Aviation news update Archives - Page 3 of 5

ED Enables ₹312 Crore Payout To Former Kingfisher Airlines Employees After 12-Yrs Wait

Aviation Today News Desk / December 20, 2025

New Delhi, India: In a significant relief to thousands of former Kingfisher Airlines employees, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has enabled […]

North Carolina, United States: A private business jet crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning, killing all seven people on board, including retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, and prompting a federal investigation by aviation authorities. The aircraft, identified as a Cessna C550 Citation II, went down near the runway shortly after 10 a.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The jet burst into flames on impact, leaving no survivors, officials confirmed. According to preliminary information released by authorities, the jet had departed from Statesville Regional Airport and was en route to Florida, with plans to continue onward to the Bahamas. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft turned back toward the airport for reasons that have not yet been disclosed publicly. Witnesses near the airport reported seeing the plane flying unusually low before it crashed near the runway area. Emergency responders arrived within minutes, but the intensity of the post-impact fire prevented rescue efforts. Airport officials temporarily closed Statesville Regional Airport following the crash to allow emergency crews to secure the site and investigators to begin their work. Authorities and family representatives confirmed that retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, 55, was among those killed in the crash. He was traveling with his wife, Cristina, and their two children. Three family friends were also on board the aircraft. The jet was registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company connected to Biffle through public FAA registration records. Biffle was a prominent figure in American motorsports, with championships and race victories across NASCAR’s national series. News of his death triggered an outpouring of tributes from the racing community and beyond. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the FAA. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s maintenance history, pilot qualifications, weather conditions, and flight data to determine the cause of the crash. Officials emphasized that it is too early to speculate on contributing factors. Weather conditions at the time included overcast skies and gusty winds, though investigators have not confirmed whether weather played a role. The NTSB is expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks, with a final report likely to take several months. The crash has deeply affected the local Statesville community, where the airport serves both private and business aviation traffic. Airport officials said operations will resume only after investigators clear the runway and surrounding areas. Local officials described the incident as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in the region in recent years.

Aircraft Crashes

NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Among Seven Killed In Statesville Private Jet Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / December 19, 2025

North Carolina, United States: A private business jet crashed while attempting to land at Statesville Regional Airport on Thursday morning,

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport, local officials confirmed. The airport, located about 29 miles west of downtown Chicago, was temporarily closed as emergency crews responded and investigators began preliminary inquiries. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche aircraft departed DuPage Airport around 1:50 p.m. CST before plummeting to the ground near the runway area. Both occupants on board were adult males who were pronounced dead at the scene, according to airport officials. First responders from the West Chicago Police Department, the West Chicago Fire Protection District, and personnel from the DuPage Airport Authority were on site within minutes. Video footage circulated by local media showed significant damage to the aircraft wreckage in a snow-covered field adjacent to the airport. Airport authorities confirmed that the exact cause of the crash is not immediately known. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine what led to the accident, with the NTSB expected to take the lead on technical analysis in the coming days. The DuPage Airport Authority issued a brief statement saying it was cooperating fully with federal investigators and that no further details would be released pending investigative findings. “Our deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident,” the statement read. Eyewitness accounts and local residents described a chaotic response as first responders secured the area and cleared debris. The FAA has stated it will review flight data and communication records as part of the investigative process. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims. The airport remains closed for part of its operations while teams continue documenting the scene and collecting evidence.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed In Twin-Engine Plane Crash After Takeoff At DuPage Airport In West Chicago

Aviation Today News Desk / December 18, 2025

Chicago, United States: Two people died Wednesday afternoon when a small twin-engine airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport,

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) skidded off the runway at Dhana Airstrip on Wednesday. The sole pilot aboard escaped without injury, police said. According to Additional Superintendent of Police Lokendra Singh, the aircraft veered off during take‑off and nosedived into scrubland adjacent to the airstrip just as authorities were preparing the runway for an emergency airlift of an injured soldier. “The solo pilot miraculously escaped without injuries,” he told IANS. Eyewitnesses described a sudden loss of control, followed by a plume of dust and debris as the plane left the runway and hit rough terrain. The aircraft reportedly did not catch fire, and there was no immediate sign of a major structural breakup. Dhana Airstrip located in Sagar district serves as the primary training base for Chimes Aviation Academy. CAA lists the Dhana facility among its certified flying bases. The accident renews scrutiny over repeated safety‑related incidents at Dhana. CAA and the local administration have not yet released a detailed statement. An investigation is expected to determine whether pilot error, technical failure or runway/airstrip conditions caused the mishap. Similar Training Aircraft Crash At Seoni Two Days Ago About two days ago, a training aircraft belonging to Redbird Flight Training Academy crashed near Seoni district in Madhya Pradesh. According to police and local reports, the aircraft struck a 33 kV high‑voltage power line while preparing to land near the village of Amgaon, roughly 2 km from Suktara Airstrip. The wing’s impact severed the line, leading to a crash in a nearby field; both the pilot and the flight instructor identified as Ajit Anthony (instructor) and Ajit Chawda (trainee) sustained injuries but are now out of danger. In addition to the human injuries, the accident caused electricity disruption around 80–90 villages under the local power‑substation were plunged into darkness. Previous Training Aircraft Incidents at Chimes Aviation Academy 6 April 2009, a training aircraft of Chimes Aviation Academy, a Cessna 172R registered VT‑CAI departed from Dhana Airstrip on a cross‑country solo training flight. On its return leg near Bargi Dam in Madhya Pradesh, the aircraft reportedly flew very low over the water, made a low pass near fishermen, and then plunged into the dam. The wreckage was recovered on 29 May 2009, after more than a month, with the aircraft destroyed, the engine hanging and the propeller facing downward. The lone trainee pilot on board tragically died. 3 January 2020, Dhana Airstrip, Sagar (MP), a Cessna 172 training aircraft of Chimes Aviation Academy crashed during landing at Dhana Airstrip. Both the instructor and trainee on board tragically lost their lives in the accident 17 July 2021, Dhana Airstrip, Sagar, a Cessna 172R (VT‑CAG) operated by the academy experienced a runway excursion during take‑off or landing at Dhana Airstrip. The aircraft skidded off the runway, but the trainee pilot escaped unhurt. 6 March 2024, Guna Airstrip, Guna district (MP), a Cessna 172S (VT‑CHP) developed engine trouble mid-flight while traveling from Neemuch to Dhana. The trainee pilot attempted an emergency landing at Guna Airstrip but lost control, crashing into bushes. The pilot was injured, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

Aircraft Crashes

Chimes Aviation Academy Aircraft Skids Off Runway At Dhana; Solo Pilot Escapes Unhurt

Aviation Today News Desk / December 10, 2025

Seoni, India: A training aircraft belonging to Chimes Aviation Academy (CAA) skidded off the runway at Dhana Airstrip on Wednesday.

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during ground operations, forcing the airline to cancel its scheduled return service to Dubai. The aircraft resumed operations after undergoing inspections and repairs, according to multiple aviation industry reports. The incident occurred on 28 November 2025, shortly after the superjumbo had arrived from Dubai operating flight EK17. While parked at the gate during turnaround preparations for its return flight EK18, a fuel truck made contact with one of the aircraft’s Rolls-Royce Trent engines, damaging the engine intake cowling. Initial reports confirmed that the aircraft, registered A6-EVP, sustained visible structural damage to the engine intake area. Despite the impact, no injuries were reported, and airport emergency protocols were not triggered. Due to the damage, Emirates cancelled flight EK18, leaving the aircraft grounded at Manchester for detailed technical inspection. Engineers assessed the aircraft on site to determine whether the damage extended beyond the intake structure. According to follow-up reports, Emirates completed essential repairs within two days. The A380 returned to active service on 30 November 2025, operating as flight EK20 from Manchester to Dubai, restoring normal wide-body operations on the route. Industry analysts noted that while the damage was limited, even minor engine intake deformation on an A380 requires immediate grounding due to strict safety regulations governing wide-body aircraft and high-bypass turbofans. As of the latest update, neither Emirates nor Manchester Airport has released an official statement confirming the root cause of the collision, and no public details have emerged regarding whether the fuel truck driver or ground-handling agency faced disciplinary action.

Incidents

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

Aviation Today News Desk / December 2, 2025

Manchester, United Kingdom: An Emirates Airbus A380 was grounded at Manchester Airport after a fuel truck struck the aircraft during

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

New Orleans, United States: The United States Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for two pilots missing after a small training aircraft crashed into Lake Pontchartrain earlier this week. Authorities ended active operations after nearly 45 hours of continuous air and water searches, covering more than 770 square miles, with no survivors found. Coast Guard officials said the decision was made after all reasonable search efforts were exhausted. The aircraft, a Cessna 172 operated by Apollo Flight Training of Gulfport, Mississippi, was conducting a training flight on Monday evening when it disappeared from radar about four miles from New Orleans Lakefront Airport. The flight was carrying a female instructor and a male student, working toward commercial aviation careers. According to company owner Michael Carastro, the instructor and student were both in their mid-20s. The instructor reportedly had accumulated around 1,300 flight hours roughly 200 hours shy of the threshold required to qualify for airline duty. The student had been pursuing his commercial and instrument rating. Carastro emphasised that the aircraft was regularly maintained and “up to regulation standards,” and said there was no distress call before contact was lost. He called the crash “an unbelievable tragedy,” noting that in his decades-long experience as a pilot and instructor, he had never before encountered anything like this. Search crews earlier recovered limited debris, including parts believed to be from the aircraft. No distress call was received before radar contact was lost. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the crash once additional wreckage is located. The flight school has stated that the aircraft was properly maintained and had no known mechanical issues prior to departure.

Aircraft Crashes

US Coast Guard Suspends Search For Two Missing Pilots In Lake Pontchartrain Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / November 27, 2025

New Orleans, United States: The United States Coast Guard has officially suspended its search for two pilots missing after a

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

Airports

Bomb Threat Email To IndiGo Sparks High Alert, Security Tightened At 5 Major Airports

Aviation Today News Desk / November 13, 2025

New Delhi, India: A bomb threat email sent to IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday sparked a high-security alert across five major

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October 31, amid worsening weather conditions and ongoing ground delays caused by staffing shortages. According to multiple eyewitness accounts and passenger reports, a United Airlines flight arriving from Orlando clipped the tail of another United aircraft that was stationary and preparing for departure to Houston. The collision occurred during a turn into the gate area, causing what passengers described as a “bump” during taxi. “We all felt a bump during taxi, but didn’t know it was another plane until the captain said it was,” one passenger told The New York Post. Both planes immediately halted operations and returned to the gate for inspection. United Airlines confirmed that no injuries were reported among the 328 passengers and 15 crew members aboard the two aircraft. Maintenance teams conducted post-incident assessments to determine the extent of any structural damage before clearing the affected area. The mishap unfolded as LaGuardia faced heavy congestion and high winds, with gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Flight tracking data showed average ground delays exceeding two hours, while some departures were held for more than five hours. Compounding the situation, the U.S. government shutdown has significantly reduced air-traffic control staffing levels, forcing airports to operate with limited resources. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned that prolonged shortages could lead to “a real risk of disaster” if the issue remains unresolved. Around 13,000 U.S. air traffic controllers are currently working without pay as the federal government shutdown drags on, raising serious concerns about aviation safety and operational reliability. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that staffing issues now account for over half of all flight delays, compared to roughly 5% under normal conditions. Controllers, already facing a nationwide shortfall of 3,500 personnel, are reportedly working extended 10-hour shifts and six-day weeks, leading to fatigue and morale problems. The Houston-bound United aircraft was already delayed by about 90 minutes prior to the collision, according to flight records. Ground handling staff at LaGuardia temporarily suspended operations on the affected taxiway while crews assessed the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine whether procedural lapses, environmental factors, or limited ground visibility contributed to the contact between the two planes.

Incidents

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

Aviation Today News Desk / November 1, 2025

New York, United States: Two United Airlines aircraft made contact while taxiing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport on Friday, October

Aviation news update

ED Enables ₹312 Crore Payout To Former Kingfisher Airlines Employees After 12-Yrs Wait

NASCAR Driver Greg Biffle Among Seven Killed In Statesville Private Jet Crash

Two Killed In Twin-Engine Plane Crash After Takeoff At DuPage Airport In West Chicago

Chimes Aviation Academy Aircraft Skids Off Runway At Dhana; Solo Pilot Escapes Unhurt

Fuel Truck Hits Emirates A380 At Manchester Airport, UK To Dubai Flight Cancelled

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

US Coast Guard Suspends Search For Two Missing Pilots In Lake Pontchartrain Crash

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

Bomb Threat Email To IndiGo Sparks High Alert, Security Tightened At 5 Major Airports

Two United Airlines Jets Collide At LaGuardia Amid High Winds And Staffing Crisis

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