Aviation Today Archives - Page 35 of 66

Denver,United States: An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami was evacuated on the runway at Denver International Airport on Saturday after a main landing gear component overheated and caught fire moments before takeoff. Flight 3023, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, had begun its takeoff roll at around 2:45 p.m. MDT when pilots detected an abnormal vibration and immediately initiated an emergency stop. Witnesses onboard reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft decelerated sharply, veering slightly to the left before smoke and flames appeared from the main gear area. Emergency slides were deployed as firefighters rushed to the aircraft and extinguished what officials later described as a brake fire caused by a blown tire during heavy braking. American Airlines said the evacuation was conducted out of “an abundance of caution” and confirmed that one passenger sustained a minor injury during the slide evacuation and was transported to a hospital. Five others were evaluated on the scene and released. Passenger video and social media posts show travelers sliding to safety, with some carrying hand luggage and even children during the evacuation a move criticized by aviation safety experts who warned that removing baggage in such situations can slow evacuations and pose injury risks. “I felt the plane shaking violently, and then I saw smoke outside my window,” said Shay Armistead, 17, a passenger seated near the wing. “When people started screaming, I grabbed my bag without even thinking looking back, it was chaos.” The Denver Fire Department confirmed the fire was quickly extinguished and posed no further threat. The airport temporarily issued a ground stop between 2 p.m. and just after 3 p.m., leading to more than 240 delayed flights before normal operations resumed later in the evening. American Airlines deployed a replacement aircraft, and affected passengers reached Miami later that night. The aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded pending inspection and maintenance checks. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and review the emergency response. This incident has reignited discussion around passenger behavior during emergencies, particularly concerning attempts to retrieve carry-on bags during evacuations. Safety advocates have urged airlines and regulators to improve public awareness of evacuation protocols, emphasizing that seconds can determine survival in runway fire scenarios. The aircraft, delivered to American Airlines in 2022, is part of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, which has undergone intense scrutiny in recent years following separate safety controversies. There is no indication, however, that Saturday’s incident is related to broader fleet issues. No significant damage to airport infrastructure was reported, and Denver International Airport resumed normal operations by late afternoon. The FAA investigation is ongoing, and American Airlines has pledged full cooperation.

Incidents

American Airlines Evacuated on Runway After Landing Gear Fire During Takeoff in Denver

Aviation Today News Desk / July 28, 2025

Denver, United States: An American Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound for Miami was evacuated on the runway at Denver […]

California, United States: Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Las Vegas were left terrified when their plane suddenly dropped nearly 500 feet to avoid what pilots feared could be a midair collision. Southwest Flight 1496 had taken off from Hollywood Burbank Airport on July 25 and was climbing through 14,000 feet when its collision alert system warned of an aircraft flying dangerously close. The pilots reacted instantly, first climbing slightly and then diving 475 feet to avoid a Hawker Hunter jet flying nearby at roughly 14,650 feet. The sharp drop threw people from their seats. Passengers described the cabin erupting in panic, with screams and luggage shifting overhead. Two flight attendants were injured in the turbulence, though no passengers were seriously hurt. After stabilizing, the captain told passengers that the sudden move was unavoidable, explaining that the cockpit systems issued two rapid alerts first to climb and immediately after, to descend. Southwest confirmed the incident, praising the crew’s response. “Our pilots followed procedures as designed to keep everyone safe,” the airline said, adding the flight landed safely at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating how the two aircraft came so close. Officials at Burbank Airport said no unusual event was recorded in its immediate tower-controlled airspace, suggesting the near miss occurred in a wider air traffic zone managed by Los Angeles controllers. The Hawker Hunter, a privately operated jet registered as N335AX, was cleared to fly but its proximity to a commercial route is under review. The incident comes amid a string of recent near misses involving civilian and military-style aircraft, adding pressure on regulators to tighten airspace coordination. The two injured flight attendants received medical attention upon landing, and all passengers disembarked safely.

Incidents

Southwest Flight Dives Suddenly to Avoid Possible Midair Crash, 2 Crew Members Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / July 26, 2025

California, United States: Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Las Vegas were left terrified when their plane

Tynda, Russia: A passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed during its final approach to Tynda Airport in Russia’s Amur region on Wednesday, killing all 48 people on board. The crash occurred amid poor weather conditions and has prompted an official investigation by multiple federal and regional agencies. Aircraft Disappeared from Radar During Second Approach According to a statement from Rosaviatsiya, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, the Antonov An‑24 aircraft was conducting a scheduled domestic flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda when it vanished from radar during a second landing attempt at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time. No distress call was issued by the flight crew prior to disappearance. The aircraft was located approximately 15 kilometers south of Tynda Airport, in heavily wooded terrain. Aerial reconnaissance by a Mi-8 helicopter from the Russian Emergencies Ministry visually confirmed the wreckage and noted that the fuselage was engulfed in flames at the time of discovery. Rescue teams were dispatched to the crash site by ground due to smoke and poor visibility preventing helicopter landings. No Survivors; Emergency Response Mobilized The Amur Regional Governor, Vasily Orlov, confirmed through an official statement that all 48 occupants (42 passengers and 6 crew members) perished in the accident. Among the deceased were five children. The Russian Emergencies Ministry deployed over 149 personnel and 21 units of equipment to the scene. The search and recovery operations have been hampered by steep terrain, dense forest cover, and lack of direct road access to the crash site. Authorities reported the fire had been extinguished by the time rescue teams reached the fuselage. Governor Orlov announced three days of official mourning in the Amur region beginning July 25. He also stated that psychological support services and family coordination centers have been established for the victims’ relatives. Criminal Investigation Launched The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation has opened a criminal case under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, which addresses violations of transportation safety rules that result in fatalities. In a statement, Committee spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko confirmed that forensic experts, flight safety inspectors, and federal investigators have been dispatched to collect evidence from the site. The Far Eastern Transport Prosecutor’s Office is overseeing compliance with aviation safety protocols and maintenance documentation related to the flight and the airline. A joint technical commission has been formed to inspect aircraft logs, air traffic communication records, and crew qualifications. Aircraft Details and Maintenance Records The aircraft involved in the crash was a twin-engine Antonov An‑24, manufactured in 1976. Though several decades old, it was confirmed by Rosaviatsiya and Angara Airlines that the aircraft had passed its most recent technical inspection and was deemed airworthy. However, public records indicate that the aircraft had been involved in at least four minor incidents since 2018, including engine-related technical alerts. Investigators have not yet commented on whether previous mechanical issues may be linked to the crash. Russian President Vladimir Putin was briefed immediately following the incident. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Putin expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a comprehensive federal-level investigation. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ordered the formation of a high-level commission to oversee the investigation and response. The commission will coordinate between federal aviation bodies, law enforcement, and the airline. The Prime Minister also instructed regional administrators to facilitate financial compensation and logistical support for next of kin. Preliminary Findings and Weather Conditions Although the final cause remains under investigation, initial assessments by emergency services and reported by TASS, Russia’s state news agency, suggest that crew error during landing in low-visibility conditions may have contributed to the crash. Visibility in the Tynda area was reported to be severely reduced due to fog and overcast conditions at the time of the attempted landing. Flight data recorders (black boxes) are being retrieved and will be analyzed by the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC). No timeline has been issued for the preliminary report.

Airplane Crashes

48 Killed as Plane Crashes in Remote Russian Forest, Putin Orders Federal Investigation

Aviation Today News Desk / July 25, 2025

Tynda, Russia: A passenger aircraft operated by Angara Airlines crashed during its final approach to Tynda Airport in Russia’s Amur

Aircraft Crashes

Couple Killed as Plane Crashes onto a busy Italian highway, 2 Car Drivers Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2025

Brescia, Italy: A private ultralight aircraft nosedived onto the A21 motorway near Azzano Mella in northern Italy on Tuesday, killing

Ahmedabad: An IndiGo ATR-72 aircraft operating flight 6E-07966 to Diu aborted takeoff at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday morning after a fire was detected in one of its engines during the initial roll. The incident occurred at around 11 a.m. when the pilots, noticing abnormal engine indications, declared a Mayday and brought the aircraft to a safe stop on the runway. Airport fire and rescue teams responded immediately, extinguishing the fire and ensuring passenger safety. “All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated using emergency slides. There were no injuries reported,” IndiGo said in a statement, adding that an alternate aircraft was being arranged to operate the delayed sector. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary checks suggest a technical malfunction in one of the engines, officials familiar with the matter said. The affected aircraft has been grounded for inspection. This incident follows a series of technical occurrences reported across Indian carriers in recent weeks, though no injuries have been reported in any of them. The DGCA continues to maintain that aircraft in India meet global safety standards, and regular audits are conducted to ensure compliance.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight Aborts Takeoff in Ahmedabad Due to Mid-Runway Engine Fire, DGCA Probes

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2025

Ahmedabad, India: An IndiGo ATR-72 aircraft operating flight 6E-07966 to Diu aborted takeoff at Ahmedabad airport on Wednesday morning after

Mexico City: A serious runway incursion involving a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 and an Aeroméxico Connect Embraer 190 narrowly avoided disaster at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport on 21 July prompting investigations by aviation authorities in both Mexico and the United States. The incident occurred when Delta Air Lines Flight 590, bound for Atlanta with approximately 150 passengers on board, was cleared for takeoff on Runway 5R. As the aircraft accelerated for departure, the flight crew spotted another jet rapidly approaching the same runway. Aircraft Aeroméxico Connect Flight 1631 from Ciudad Juárez had been simultaneously cleared to land on Runway 5R. The two aircraft came within approximately 60 meters (200 feet) of vertical separation as the Embraer passed over the Delta jet already rolling down the runway at roughly 60 miles per hour. Delta’s flight crew immediately initiated a rejected takeoff, bringing the aircraft to a full stop on the runway. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the Delta aircraft later returned to the gate and departed safely later in the day. “Delta is cooperating fully with aviation authorities to support the investigation,” a spokesperson for the airline said. Aeroméxico also confirmed the event, stating that the aircraft landed without incident and that the safety of its passengers was never compromised. The airline emphasized its compliance with international aviation regulations. Initial assessments indicate that the near-collision was likely the result of an air traffic control error. According to reports, both aircraft were issued clearances that allowed simultaneous use of the same runway, raising concerns about procedural clarity and controller workload at one of the busiest airports in Latin America. Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) has launched an investigation in coordination with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The incident has renewed scrutiny of the operational challenges at Benito Juárez International Airport, particularly regarding runway usage and traffic separation. The airport operates with intersecting and parallel runways that have previously been the focus of international safety audits. Aviation safety analysts say the event underscores the critical importance of coordination between pilots and air traffic control. "This was a very close call," said a former commercial pilot and safety consultant. "The industry has robust safeguards, but human error in high-traffic environments can still lead to dangerous situations." Investigators are expected to review tower communication recordings, flight data, and radar logs to determine the exact sequence of events and identify any procedural lapses.No timeline has been provided for the release of preliminary findings, but both airlines remain under close observation by regulators. This marks the second major safety incident involving conflicting runway operations at a major international airport in recent months.

Incidents

Air Traffic Error Causes Near Collision on Runway Between Delta and Aeroméxico Plane

Aviation Today News Desk / July 23, 2025

Mexico: A serious runway incursion involving a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 and an Aeroméxico Connect Embraer 190 narrowly avoided

New Delhi, India: A Hong Kong–Delhi Air India flight experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Tuesday. All passengers and crew disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported. The incident is under investigation by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flight AI 315, operated by an Airbus A321neo, had just arrived from Hong Kong and was on the taxiway when a fire broke out in the APU, located in the aircraft’s tail section. The APU provides electrical power to the aircraft while it is on the ground. Fire and smoke were detected during disembarkation, prompting immediate deployment of fire tenders. According to airport officials, the fire was quickly extinguished and the aircraft was evacuated without incident. Visuals from the scene showed flames and smoke near the rear fuselage before the emergency response teams brought the situation under control. In a statement, Air India confirmed that the fire occurred while the aircraft was on ground power. “The aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) caught fire after landing. The fire was detected while passengers were disembarking, and the aircraft's built-in systems automatically shut down the APU. All passengers and crew are safe,” the airline said. The aircraft has been grounded for further inspection. The DGCA has launched a technical investigation into the incident. Initial assessments suggest a possible maintenance-related fault in the APU system, though a definitive cause will only be determined after a full inspection of the aircraft’s systems and maintenance records. This comes at a time when Air India is already under regulatory oversight following a fatal crash last month and a series of operational incidents. In response to the June 12 crash of Flight AI 171, the DGCA had recently directed a detailed inspection of locking mechanisms in the fuel control switches across Air India’s Boeing fleet. The airline completed the checks and reported no discrepancies. The incident marks the third technical issue involving an Air India aircraft in less than 48 hours. On Monday, another Airbus A320 operating a domestic route skidded off the runway at Mumbai airport during heavy rainfall. That aircraft, too, was grounded, though no injuries were reported. A senior DGCA official said that while the APU fire is a ground-level issue with no impact on in-flight operations, it is being treated seriously due to its potential safety implications. “We are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance records, crew statements, and sensor logs. Based on the outcome, further directives may be issued to the airline,” the official added. The affected aircraft will remain grounded until the investigation is complete and any necessary corrective actions are taken.

Incidents

Air India Plane Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi, Third Technical Glitch in 48 Hours

Aviation Today News Desk / July 23, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Hong Kong–Delhi Air India flight experienced a fire in its auxiliary power unit (APU) shortly after

Mumbai, India: A 25-year-old commercial pilot was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly raping a 23-year-old air hostess at his residence in Mira Road, Maharashtra. The accused and the survivor were both employed by a London-based private airline and had returned to Mumbai after a long-haul international flight. According to the Navghar Police, the incident took place on the night of June 30. Following their return from duty, the pilot and the air hostess met for dinner. The complaint states that the accused allegedly took the woman to his apartment in Mira Road, where he sexually assaulted her while she was under the influence of alcohol. The survivor initially did not approach the authorities due to alleged threats. She later lodged a formal complaint on July 18 at the Navghar police station. Based on her statement, an FIR was registered under Sections 69 and 70 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which correspond to rape and related offences under the previous Indian Penal Code. The accused was apprehended at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on July 19, just as he was preparing to board a flight to Hong Kong. Authorities stated that the pilot had secured a visa and had been hired by an airline based in Hong Kong. Police believe he intended to leave the country to evade arrest following the filing of the complaint. Upon arrest, the accused was produced in court and remanded to police custody until July 22. Investigating officers are examining mobile data, communications between the two individuals, location records, and any available CCTV footage. Forensic samples have also been collected to support the investigation. As of now, the name of the employing airline has not been disclosed by authorities. No official statement has been released by the company in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing.

Incidents

Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Raping 23-Year-Old Air Hostess at his Residence in Mumbai

Aviation Today News Desk / July 22, 2025

Mumbai, India: A 25-year-old commercial pilot was arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly raping a 23-year-old air hostess at his

Dhaka, Bangladesh: At least 27 people, most of them children, were killed and more than 170 injured after a Bangladesh Air Force training aircraft crashed into a school campus in Dhaka’s Uttara area on Monday afternoon, according to official sources. The F-7 fighter jet, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force, was on a routine training flight when it suffered a mechanical failure shortly after takeoff from a military base in the capital. The aircraft lost control and crashed into Milestone School and College at approximately 13:06 local time (07:06 GMT). In a statement issued by the armed forces, authorities confirmed that the pilot, Flight Lieutenant Md. Taukir Islam, was among the dead. He reportedly attempted to steer the aircraft away from a densely populated zone but was unable to avoid impact. Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health said 25 of the 27 confirmed fatalities were schoolchildren. Many of the injured are being treated for severe burn injuries at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery and six other hospitals across Dhaka. At least 88 people remain hospitalized, while others were treated and discharged. The school, which caters to students aged four to eighteen, was reportedly just letting out classes for the day when the crash occurred. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as flames engulfed part of the building and black smoke filled the air. "I saw the plane coming down, and then a huge explosion,” said Rezaul Islam, a teacher at the school. “It hit the building directly. There were children everywhere.” Another teacher, Masud Tarik, told local media that he initially mistook the sound for thunder. “When I looked back, I saw only fire and smoke. Parents and children were screaming.” One student recounted that he had just finished an exam and stepped outside when the jet struck. “My best friend was standing right next to me. He didn’t make it.” Officials said a joint investigation committee has been formed to determine the cause of the crash. The inquiry will examine mechanical failure, maintenance history, flight data, and standard operating procedures. Interim Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus offered condolences and pledged full government support to victims' families. “This is a moment of deep national grief,” he wrote in a statement. “All affected families will receive the necessary medical, financial, and psychological assistance.” The government has declared Tuesday, July 22, a national day of mourning. Flags are being flown at half-mast across the country. Outside Dhaka’s major hospitals, distraught families continued to gather, searching for loved ones and donating blood. A man mourning his eight-year-old nephew told reporters, “He was just leaving school. Now he’s gone.” This incident is one of the deadliest peacetime aviation accidents involving the Bangladesh military in recent history. Additional updates are expected following the formal investigation.

Aircraft Crashes

27 Dead, Over 170 Injured as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School

Aviation Today News Desk / July 22, 2025

Dhaka, Bangladesh: At least 27 people, most of them children, were killed and more than 170 injured after a Bangladesh

Mumbai, India: An Air India Airbus A320 operating as flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai experienced a runway excursion upon landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) on Monday morning. The incident occurred during adverse weather conditions caused by persistent heavy rainfall in the region. According to a statement from Air India, the aircraft landed at approximately 09:27 IST when it veered slightly off the runway surface due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions. The airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members on board were safe and that the aircraft subsequently taxied to the parking bay without further incident. “Flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai experienced heavy rain during landing, resulting in a runway excursion after touchdown. All passengers and crew disembarked safely. The aircraft has been grounded for detailed inspection,” an Air India spokesperson said. Airport authorities also confirmed the incident and noted minor damage to runway 09/27. As a precaution, the runway was temporarily closed and flight operations were redirected to secondary runway 14/32. CSMIA’s operations team initiated immediate inspections and surface restoration measures. “CSMIA confirms that an aircraft veered off Runway 09/27 while landing during rain. The situation was promptly brought under control. The runway has been temporarily suspended for checks,” an official airport communication stated. There were no reported injuries, and passengers were provided assistance upon arrival. Airport operations continued with minimal delays after the alternate runway was brought into use. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been notified and is expected to conduct a standard technical inquiry to determine the contributing factors, including weather, braking system performance, and runway surface condition. The incident comes amid continued monsoon activity in western India, which has affected visibility and operational efficiency at several airports. Aviation authorities are monitoring the situation and reviewing protocols for low-visibility landings under wet runway conditions. As of this report, runway 09/27 remained under inspection, while Air India confirmed that the involved aircraft is undergoing detailed engineering checks.

Incidents

Air India Flight Skids Off Runway in Mumbai Amid Heavy Rain, Aircraft Grounded

Aviation Today News Desk / July 21, 2025

Mumbai, India: An Air India Airbus A320 operating as flight AI 2744 from Kochi to Mumbai experienced a runway excursion

Aviation Today

American Airlines Evacuated on Runway After Landing Gear Fire During Takeoff in Denver

Southwest Flight Dives Suddenly to Avoid Possible Midair Crash, 2 Crew Members Injured

48 Killed as Plane Crashes in Remote Russian Forest, Putin Orders Federal Investigation

Couple Killed as Plane Crashes onto a busy Italian highway, 2 Car Drivers Injured

IndiGo Flight Aborts Takeoff in Ahmedabad Due to Mid-Runway Engine Fire, DGCA Probes

Air Traffic Error Causes Near Collision on Runway Between Delta and Aeroméxico Plane

Air India Plane Catches Fire After Landing in Delhi, Third Technical Glitch in 48 Hours

Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Raping 23-Year-Old Air Hostess at his Residence in Mumbai

27 Dead, Over 170 Injured as Bangladesh Air Force Jet Crashes Into Dhaka School

Air India Flight Skids Off Runway in Mumbai Amid Heavy Rain, Aircraft Grounded

Follow Us

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support

Follow Us