aviation safety Archives - Page 3 of 45

Baramati, India: A Cessna 172S training aircraft operated by Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. veered off the runway during a training exercise at Baramati Airfield in Maharashtra’s Pune district on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The aircraft, registered VT-SEX, had two people onboard flight instructor Captain Chirag Shashikant Doifode and cadet Abhijeet Jundre. Both escaped unharmed. The incident occurred at about 12:30 pm. The four-seat aircraft was conducting a Circuit and Landing Emergencies training exercise, during which the trainee was required to practise landing following an emergency scenario. Police and aviation authorities said the aircraft was involved in rejected-take-off exercises as part of the training sequence. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the DGCA-approved Academy of Carver Aviation aircraft “suffered a runway excursion at Baramati Airfield.” The ministry said the aircraft “was involved in a Circuit and Landing Emergencies (CL Emergencies) training exercise” and was unable to stop within the paved runway surface before veering onto the extended paved area beyond the runway threshold. A DGCA Air Safety team was sent to the site to conduct a preliminary investigation. Police said the aircraft initially entered the runway through Link Bravo and lined up at the threshold of Runway 29, where it carried out a rejected take-off exercise. It was subsequently positioned at the threshold of Runway 11 for another rejected take-off exercise. During the sequence, the aircraft could not be brought to a complete stop and continued beyond the runway before veering onto the grassy area. Police said the aircraft travelled roughly 20 feet beyond the runway end before entering the grass. Inspector Narayan Pawar said, “The brakes of the aircraft seem to have not worked,” while adding that the situation was under control. Pune Rural Deputy Superintendent of Police Chaitanya Kadam confirmed that both occupants were safe. The aircraft sustained damage during the runway excursion. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said, prima facie, damage was found to the propeller, engine cowling and nose landing gear, with a detailed assessment to be conducted by the competent authorities. The cause of the incident has not yet been established. Police said investigators were examining whether the aircraft developed a technical problem or whether another factor contributed to the runway excursion. A senior police official said, “It is too early to comment on anything,” as the investigation was still at an early stage. Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Singh Gill said the aircraft skidded while landing. In a statement reported by Economic Times, Gill said: “An aircraft VT-SEX was involved in a runway excursion incident at Baramati Airfield during a training exercise, with Capt Chirag Shashikant Doifode and Cadet Abhijeet Jundre on board. No injuries have been reported.” The aircraft involved was a Cessna 172S, a four-seat single-engine trainer. The DGCA’s list of approved flying training organisations as of March 30, 2026, lists VT-SEX as a Cessna 172S operated by Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd., whose flying base is near Baramati Airport. Carver Aviation’s own fleet information also lists VT-SEX among its training aircraft. There was therefore no injury to the cadet, no injury to the instructor and no fatality in the August 9 incident. The aircraft was not carrying passengers beyond the two flight-training occupants, and the incident occurred during a scheduled training exercise rather than a passenger operation. The incident has nevertheless renewed scrutiny of safety conditions at Baramati. Hindustan Times described it as the seventh aircraft accident or incident linked to Baramati’s aviation and flight-training operations since 2022, prompting calls for a broader review of infrastructure, operational systems and oversight. Aviation expert Dhairyashil Vandekar said the latest incident should trigger a comprehensive review of the airfield. “It is important that the safety and confidence of trainee pilots must be paramount,” Vandekar said, adding that Baramati’s infrastructure and operational systems need to keep pace with the volume of flying activity. He called for appropriate air traffic services, modern navigation and communication systems and stronger emergency-response infrastructure. The DGCA is now examining the circumstances and contributing factors behind the August 9 runway excursion. At present, authorities have not attributed the incident to a confirmed brake failure, mechanical defect, pilot error or any other specific cause. The investigation is expected to establish what led the Cessna 172S to leave the paved runway during the training exercise.

Cessna 172S Suffers Runway Excursion At Baramati During Training, 2 Escape Unhurt

Aviation Today News Desk / August 10, 2026

Baramati, India: A Cessna 172S training aircraft operated by Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd. veered off the runway during […]

Aircraft Crashes

Tourist Helicopter Crashes In Rio’s Tijuca National Park, Killing All Four Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk / August 10, 2026

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A tourist helicopter crashed in Rio de Janeiro’s Tijuca National Park on Saturday, August 8, killing

Airlines

Malaysia Aviation Group Mandates Pilot Drug Tests After Alleged Drug-Trafficking Case

Aviation Today News Desk / August 8, 2026

Sepang, Malaysia: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has begun mandatory drug screening for all Malaysia Airlines pilots and is expanding fitness-for-duty

Investigation

Brazil Formally Accuses 16 Voepass Employees Over 2024 ATR Crash That Killed 62

Aviation Today News Desk / August 7, 2026

Vinhedo, Brazil: Brazilian federal police have formally accused 16 current and former Voepass employees over the August 2024 crash of

New Mexico, United States: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that a U.S. military GPS jamming exercise was underway when a Beechcraft C90 King Air air ambulance crashed into mountainous terrain near Lincoln, New Mexico, killing all four people on board. The findings were released in a preliminary report, meaning investigators have not yet determined the probable cause or contributing factors of the accident. The accident occurred at 0015 local time on May 14, 2026, after the aircraft, registered N249CP and operated by Generations Jets under Part 135 as an air ambulance flight, departed Roswell Air Center (ROW) to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport (SRR) in Ruidoso to pick up a patient for transport to Albuquerque. The flight was crewed by two pilots and carried two flight nurses employed by Trans Aero Medical Services. The crash claimed the lives of Captain Keelan Clark, First Officer Ali Kawsara, and flight nurses Sarah Clark and Jamie Novick. According to the NTSB, GPS jamming activities conducted by the U.S. military were active over the accident area during the flight. Shortly after departure, the aircraft was cleared to 12,000 feet under instrument flight rules (IFR). At 0000:26, air traffic controllers advised the crew that the aircraft had climbed to 13,000 feet, 1,000 feet above its assigned altitude. The pilot responded that the aircraft had lost GPS capability and requested headings from air traffic control. The crew initially requested the RNAV (GPS) Runway 24 approach into Sierra Blanca Regional Airport but, after losing GPS navigation, switched to the ILS Runway 24 approach. At 0001:17, the Albuquerque Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) controller contacted the operations supervisor and requested that the military stop the GPS jamming. The aircraft continued north while controllers provided radar headings. During the same period, three other aircraft also reported GPS outages, with one crew requiring additional assistance to identify a ground-based navigation aid. At about 0005, the ARTCC operations supervisor again contacted the military to stop the jamming, after which ADS-B transmissions returned to normal. At 0008, the accident crew reported having Ruidoso in sight and requested to continue visually. Controllers cleared the aircraft for a visual approach and advised the crew they could cancel IFR after descending below 9,000 feet or after landing. The pilots acknowledged the clearance and stated they would cancel IFR "in just a couple of minutes." No further radio transmissions were received. The aircraft then turned southwest toward Sierra Blanca Regional Airport. Between the airport and the aircraft lay the Capitan Mountains, which rise to 10,201 feet. Around 0010, after being informed the aircraft was on a visual approach, the military resumed the GPS jamming exercise. The King Air began descending before briefly climbing again. The final Spidertracks data point recorded the aircraft at 9,823 feet, 150 knots ground speed, and a heading of 250 degrees. Seconds later, it struck terrain at an elevation of about 9,950 feet, approximately 730 feet east and 230 feet below the Capitan Mountains Summit Radio Facility, triggering a post-impact fire that ignited a forest fire. Investigators also found that the crew's ForeFlight weather briefing included active NOTAMs warning that military GPS jamming would affect GPS, WAAS, GBAS and ADS-B navigation over a wide area encompassing the accident flight path and altitudes. Additional NOTAMs advised that Sierra Blanca Regional Airport's automated weather observation system (AWOS) was out of service, while the weather briefing indicated no METAR or TAF was available for the destination airport. The airport's published RNAV and ILS Runway 24 approach procedures also state that the procedures are not authorized when the local altimeter setting is unavailable. The NTSB emphasized that the report is preliminary and subject to change, and that it does not determine the accident's probable cause.

Investigation

Military GPS Jamming Was Underway During Fatal Air Ambulance Flight, NTSB Says

Aviation Today News Desk / August 6, 2026

New Mexico, United States: The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that a U.S. military GPS jamming exercise

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a serious runway incursion involving two Qantas-operated aircraft at Sydney Airport after an air traffic control clearance resulted in one aircraft being instructed to cross an active runway while another was still landing. The incident occurred on 27 July 2026 at approximately 08:14 local time, and although no collision occurred, the safety watchdog has classified it as a breakdown in coordination and opened a formal investigation. According to the ATSB, the occurrence involved Qantas Flight QF124, a Boeing 737-800 registered VH-XZG, which had arrived from Queenstown, New Zealand, and QantasLink Flight QLK424D, a De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400 registered VH-QOC, arriving from Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. Preliminary information released by the ATSB states that after landing on Runway 25, the Boeing 737 was instructed by air traffic control to taxi and cross Runway 34L. At the same time, the Dash 8 Q400 had been cleared to land on Runway 34L and was still completing its landing roll along the active runway. As the Boeing approached the runway crossing point, air traffic controllers recognised the developing conflict. The ATSB said the 737 crew stopped the aircraft before entering Runway 34L, while the Dash 8 continued its landing roll on the runway. Because the Boeing halted short of the runway, the two aircraft remained separated and no collision occurred. No injuries or aircraft damage were reported, and both aircraft subsequently continued normal ground operations. The ATSB has not released the number of passengers or crew on board either flight. The safety bureau has opened investigation AO-2026-086 to determine the factors that led to the runway incursion. Investigators will examine the sequence of air traffic control clearances, coordination between controllers, recorded radio communications, surveillance data, aircraft movements, human factors and operational procedures. The investigation will also assess whether any broader systemic issues contributed to the occurrence. In its initial investigation notice, the ATSB described the event as involving a breakdown of coordination between aircraft movements on intersecting runways. The agency noted that evidence collection is underway, including interviews with relevant personnel and analysis of operational data. A final report is expected before the end of 2026, although the timeline may change depending on investigative findings. The incident has renewed attention on staffing pressures within Australia's air traffic control system. Recent media reports have highlighted controller shortages and increased workload at Sydney Airport, with industry representatives raising concerns over staffing levels. Airservices Australia has acknowledged workforce challenges and said it is recruiting and training additional controllers, while noting that qualification training takes several years before recruits can work independently in complex airspace. Airservices Australia confirmed it is cooperating fully with the ATSB investigation and said safety remains its highest priority. The organisation has not provided further comment while the independent investigation is ongoing. Qantas also confirmed it is assisting the ATSB and stated that both flight crews were operating in accordance with air traffic control instructions issued during the event.

Incidents

ATSB Investigates Runway Incursion Involving Two Qantas Aircraft At Sydney Airport

Aviation Today News Desk / August 5, 2026

Sydney, Australia: The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a serious runway incursion involving two Qantas-operated

Chicago, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1243 experienced a landing incident at Chicago Midway International Airport on the morning of August 3 after both nose landing gear tires lost air pressure during touchdown, prompting an emergency response from airport and city fire crews. The aircraft was safely brought to a stop on the runway, and no injuries were reported. According to Southwest Airlines, Flight 1243 was operating from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida, to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when the incident occurred during landing. The airline said both nose landing gear tires lost air pressure while the aircraft was landing in Chicago. Chicago Fire Department crews responded to the aircraft shortly after it came to a stop on the runway. Video from the scene showed emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft as first responders assessed the situation. The aircraft remained on the runway while emergency personnel and airline maintenance teams carried out initial inspections. Passengers described smelling burnt rubber and seeing light smoke after the aircraft stopped. Passenger Mya Castro told ABC7 Chicago, "I realized we stopped and we weren't close to getting off the plane, and then I could smell the burnt rubber." Another passenger, Brian Rigsby, said, "Once we did come to a stop, we could see smoke coming. Not excessive, but we knew something was wrong." Southwest Airlines confirmed that maintenance personnel replaced the damaged nose gear tires before the aircraft was towed from the runway to the terminal gate. The airline said passengers were able to deplane normally after the aircraft reached the gate. In a statement, Southwest Airlines said: "Both nose gear tires lost air pressure while landing in Chicago." The carrier added that mechanics replaced the tires and the aircraft was subsequently towed to the gate. The airline did not disclose what caused the loss of tire pressure, and no indication has been given that a mechanical failure beyond the tires was involved. The response was precautionary, and no evacuation was reported. Emergency crews completed their assessment without incident, and no injuries among passengers or crew were reported. Chicago Midway International Airport continued normal operations following the response, while Southwest worked to return the aircraft to service after replacing the affected tires. The incident remains under review, with Southwest yet to provide further details on what led to the loss of air pressure in both nose landing gear tires during landing.

Incidents

Southwest Flight 1243 Lands Safely At Chicago After Nose Gear Tires Lose Pressure

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Chicago, United States: Southwest Airlines Flight 1243 experienced a landing incident at Chicago Midway International Airport on the morning of

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water while preparing for departure from North Bimini, Bahamas, on August 1, with all 10 occupants rescued safely in an incident that is now under investigation by Bahamian authorities. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan seaplane was departing from North Bimini for Fort Lauderdale, Florida, when the accident occurred shortly before takeoff. Police said the aircraft was taxiing on the water and attempting to line up for departure when it reportedly veered uncontrollably to the left. The pilot is said to have taken evasive action to avoid heavy boat traffic in the area, but the aircraft struck a dock before overturning and sinking in waters estimated to be about 100 feet (30 metres) deep. The aircraft was operated by Tropic Ocean Airways, a Florida-based seaplane carrier that provides scheduled and charter flights between South Florida, the Bahamas and other Caribbean destinations. The airline confirmed the aircraft was involved in an accident and said it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. All eight passengers, identified only as American tourists, along with the two crew members, escaped the aircraft and were rescued safely. Nick Pavlakis, general manager of Marine Max in Jupiter and a rescue boat operator, witnessed the crash and quickly took action to help the eight passengers and two crew members on board. Authorities have not released the identities of the passengers or crew, and no injuries have been officially reported. The rescue began almost immediately as nearby boaters, marina personnel and bystanders rushed to assist those aboard. Witnesses helped evacuate the occupants from the overturned aircraft before emergency responders arrived at the scene. The Royal Bahamas Police Force later confirmed that everyone on board had been accounted for and rescued. Passenger Jeanne O'Brien, who was among those on board, told ABC News that the aircraft "went down pretty fast" after striking the dock. She said the passengers worked together to exit the cabin after the impact. Video recorded following the accident showed occupants in the water wearing life jackets as nearby vessels converged to assist. ABC News reported that the rescue was completed within minutes. Authorities have not determined the cause of the accident. Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft, pilot actions, operating conditions and other factors to establish why the seaplane lost directional control while taxiing for departure. No mechanical failure has been confirmed, and officials have not indicated whether weather or water conditions contributed to the accident. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading the initial investigation, while additional aviation authorities are expected to review the occurrence in accordance with international accident investigation procedures. Tropic Ocean Airways said it is providing full assistance to investigators and remains focused on supporting those affected. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft, which came to rest submerged after overturning. Recovery operations are expected to support the investigation into the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Further updates are expected once Bahamian investigators release additional findings or a preliminary accident report.

Aircraft Crashes

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Aviation Today News Desk / August 4, 2026

Bimini, The Bahamas: A Tropic Ocean Airways seaplane carrying eight American passengers and two crew members crashed into the water

Airlines

Internal Probe Reviews Boeing 737 Seat Failures In Jeju Air Crash That Killed 179 Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk / August 3, 2026

Muan, South Korea: South Korea’s investigation into the deadly Jeju Air Flight 2216 crash has entered a new phase after

Athens, Greece: A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a major wildfire west of Athens on Sunday, marking another tragedy as Greece faces multiple fast-moving wildfires amid extreme weather conditions. The collision occurred over the Psatha area near Porto Germeno, west of the Greek capital, where emergency crews were battling a wind-driven wildfire that has been burning since Friday. According to Greek authorities, both helicopters were Bell firefighting helicopters operating on aerial water-dropping missions over the fire zone. Each helicopter carried two crew members. One aircraft crashed following the collision, killing its Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer. The second helicopter managed to make an emergency landing, and its occupants, a British pilot and a Greek crew member survived with minor injuries. Both survivors were transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased or the survivors. The exact cause of the mid-air collision remains under investigation. Officials have not indicated whether the helicopters made physical contact during water-dropping operations or while manoeuvring over the wildfire. No preliminary findings have been released, and investigators are expected to examine flight operations, communications and weather conditions in the area. The helicopters were supporting efforts to contain a rapidly spreading wildfire near Porto Germeno, a coastal community on the Gulf of Corinth. Strong, gusting winds significantly complicated firefighting operations, limiting aircraft movements and, at times, preventing helicopters and water bombers from safely collecting seawater for repeated drops. Nearly 500 firefighters supported by 23 aircraft were deployed to combat the blaze. The fire, which ignited near Agios Vasileios on Friday, spread quickly through dry forests toward Porto Germeno and surrounding mountainous terrain west of Athens. Authorities ordered evacuations for the communities of Kandili, Agia Skepi, and Toutouli as flames advanced. Earlier in the emergency, firefighters evacuated 254 people by sea on Friday and another 12 on Saturday, with maritime evacuations becoming the safest option after smoke and flames threatened the limited road access from coastal settlements. Wildfire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros estimated the blaze had affected approximately 40 to 50 square kilometres (15–19 square miles), although Greek authorities had not issued an official burn-area estimate. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed condolences following the accident. "The loss of the Greek coordinator and the Danish pilot at the time they were attempting the major fire in Porto Germeno fills us all with grief," Mitsotakis said in a statement. In a separate message, the Prime Minister also expressed his "deepest sorrow" over the deaths and extended condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those killed while responding to the wildfire emergency. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also paid tribute to the crews, saying: "It takes a special courage to fly towards the flames." Greek authorities have launched an investigation into Sunday's helicopter collision. Officials are expected to determine the circumstances that led to the accident while aerial firefighting operations continue against multiple active wildfires across the country.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed As Firefighting Helicopters Collide While Battling Greece Wildfire

Aviation Today News Desk / August 3, 2026

Athens, Greece: A Danish pilot and a Greek fire service liaison officer were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air

aviation safety

Cessna 172S Suffers Runway Excursion At Baramati During Training, 2 Escape Unhurt

Tourist Helicopter Crashes In Rio’s Tijuca National Park, Killing All Four Onboard

Malaysia Aviation Group Mandates Pilot Drug Tests After Alleged Drug-Trafficking Case

Brazil Formally Accuses 16 Voepass Employees Over 2024 ATR Crash That Killed 62

Military GPS Jamming Was Underway During Fatal Air Ambulance Flight, NTSB Says

ATSB Investigates Runway Incursion Involving Two Qantas Aircraft At Sydney Airport

Southwest Flight 1243 Lands Safely At Chicago After Nose Gear Tires Lose Pressure

10 Rescued After Tropic Ocean Seaplane Crashes During Takeoff Near Bimini

Internal Probe Reviews Boeing 737 Seat Failures In Jeju Air Crash That Killed 179 Onboard

Two Killed As Firefighting Helicopters Collide While Battling Greece Wildfire

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support