stressed that safety on January 4 was maintained chiefly through manual procedures and emergency protocols, not because of robust systems. They have urged immediate action to align Greece’s air navigation capabilities with modern European standards.

Airports

Greek Government Report Links Jan 4 Athens Blackout To Outdated Systems, No Cyberattack

Aviation Today News Desk / January 21, 2026

Athens, Greece: A government-appointed investigation has concluded that last week’s eight-hour communications blackout in Greek airspace at Athens International Airport

Portland, United States: A federal court in Portland, Oregon, has sentenced 58-year-old New Delhi businessman Sanjay Kaushik to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to illegally export sensitive aviation components from the United States to Russia in violation of U.S. export control laws. The sentence was handed down on January 15, 2026, and is to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. Kaushik, who was arrested in Miami, Florida, on October 17, 2024, remained in U.S. custody throughout the legal proceedings and pleaded guilty on October 9, 2025, to one count of conspiracy relating to the sale and attempted export of aviation technology with dual civilian and military applications to Russian end users. According to the official U.S. In a Department of Justice (DOJ) press release, Kaushik and his co-conspirators began their activities in September 2023 by purchasing aviation technology and components, including an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) , a navigation and flight-control device from an Oregon-based supplier. Such pieces of technology are subject to strict export licensing under the U.S. Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations due to their potential military use and strategic importance. To dodge these controls, Kaushik’s group falsely asserted that the AHRS and other materials were destined for use in civilian helicopters in India, operated by his India-based company. Prosecutors established that the ultimate goal was to ship the technology through India to Russian end users, a move that would have directly violated U.S. sanctions and national security safeguards. Federal authorities intervened before the shipment could leave U.S. soil and detained the AHRS, effectively blocking the illegal export. U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford described the operation as “a calculated, profit-driven scheme involving repeated transactions, substantial gains, and coordination with foreign co-conspirators, including sanctioned Russian entities.” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg emphasized that individuals who seek to circumvent export laws, especially for technologies with potential military applications, “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Kaushik faced a federal grand jury indictment returned on November 20, 2024, on three counts related to conspiracy, attempted illegal export, and making false statements in connection with an export. At sentencing, the court took into account his guilty plea and cooperation, but highlighted the serious national security implications of the conduct. Legal analysts say the case underscores the rigorous enforcement of U.S. export control regulations, particularly amid heightened global tensions and sanctions against Russia. The DOJ and related enforcement agencies have signaled that they will continue to pursue individuals and entities that attempt to bypass controls designed to prevent sensitive technologies from reaching prohibited destinations. Kaushik’s sentence of 30 months, while significantly less than the maximum statutory penalty that could have exceeded several years, reflects both the gravity of the offence and the discretion exercised by the court. Upon release, he will be subject to three years of supervised freedom under U.S. oversight.

Investigation

Delhi Businessman Jailed 30 Months In US For Illegal Export Of Aviation Parts To Russia

Aviation Today News Desk / January 20, 2026

Portland, United States: A federal court in Portland, Oregon, has sentenced 58-year-old New Delhi businessman Sanjay Kaushik to 30 months

Orlando, United States: A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Orlando International Airport experienced a significant mechanical issue upon landing on Sunday afternoon, resulting in one of the aircraft’s nose wheels detaching and temporarily blocking the runway, authorities confirmed. United Airlines Flight UA2323, operated with an Airbus A321neo registered N14502, departed Chicago at approximately 8:55 a.m. CST and was scheduled to arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at 12:35 p.m. EST. Shortly after touchdown on Sunday, January 18, video footage shared on social media captured the aircraft making contact with the runway under what appeared to be challenging weather conditions. During the landing sequence, one of the forward nose wheels detached from the aircraft and rolled off the runway surface. Eyewitness video shows the aircraft’s main wheels touching down, followed by a series of uneven bounces. The aircraft veered slightly, and the separated wheel can be seen rolling away from the plane. The aircraft ultimately came to a stop on the runway. United Airlines reported that there were 200 passengers and six crew members on board at the time of the incident. Despite the severity of the landing and the mechanical failure, no injuries were reported. Passengers were safely disembarked and transported to the terminal via buses after being unable to reach the gate normally. Immediately following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport authorities issued a ground stop at MCO, temporarily halting all departing and arriving flights to allow emergency crews to secure the scene and clear debris. The ground stop was later adjusted to a ground delay as operations gradually resumed later in the afternoon. Orlando International Airport is one of the busiest travel hubs in Florida, and the runway closure led to delays and logistical disruptions across scheduled flights during peak travel hours. Preliminary accounts noted gusty and windy conditions at the time of landing, with reported wind gusts above typical operational norms. While weather may have contributed to the severity of the landing, authorities have not confirmed whether it was a causal factor in the mechanical failure. United Airlines and the FAA have not yet released detailed technical findings, but the aircraft has been removed from service and is undergoing maintenance inspection. Investigators are reviewing whether the failure was due to the hard landing dynamics, mechanical fatigue, weather stress, or a combination of factors. Federal aviation safety teams are continuing their examination of the incident. Official reports from the FAA or the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected in the coming days to clarify the precise mechanical cause and any contributing conditions. Final findings will inform whether industry safety procedures or maintenance protocols require updates.

Incidents

United Airlines Flight Loses Nose Wheel On Landing At Orlando, No Injuries Reported

Aviation Today News Desk / January 19, 2026

Orlando, United States: A United Airlines flight traveling from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Orlando International Airport experienced a significant

aviation investigation

Air India & IndiGo Aircraft Wingtips Collide At Mumbai Airport, No Injuries Reported

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Unqualified Second-In-Command In Greg Biffle Plane Crash

Smart Air Cessna Makes Emergency Water Landing Off Nabire Coast, All 13 On Board Safe

Plane Crashes During Emergency Landing At Baramati, DCM Ajit Pawar, 4 Others Killed

Search Ends After All 10 Victims Are Found In Indonesia ATR-42 Crash In Sulawesi Mountains

JetBlue Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Florida After Mid-Air Engine Failure

IAF Microlight Aircraft Makes Emergency Landing In Pond In Prayagraj, Both Pilots Safe

Greek Government Report Links Jan 4 Athens Blackout To Outdated Systems, No Cyberattack

Delhi Businessman Jailed 30 Months In US For Illegal Export Of Aviation Parts To Russia

United Airlines Flight Loses Nose Wheel On Landing At Orlando, No Injuries Reported

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