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5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

Aviation Today News Desk / February 10, 2026

Tripoli, Libya: Five people lost their lives when a helicopter crashed near Al-Sarra Air Base, close to Kufra in southeastern […]

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding the December 22, 2025, crash of a Mexican Navy medical flight in Galveston Bay that killed six people and left two seriously injured, according to the preliminary report released by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The Beechcraft B300 aircraft, registered ANX1209 and operated by the Mexican Navy, was on a humanitarian medical mission coordinated with the Michou y Mau Foundation. The flight was transporting a severely burned pediatric patient from Mérida, Mexico, to Shriners Children’s Hospital in Galveston, Texas, when it crashed into West Bay during its approach to Scholes International Airport shortly before 3:15 p.m. local time. According to the NTSB preliminary report, Houston Approach Control cleared the flight crew for an RNAV (GPS-based) approach to Runway 14 but did not clear the aircraft to land. The flight crew’s initial readback mistakenly stated they were “cleared to land,” prompting controllers to twice clarify that the aircraft was cleared only for the approach and not for landing. Controllers then directed the crew to contact the tower. Despite repeated clarifications, the crew’s responses indicated persistent misunderstanding. During the final stages of the approach, air traffic controllers issued multiple low-altitude alerts, but received no further communication from the flight crew before radar contact was lost. The preliminary report and weather observations confirmed dense fog and severely restricted visibility during the aircraft’s final descent. Controllers advised the crew that cloud ceilings near the airport were approximately 300 feet, a condition that significantly limits visual reference and places heavy reliance on instrument procedures. Local weather data and witness accounts indicate visibility at times was as low as approximately a quarter mile with heavy sea fog common along the Texas Gulf Coast under certain conditions further complicating the approach. The aircraft impacted the waters of West Galveston Bay approximately half a mile from the shoreline. Six occupants including the pilot, co-pilot, two flight crew members and two passengers were fatally injured. Two passengers, reported to be a flight nurse and the mother of the pediatric patient, survived with serious injuries. Search and rescue operations immediately following the crash involved the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and local first responders. The wreckage was located in shallow water, facilitating recovery efforts. The NTSB’s preliminary report is part of an ongoing investigation to determine all contributing factors. These factual reports do not assign probable cause but document the circumstances surrounding the accident based on available data, including air traffic control communications and radar information. Federal investigators will continue to analyze cockpit voice recordings, flight data, maintenance records and meteorological data. A final report typically released 12–24 months after an accident will include a probable cause determination and safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies.

Investigation

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Galveston, United States: New federal investigative findings reveal critical communication misunderstandings and extremely limited visibility as major factors immediately preceding

Kolkata, India: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 on a scheduled service from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Istanbul, Turkey made a full emergency landing at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata, on Wednesday afternoon after the crew reported a fire in the aircraft’s right engine shortly after take-off. The flight, operating as THY-727, departed Tribhuvan International Airport at approximately 1:28 PM local time with 236 people on board 225 passengers and 11 crew members. Within four minutes of take-off, the pilots received a warning of a possible fire in the right engine and immediately shut down the affected unit. Following standard emergency procedures, the captain declared a PAN PAN distress call, an international aviation signal indicating an urgent situation and elected to divert the long-haul flight to Kolkata rather than continue towards its planned destination. Air traffic control at Kolkata was informed of the situation, and a full emergency response was activated, deploying firefighting and rescue units ahead of the aircraft’s arrival. The Airbus A330, capable of flying on a single engine, landed safely at around 2:49 PM IST without incident. Officials from both Nepal and Indian aviation authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Tribhuvan International Airport briefly suspended operations for about 15 minutes following the alarm. After landing, the aircraft was parked at Kolkata Airport and underwent detailed technical inspection to determine the exact cause and extent of the engine malfunction. Passengers were reportedly accommodated in local hotels while arrangements were made for onward travel, including plans for a replacement aircraft earlyThursday morning.

Incidents

Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Kolkata After Engine Fire Mid-Air

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Kolkata, India: A Turkish Airlines Airbus A330 on a scheduled service from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Istanbul, Turkey made a full

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency Over UK After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated Mid-Air SEO DES: During approach, ATC was alerted after a pilot fell ill, emergency services were deployed and the remaining crew landed the aircraft safely at Manchester SOCIAL: A Jet2 Airbus A321 operating Flight LS980 from Lanzarote to Manchester declared a mid-air emergency during its final approach after one pilot became medically incapacitated. The crew activated Squawk 7700, prompting ATC to provide priority landing clearance and deploy emergency services. The remaining pilot landed the aircraft safely at Manchester. The affected pilot received medical attention. No passengers or crew were injured, and standard aviation safety protocols were followed throughout. Image: Transport Pixels (Flickr) Video: Jet 2 Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft declared a mid-air emergency during its approach to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening after one of the pilots became incapacitated due to a medical issue, aviation and airline sources have confirmed. The aircraft, Flight LS980, an Airbus A321 bound from Lanzarote, Canary Islands to Manchester, transmitted a Squawk 7700 general emergency code, the international radio transponder signal indicating a critical in-flight emergency approximately 25 minutes before its scheduled landing. Flight data and reports indicate the Airbus A321 departed Lanzarote at about 15:45 GMT and initially progressed normally until the final stage of descent toward Manchester Airport. It was during this approach phase that the cockpit crew informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) that one pilot was unable to continue due to a sudden medical problem. In response, ATC provided priority handling and clearance for landing, while emergency services including fire, rescue and medical teams were placed on standby at the airport. Despite the sudden loss of one pilot, the remaining flight crew maintained control and continued the descent. The aircraft touched down safely on Runway 05L at Manchester Airport at approximately 20:14 GMT. Once on the ground, the incapacitated pilot was met by waiting medical personnel and taken for further assessment. There have been no reported injuries among passengers or cabin crew, and disembarkation occurred in a routine and orderly manner, according to airline and airport representatives. A Jet2 spokesperson told GB News the carrier had requested a priority landing after one of the pilots “felt unwell,” adding: “The aircraft landed safely and customers disembarked as normal.” Commercial jetliners such as the Airbus A321 typically operate with a captain and first officer. In the event one pilot becomes incapacitated, industry training and procedures direct the remaining qualified pilot to assume full control of the aircraft. Such protocols, regularly practiced in simulators, are designed to maintain safety during critical phases such as approach and landing. The use of Squawk 7700 ensures ATC and emergency services are rapidly made aware of in-flight emergencies so they can provide priority routing and ground support. Manchester Airport, one of Jet2’s principal UK hubs, confirmed that emergency equipment and teams were ready at the runway in anticipation of the flight’s arrival, reflecting standard safety protocol for declared emergencies.

Incidents

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency At Manchester Airport After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated

Aviation Today News Desk / February 5, 2026

Manchester, United Kingdom: A Jet2 passenger aircraft declared a mid-air emergency during its approach to Manchester Airport on Tuesday evening

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.

Incidents

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

San Antonio, United States: A Delta Air Lines passenger aircraft was forced to return and land safely at San Antonio International Airport Tuesday morning after a report of smoke from one of its engines prompted a precautionary emergency response. All passengers and crew members walked away without injury, and initial inspections found no active fire. The flight, carrying 143 people onboard, had just departed San Antonio en route to Atlanta when the flight crew reported signs of smoke coming from an engine shortly after takeoff. Flight operations personnel aboard the aircraft alerted air traffic controllers, and the pilots declared an emergency to secure priority access back to the airport runway. At approximately 11:03 a.m. local time, the San Antonio Fire Department and airport emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following the alert. Fire crews positioned along the runway stood by as the jet approached for landing, a standard precaution for possible in-flight mechanical issues. The aircraft touched down safely at about 11:20 a.m., and emergency services immediately inspected the plane on the tarmac. Despite the in-flight smoke report, responders found no flames, no active fire, and no evidence of ongoing combustion around the engine area. After a thorough check, emergency resources were scaled back and airport operations continued normally. Delta Air Lines confirmed that no injuries occurred during the event. Passengers were allowed to disembark normally once the aircraft had been cleared by authorities. The airline’s operations team is working with maintenance specialists to investigate the cause of the smoke indication reported by the crew. Delta representatives also stated that passengers affected by the disrupted flight are being rebooked on alternative services to reach their final destinations. The airline emphasized that the crew followed established safety procedures throughout the incident. Preliminary reports suggest that this emergency landing reflects the airline’s adherence to standard safety protocols for in-flight mechanical anomalies. Modern commercial jets are equipped with multiple warning systems designed to alert pilots to unusual conditions such as smoke, fire indicators, or engine malfunctions, ensuring swift action and passenger safety. San Antonio International Airport authorities noted that the quick cooperation between flight crews, air traffic controllers, and emergency services minimized risk and passenger disruption.

Incidents

Delta Air Lines Flight Makes Emergency Return To SAT After Engine Smoke, No Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / February 4, 2026

San Antonio, United States: A Delta Air Lines passenger aircraft was forced to return and land safely at San Antonio

Orsk, Russia: Three people, including two aviation cadets and their instructor, were killed on Monday when a training aircraft crashed during a routine flight near the city of Orsk in Russia’s Orenburg Region, authorities confirmed. The aircraft, identified as a Diamond DA-series trainer operated by the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation, disappeared from radar around 10:40 a.m. local time before crashing near the settlement of Dzhanatalap. Preliminary information from local officials indicates that two university students and an instructor were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident. All three occupants died on impact. According to Russian media sources citing operational services, the individuals have been provisionally identified as the pilot, Vasily N. (born 1989), and cadets Timofey K. (born 2005) and Dmitry S. (born 2004). Rescue teams from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) were dispatched immediately after the aircraft went down. Officials reported no post-impact fire at the crash site. In statements to state news agencies, the regional governor’s office said rescue operations were ongoing and that authorities were providing assistance to the victims’ families. Russian investigative bodies have launched inquiries into the cause of the accident. The Central Interregional Transport Investigations Directorate of the Russian Investigative Committee is leading the probe, in coordination with the Interstate Aviation Committee (IAC) and Russia’s civil aviation regulator, Rosaviatsiya. Officials have not yet released any preliminary findings on the circumstances that led to the aircraft’s descent. Specialists are expected to analyze flight data and wreckage to determine whether mechanical failure, weather, or human factors played a role. Regional authorities, including Orenburg Governor Yevgeny Solntsev, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and affirmed support for the ongoing investigation. Senior representatives from Rosaviatsiya and the St. Petersburg State University of Civil Aviation are reported to be traveling to the crash site.

Aircraft Crashes

Three killed As Training Aircraft Crashes During Routine Flight Near Orsk In Russia

Aviation Today News Desk / February 3, 2026

Orsk, Russia: Three people, including two aviation cadets and their instructor, were killed on Monday when a training aircraft crashed

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Two Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilots were killed Thursday morning when their light attack and reconnaissance aircraft crashed during a training mission in Chiang Mai province, military officials confirmed. The aircraft, a Beechcraft AT-6TH Wolverine, went down at approximately 10:20 a.m. local time in a remote training area of Chom Thong district, about 60 kilometres southwest of Chiang Mai International Airport, according to RTAF spokesperson Air Marshal Chakkrit Thammavichai. The plane was on a combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) training flight when it crashed into a forested hillside near Ban Huai Fang village, officials said. Rescue teams were alerted at 10:48 a.m. and reached the site, which was reported to be largely inaccessible by road, requiring responders to hike through rugged terrain. Upon arrival, emergency personnel found the aircraft engulfed in flames with debris scattered over a roughly 20-metre radius, and a crater reportedly formed at the impact point. The bodies of both pilots remained inside the wreckage when rescuers reached the scene. Authorities have cordoned off the crash site while investigators work to determine the underlying cause of the accident. There have been no reported civilian casualties or damage to nearby property. The RTAF has identified the two pilots as Squadron Leader Samatcha Khunmas, an instructor pilot, and Flight Officer Korawit Jenkit. Both were experienced aviators assigned to Squadron 411, Wing 41, which operates from Chiang Mai Air Base. The air force expressed “deepest condolences” to the families of the fallen pilots and pledged full support during the aftermath of the crash. The AT-6TH Wolverine is a two-seat turboprop light attack and reconnaissance aircraft manufactured by Beechcraft, a subsidiary of Textron Aviation in the United States. Thailand procured the model as part of a fleet modernization initiative, commissioning eight AT-6TH aircraft with Squadron 411, Wing 41 at Chiang Mai Air Base in September 2025. The platform supplements Thailand’s defence capabilities in roles including border surveillance, counter-narcotics operations and close air support, and is considered a key asset in the RTAF’s tactical training syllabus. Air Chief Marshal Seksan Kantha, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, has ordered an urgent and comprehensive investigation into the crash, appointing an aircraft accident board to analyse flight data, mechanical components and operational factors. Officials said the inquiry will follow stringent aviation safety standards to identify causal factors and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Aircraft Crashes

Royal Thai Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes In Chiang Mai, Two Pilots Killed

Aviation Today News Desk / January 31, 2026

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Two Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) pilots were killed Thursday morning when their light attack and reconnaissance

Bogota, Colombia: A scheduled domestic flight operated by state-owned airline SATENA crashed in the mountainous Norte de Santander region of northeastern Colombia on 28 January 2026, killing all 15 people on board, authorities confirmed. The twin-engine Beechcraft 1900D turboprop, registered HK-4709, was flying as SATENA Flight 8849 from Camilo Daza International Airport in Cúcuta toward Aguas Claras Airport in Ocaña when it lost radio and radar contact with air traffic control at about 11:54 a.m. local time, roughly 12 minutes into the short domestic service. Search and rescue teams later located the wreckage on a cloud-covered mountainside near Curasica in the municipality of Playa de Belén, confirming there were no survivors among the 13 passengers and two crew members. Among those killed were Diógenes Quintero Amaya, a 36-year-old member of Colombia’s House of Representatives representing the Catatumbo region, and Carlos Salcedo, a candidate in the upcoming congressional elections, according to passenger lists released by SATENA. Colombian authorities and local media also reported that members of Quintero’s team were on board. SATENA said flight crews lost contact with the aircraft shortly before its scheduled landing in Ocaña. The plane’s emergency locator transmitter did not activate, which delayed initial detection of the crash site. Once located, national authorities, including the Civil Aeronautics Authority (Aerocivil), the Colombian Aerospace Force, and military personnel, coordinated search and recovery operations in difficult terrain, hampered by dense fog and rugged mountains. No definitive cause for the crash has yet been released. Colombian aviation regulators have opened a technical investigation to determine the sequence of events leading to the accident and any contributing factors. Officials have not ruled out weather or terrain as influences, given the flight path over challenging mountainous territory near the Venezuela border. The Beechcraft 1900D involved was operated under a wet-lease arrangement by SEARCA on behalf of SATENA. The aircraft type is widely used on short regional routes for its capability to operate in and out of airports with limited infrastructure. The Cúcuta–Ocaña sector is a routine domestic service typically lasting under an hour. Radar data showed the aircraft climbed to approximately 12,900 feet before beginning its descent toward Ocaña, with its last known altitude recorded near 7,900 feet shortly before contact was lost. Colombian officials, including President Gustavo Petro, expressed condolences to the families of the victims, describing the crash as a national tragedy.

Aircraft Crashes

All 15 Aboard Die As SATENA Beechcraft 1900D Crashes In Northern Colombia

Aviation Today News Desk / January 30, 2026

Bogota, Colombia: A scheduled domestic flight operated by state-owned airline SATENA crashed in the mountainous Norte de Santander region of

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

breaking news

5 Onboard Killed In Medical Evacuation Helicopter Crash At Al-Sarra Air Base In Libya

NTSB Preliminary Report Cites Miscommunication, Low Visibility In Galveston Bay Crash

Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing In Kolkata After Engine Fire Mid-Air

Jet2 Flight Declares Emergency At Manchester Airport After Pilot Becomes Incapacitated

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

Delta Air Lines Flight Makes Emergency Return To SAT After Engine Smoke, No Injuries

Three killed As Training Aircraft Crashes During Routine Flight Near Orsk In Russia

Royal Thai Air Force Training Aircraft Crashes In Chiang Mai, Two Pilots Killed

All 15 Aboard Die As SATENA Beechcraft 1900D Crashes In Northern Colombia

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

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