Flight Crew Archives - Page 2 of 6

Gauteng, South Africa: South Africa’s aviation safety authorities have raised fresh concerns over the state of general aviation and pilot training operations after a sharp rise in fatal accidents and fatalities during the 2025/26 financial year, despite an overall decline in total accidents. Data presented by the Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority at the NAC 2026 conference in Gauteng revealed that while total accidents fell to 76, the second-lowest figure ever recorded fatal accidents surged from four to 17 within a year, with fatalities climbing to 24, the highest toll since 2021. The findings paint a troubling picture for Africa’s flight training and general aviation environment, where safety experts say human factors, weak operational oversight and weather-related decision-making failures continue to expose student pilots and low-hour aviators to elevated risk. According to the AIID data, Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) recorded 19 accidents during 2025/26, down from 26 the previous year and 30 in 2023/24. However, training-related serious incidents rose dramatically from four in 2024/25 to 19 in 2025/26, signalling growing operational stress within the sector. The report identified flight crew and pilot actions as the leading causal factor in 55% of accidents investigated, reinforcing concerns about pilot judgment, risk assessment and airmanship standards. AIID Executive Themba Thabethe warned that the industry’s declining accident numbers should not obscure the underlying severity of recent crashes, particularly in general aviation and training environments where fatal outcomes are rising disproportionately. The presentation highlighted that South Africa averaged more than six accidents per month during the reporting period, while the fatal accident rate increased sharply from 3% to 22%. Investigators said the most persistent safety threats remain concentrated in general aviation, non-type certified aircraft and training operations segments that dominate pilot development pipelines across Africa. The report also showed that non-type certified aircraft and general aviation categories continued to represent the highest-risk operational areas. A series of recent accident case studies presented by AIID revealed recurring patterns involving deteriorating weather, continuation bias, inadequate safety management oversight and pilots pressing into instrument meteorological conditions despite warnings. On 9 June 2025 an accident involving a Piper PA-28-180 operating under Part 91 rules ended in a crash landing near Greytown after pilots departed despite severe weather warnings issued for KwaZulu-Natal. A related aircraft in the formation flight was destroyed, killing three people, including a student pilot. Investigators identified spatial disorientation and poor go/no-go decision-making as central factors. Another fatal October 2025 accident involving a Sling 2 aircraft operated by an ATO highlighted concerns surrounding student-level endorsements and weather risk assessment after the pilot encountered deteriorating conditions over mountainous terrain in KwaZulu-Natal. The pilot was killed after the aircraft crashed near Boston in the Midlands. AIID said the investigations demonstrated “cross-cutting lessons” affecting the wider training environment, including poor pre-flight risk culture, inadequate Safety Management Systems (SMS) oversight and pilots continuing flights incrementally into worsening conditions instead of diverting. The authority further noted that visual meteorological conditions at departure often created a false sense of security for inexperienced pilots, particularly in terrain-heavy regions where weather conditions deteriorate rapidly. While the airline sector maintained a zero fatal accident rate, investigators cautioned that serious incidents involving larger commercial operations under Part 121 regulations increased from one to six cases during the year, warranting “focused monitoring and intervention.” The report nevertheless contrasted the challenges facing general aviation with South Africa’s strong airline safety record. The country has not experienced a fatal airline accident on its soil in more than 59 years, while no fatal accident involving a South African airline operator has occurred in over 39 years. International benchmarking presented by AIID showed South Africa’s fatal accident average of approximately 11% remains broadly comparable with Australia and Canada. However, investigators stressed that the sharp rise in fatal accidents during 2025/26 demands “absolute improvement.” Safety officials said the data highlights a critical challenge facing Africa’s aviation growth ambitions: expanding pilot training capacity while maintaining robust operational discipline and oversight standards. The AIID concluded that sustained accident reduction will depend on strengthening Safety Management Systems across general aviation and training operations, improving pilot decision-making and continuing aggressive implementation of safety recommendations. 9 11 8 4

South Africa Reports Surge In Fatal Flight Training, GA Accidents As Death Toll Hits 24

Aviation Today News Desk / May 17, 2026

Gauteng, South Africa: South Africa’s aviation safety authorities have raised fresh concerns over the state of general aviation and pilot

Bengaluru, India: A 63-year-old passenger was arrested by the Kempegowda International Airport Police in Bengaluru after allegedly sexually harassing a cabin crew member onboard a Gulf Air flight operating from Bahrain to Bengaluru, according to police and multiple media reports. The incident reportedly took place on May 4 during the airline’s scheduled international service to Bengaluru and came to light after the aircraft landed at Kempegowda International Airport’s Terminal 2. According to the complaint filed by the 24-year-old cabin crew member, the alleged incident occurred while she was performing routine inflight service duties inside the cabin. The FIR stated that the passenger, who was seated onboard the Gulf Air flight, allegedly moved his hand from beneath a blanket and touched the crew member near her waist while she was attending to passengers during the journey. The crew member immediately objected to the alleged act and distanced herself from the passenger before reporting the matter to senior crew members and the flight captain during the flight. Following the aircraft’s arrival in Bengaluru, airline officials coordinated with airport authorities and the crew member later approached the Kempegowda International Airport Police Station to file a formal complaint. Based on her statement and preliminary inquiry, police registered a case under Section 75(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with sexual harassment-related offences. Authorities identified the accused as Jacob Alexander, aged 63. Police confirmed that he was detained for questioning shortly after the flight landed and was subsequently arrested. Investigators are currently examining statements from the cabin crew, airline personnel and other relevant witnesses as part of the ongoing inquiry into the incident. According to details cited in media reports and the FIR, the accused allegedly denied any intentional misconduct during questioning and reportedly described the physical contact as “friendly”. However, police proceeded with the case based on the complaint filed by the cabin crew member and the details recorded during the investigation.

Incidents

63-Year-Old Passenger Arrested Over Alleged Cabin Crew Harassment On Gulf Air Flight

Aviation Today News Desk / May 8, 2026

Bengaluru, India: A 63-year-old passenger was arrested by the Kempegowda International Airport Police in Bengaluru after allegedly sexually harassing a

Newark, United States: A United Airlines widebody aircraft struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer during its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport in the United States on Sunday, raising fresh safety concerns over low-altitude approaches above busy highway infrastructure. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 169, a Boeing 767-400 operating from Venice, Italy, which made contact with roadside infrastructure while descending toward Runway 29 at approximately 2:00 p.m. local time on May 3, 2026. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local authorities, the aircraft’s landing gear and underside struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer traveling on the New Jersey Turnpike, a major highway that runs adjacent to the airport’s approach path. The impact caused the light pole to collapse, with debris subsequently striking a passing Jeep on the roadway. Despite the mid-air contact with ground objects, the aircraft continued its approach and landed safely, later taxiing to the gate without further incident. All 221 passengers and 10 crew members onboard were unharmed, airline officials confirmed. However, the driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor, non-life-threatening injuries, primarily cuts from broken glass, and was transported to hospital and is being released. Authorities reported minor structural damage to the aircraft, including impact to a tire and the underside of the fuselage. Emergency responders, including the New Jersey State Police and Port Authority personnel, attended the scene promptly. Airport officials conducted runway inspections for debris, and normal operations resumed shortly afterward. The truck involved in the collision was reportedly transporting goods to an airport facility at the time of the incident. Runway 29 at Newark is known for its low-altitude approach over the New Jersey Turnpike, where aircraft routinely pass just above vehicular traffic before touchdown. "Our maintenance team is evaluating damage to the aircraft," said a United spokesperson. "We will conduct a rigorous flight safety investigation into the incident and our crew has been removed from service as part of the process." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched formal investigations into the incident. The NTSB has directed the airline to secure critical evidence, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), and has deployed investigators to Newark. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, according to officials.

Incidents

United Airlines Jet Hits Pole & Truck On Approach In Newark; Truck Driver Injured

Aviation Today News Desk / May 4, 2026

Newark, United States: A United Airlines widebody aircraft struck a light pole and a tractor-trailer during its final approach to

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways short-haul flight from London Gatwick to Italy was forced to return shortly after departure on April 29, 2026, following a technical issue involving the aircraft’s landing gear, prompting a precautionary diversion back to the departure airport. Flight BA2590, operated by an Airbus A321, had departed London Gatwick Airport en route to Verona when the crew identified that the landing gear had failed to retract as expected after takeoff. The issue, detected during the climb phase, significantly affected the aircraft’s performance and fuel efficiency, making it unsuitable to continue the planned journey. According to aviation incident tracking reports, the aircraft remained airborne for over an hour while the crew assessed the situation and coordinated a safe return. Standard operational procedures were followed, including fuel management and system checks, before initiating the diversion. The pilots subsequently made the decision to return to London Gatwick as a precautionary measure. Aircraft with partially or fully extended landing gear experience increased aerodynamic drag and higher fuel burn, limiting their operational range and making continued flight impractical. The aircraft landed safely at Gatwick with emergency services on standby. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the disembarkation was carried out without incident. The aircraft has since been withdrawn from service for technical inspection to determine the exact cause of the malfunction. Passengers affected by the disruption were accommodated on alternative arrangements to continue their journey.

Incidents

British Airways Flight BA2590 Returns To Gatwick After Landing Gear Malfunction

Aviation Today News Desk / May 1, 2026

London, United Kingdom: A British Airways short-haul flight from London Gatwick to Italy was forced to return shortly after departure

Bogotá, Colombia: A serious aviation safety incident involving a Lufthansa passenger aircraft and a Qatar Airways cargo jet occurred during final approach into Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, raising concerns over air traffic sequencing and separation standards in one of the most critical phases of flight. A Lufthansa Boeing 787-9 operating flight LH542 from Frankfurt and a Qatar Airways Cargo Boeing 777 freighter (QR8174) came dangerously close while aligning for landing at Bogotá on 19th April. Flight tracking data and radar visualizations cited across sources indicate that both aircraft were established on approach to the same runway with insufficient spacing. Estimates indicate the aircraft came within approximately 200 meters of each other, significantly below internationally mandated minimum separation standards for safe aircraft spacing. The situation escalated rapidly as the aircraft converged. In response, the Lufthansa flight crew initiated an immediate go-around maneuver, discontinuing the landing and climbing away from the approach path to restore safe separation. The Qatar Airways cargo aircraft continued its approach and landed without incident. No injuries were reported, and both aircraft remained under control throughout the event. However, aviation experts classify such occurrences as a “loss of separation,” a serious safety breach that carries the potential risk of mid-air collision if not resolved promptly. Preliminary indications point toward a possible air traffic control sequencing issue. Reports suggest that both aircraft were cleared into the same approach stream with inadequate spacing, though no official findings have been released at this stage. Authorities are expected to examine whether the separation breakdown resulted from controller misjudgment, communication gaps, or unexpected variations in aircraft speed and descent profiles. The final approach phase is widely regarded as one of the most demanding segments of flight operations, where aircraft operate at lower altitudes with reduced margins for corrective action. In such conditions, timely crew response becomes critical. The Lufthansa crew’s decision to execute a go-around is being viewed as a decisive action that prevented further escalation.

Incidents

Lufthansa Dreamliner And Qatar Cargo Jet Involved In Near Miss During Bogotá Approach

Aviation Today News Desk / April 22, 2026

Bogotá, Colombia: A serious aviation safety incident involving a Lufthansa passenger aircraft and a Qatar Airways cargo jet occurred during

United States

Pilots Under FAA Review For Non-Essential Radio Transmissions In Washington Airspace

Aviation Today News Desk / April 17, 2026

Washington, United States: The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation after airline pilots were recorded making animal noises over

Mumbai, India: An Air India flight bound for Bengaluru was forced to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff in the early hours of April 9, 2026, after experiencing an engine stall mid-air, prompting the crew to issue a “PAN PAN” emergency call. The incident involved flight AI2812, operated by an Airbus A320neo aircraft. Scheduled to depart at around 2:05 AM, the flight took off at approximately 2:15 AM but encountered technical issues within minutes of departure, forcing a return to the origin airport by around 2:35 AM. According to officials familiar with the development, one of the aircraft’s engines identified as engine number 2 stalled shortly after takeoff. The pilots subsequently issued a “PAN PAN” call, an internationally recognized radio signal indicating an urgent situation that requires priority handling but is not immediately life-threatening. Passengers onboard reported hearing a loud noise during the climb and observed sparks emanating from the affected engine. Some passengers also mentioned water leakage inside the cabin during the initial phase of the flight. Airport authorities activated a local standby as a precaution while the aircraft made its return. The flight landed safely in Mumbai without any injuries reported among passengers or crew. In an official statement, Air India said the aircraft “returned to Mumbai shortly after take-off as a precaution due to a suspected technical issue, in accordance with standard operating procedures,” adding that the aircraft has been grounded for detailed technical inspection. The airline also confirmed that passengers were provided assistance upon landing and that an alternative aircraft was arranged to complete the journey, which departed later in the morning. The spokesperson said, “We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers. Our Mumbai airport teams provided immediate assistance, and an alternative aircraft was arranged to operate the flight. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain Air India’s top priority.” A “PAN PAN” call, derived from the French word panne (meaning breakdown), is used in aviation to signal urgency without immediate danger to life, and is considered less severe than a “MAYDAY” distress call. Investigations into the exact cause of the engine stall are currently underway.

Incidents

Air India Flight Returns To Mumbai After Mid-Air Engine Stall, PAN PAN Call Issued

Aviation Today News Desk / April 10, 2026

Mumbai, India: An Air India flight bound for Bengaluru was forced to return to Mumbai shortly after takeoff in the

Nashville, United States: A 25-year-old male passenger was arrested at Nashville International Airport after allegedly inappropriately touching a minor onboard a commercial flight, according to authorities. The incident occurred on April 4, 2026, with airport police responding to a possible sexual assault call at Gate C24 around 6:30 PM, shortly after the aircraft arrived. According to an arrest affidavit, the alleged victim, a 14-year-old girl, told authorities she was asleep during the flight when she felt the accused passenger touching her leg. The suspect, identified as Brandon Starr, allegedly continued moving his hand further up her leg as she pretended to remain asleep out of fear. The girl eventually began crying, which alerted the cabin crew. Flight attendants intervened and contacted authorities, triggering a police response upon arrival at the gate. Airport officers who boarded the aircraft described the teenager as “visibly distraught and crying” when they made contact. Based on her statement and condition, police detained Starr at the gate immediately after landing and took him into custody. The accused was charged with misdemeanor assault and was later released after posting bail. He is scheduled to appear in court following the incident. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the airline, flight number, or route of the aircraft involved. However, the incident occurred onboard a flight arriving at Nashville, one of the busiest airports in Tennessee.

Incidents

Passenger Arrested At Nashville Airport After Alleged Mid-Air Assault On Teen Girl

Aviation Today News Desk / April 8, 2026

Nashville, United States: A 25-year-old male passenger was arrested at Nashville International Airport after allegedly inappropriately touching a minor onboard

Incidents

Uganda Airlines Flight Returns To Johannesburg After Mid-Air Cockpit Windscreen Damage

Aviation Today News Desk / April 4, 2026

Johannesburg, South Africa: A Uganda Airlines flight en route from Johannesburg to Entebbe was forced to return shortly after departure

New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made a safe emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday morning after suffering a mid-air engine failure. The flight, identified as 6E579, was carrying 160 passengers onboard, sources told PTI though a detailed passenger-crew breakup has not been officially disclosed by the airline. The aircraft encountered a failure in one of its engines during the flight, prompting the pilots to initiate emergency procedures and seek priority landing clearance in Delhi. Despite the technical issue, the crew continued operations using the aircraft’s remaining engine, in line with standard safety protocols for twin-engine jets. Airport authorities declared a full emergency at 10:39 AM, activating all necessary response mechanisms. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at approximately 10:54 AM on Runway 28, with fire tenders and rescue teams positioned on standby as a precaution. The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737, approximately 15 years old, operating under a wet-lease arrangement from Corendon Airlines. Under such agreements, the leasing airline typically provides the aircraft along with crew and maintenance support. All passengers and crew onboard the flight were reported safe, with no injuries or damage recorded. Following the landing, emergency status at the airport was withdrawn, and operations continued without significant disruption. The airport operator of Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) confirmed that standard emergency protocols were followed to ensure a safe and controlled landing environment.

Incidents

IndiGo Flight Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing In Delhi After Mid-Air Engine Failure

Aviation Today News Desk / March 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: An IndiGo flight operating from Visakhapatnam to Delhi made a safe emergency landing at Indira Gandhi International

Flight Crew

South Africa Reports Surge In Fatal Flight Training, GA Accidents As Death Toll Hits 24

63-Year-Old Passenger Arrested Over Alleged Cabin Crew Harassment On Gulf Air Flight

United Airlines Jet Hits Pole & Truck On Approach In Newark; Truck Driver Injured

British Airways Flight BA2590 Returns To Gatwick After Landing Gear Malfunction

Lufthansa Dreamliner And Qatar Cargo Jet Involved In Near Miss During Bogotá Approach

Pilots Under FAA Review For Non-Essential Radio Transmissions In Washington Airspace

Air India Flight Returns To Mumbai After Mid-Air Engine Stall, PAN PAN Call Issued

Passenger Arrested At Nashville Airport After Alleged Mid-Air Assault On Teen Girl

Uganda Airlines Flight Returns To Johannesburg After Mid-Air Cockpit Windscreen Damage

IndiGo Flight Boeing 737 Makes Emergency Landing In Delhi After Mid-Air Engine Failure

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