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New Delhi, India: The investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 has entered its final stages, with the government telling Parliament that an advanced examination of the aircraft’s fuel control switch and its locking mechanism found no abnormality. However, the inspection of the complete thrust control module remains underway at the original equipment manufacturer's facility in Seattle. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol provided the update during the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in response to questions in the Rajya Sabha. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation's response, the tests were ordered by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as part of continuing airworthiness checks after the Boeing 787 aircraft type was grounded in February this year. "A detailed examination of the fuel control switch, including the structural integrity of its locking detents, found no abnormality," Mohol said. The government further stated: "Inspection of the complete Thrust Control Module at the OEM's facility is underway." The finding is significant because the movement of the two engine fuel control switches has been a central focus of the investigation into the June 12, 2025 crash, which happened shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. The aircraft came down in the Meghani Nagar area, killing 260 people, including 241 of the 242 people aboard the aircraft and 19 people on the ground. One passenger survived the crash. The preliminary investigation found that both switches moved from the RUN position to CUT OFF shortly after takeoff, resulting in the loss of thrust from both engines. The preliminary report, however, did not establish why the switches moved or assign responsibility for the movement. The latest examination has so far found no abnormality in the locking mechanism of the fuel control switch. However, the government has not said that the investigation has established the cause of the switches moving to the CUTOFF position. The complete thrust control module is still being examined, and the outcome of that inspection remains awaited. The government also rejected suggestions that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has delayed the final report into the crash. Mohol said investigations into major air accidents do not follow a fixed timeline and that the AI-171 inquiry is progressing in accordance with established investigation procedures. "All probable causes and contributing factors leading to the accident are being investigated," the minister said. The Ministry of Civil Aviation said the final investigation report will contain the findings of the probe and will be made public and uploaded on the AAIB's website once the investigation is completed. The preliminary report also noted that the aircraft had been certified as airworthy before the flight and that its maintenance records did not show a reported defect involving the fuel control switches. It also recorded that the aircraft's throttle control module had previously been replaced, although the replacements were unrelated to reported fuel-switch defects. The investigation subsequently drew international attention because the fuel control switches are part of the Boeing 787's thrust control system and are designed with locking mechanisms intended to prevent unintended movement. The latest government statement indicates that the structural integrity of the locking detents has now been examined and that no abnormality was identified in that specific component. However, the government has not yet released a final conclusion on what caused the switches to move during the AI-171 flight. The continuing inspection of the complete thrust control module is therefore an important remaining part of the technical examination. The AAIB's final report is expected to establish the complete sequence of events, identify the causes and contributing factors, and determine whether any safety recommendations are required. Until the final report is released, the precise cause of the fuel control switches moving to CUTOFF remains unresolved in the publicly available investigation findings. The latest government update therefore clears one specific area of concern: the fuel control switch locking mechanism but does not, by itself, close the wider question of why both switches moved to the CUTOFF position shortly after takeoff. The investigation remains ongoing, with the complete thrust control module examination and the AAIB's final assessment is still pending.

Govt Says Air India AI171 Crash Probe Finds No Fault In Fuel Switch Locking Mechanism

Aviation Today News Desk / July 29, 2026

New Delhi, India: The investigation into the crash of Air India flight AI-171 has entered its final stages, with the […]

Benin City, Nigeria: An Enugu Air Embraer E170 overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport in Edo State, Nigeria, on July 23, with 63 passengers and five crew members on board. All 68 occupants were accounted for and no injuries were reported. The aircraft, registered 5N-ENR, was operating Enugu Air Flight 4264 from Lagos to Benin when the runway excursion occurred at approximately 3:10 p.m. local time, according to the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). The aircraft reportedly continued beyond the end of Runway 05 during the landing before leaving the runway area. Early reports described the aircraft as having veered into the surrounding area beyond the runway, while images and videos circulating after the incident showed the Embraer E170 off the paved runway surface. Emergency personnel responded to the occurrence, and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated or disembarked. The NSIB confirmed that there were 63 passengers and five crew members on board, correcting earlier media reports that had cited different passenger figures. Enugu Air confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a runway excursion after landing. The airline said all passengers and crew had safely disembarked and that there were no injuries or casualties. The carrier said the aircraft had been secured and that the relevant aviation authorities had been notified in line with established procedures. It added that an assessment of the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the occurrence was underway. The NSIB has since launched an investigation into the incident. Its Go Team was mobilised and reached the occurrence site within minutes of notification. Investigators are gathering and preserving evidence, interviewing the flight crew and other relevant personnel, examining the aircraft, assessing runway conditions and reviewing operational and technical information. The cause of the runway excursion has not yet been established. Authorities have not publicly attributed the incident to any specific technical failure, weather condition, braking problem or pilot action, and the investigation is expected to determine the circumstances and contributing factors. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and relevant airport authorities have been notified, while the aircraft remains secured as investigators conduct their work. NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. said the bureau was relieved that all passengers and crew members were safe but stressed that runway excursions are serious occurrences requiring thorough and independent investigation. He also urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigators work in accordance with international standards. The NSIB said a preliminary report is expected within 30 days, in line with regulatory requirements. A final investigation report, including any safety recommendations, will be published after the investigation is completed. The incident also temporarily disrupted flight operations at Benin Airport as emergency responders secured the aircraft and aviation officials began assessing the situation. The incident occurred less than three weeks after Enugu Air officially commenced commercial operations, making the runway excursion one of the first significant operational incidents involving the newly launched state-owned carrier. However, with all 68 people on board safe and the investigation still in its early stages, authorities have yet to determine exactly why the aircraft overran the runway.

Incidents

Enugu Air Embraer E170 Overruns Runway At Benin Airport With 68 On Board, All Safe

Aviation Today News Desk / July 24, 2026

Benin City, Nigeria: An Enugu Air Embraer E170 overran the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport in

Tomblaine, France: Eleven people were killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Nancy in northeastern France on Sunday, June 28, in one of the country's deadliest civilian aviation accidents involving a parachuting flight in decades. The aircraft, identified by authorities as a German-registered Pilatus PC-6, departed from Nancy-Essey Airport at approximately 11:00 a.m. local time before suffering what officials described as a malfunction moments after becoming airborne. The aircraft crashed in the commune of Tomblaine, around 300 metres from the end of the runway, killing everyone on board. The victims included the pilot, five skydiving instructors and five trainee parachutists, according to regional authorities. No one survived the crash. According to Meurthe-et-Moselle Prefect Yves Séguy, the aircraft encountered a malfunction shortly after departure from Nancy-Essey Airport. Officials said the airplane lost altitude rapidly and plunged almost vertically before striking the ground near a bicycle path adjacent to a commercial area. Despite the severity of the accident, the aircraft narrowly missed nearby residential buildings, preventing what authorities said could have been an even greater tragedy. Investigators have not yet determined the precise cause of the accident. Witnesses reported hearing the aircraft's engine suddenly fall silent shortly after takeoff, followed almost immediately by the impact. Several residents told local media the aircraft appeared to descend without any obvious attempt to return to the airport. Authorities said there was no evidence of an in-flight explosion or significant post-impact fire, although the aircraft was completely destroyed upon impact. The aircraft was being used for a scheduled parachuting flight operated by a skydiving school. French authorities confirmed the aircraft was registered in Germany, although officials have not yet publicly identified the operator or ownership details. The Swiss-built Pilatus PC-6 Porter is widely used around the world for parachuting operations because of its excellent short takeoff and landing performance, high-wing configuration and ability to carry multiple skydivers. The flight was carrying 10 parachutists, comprising five instructors and five students, along with the pilot. Several reports indicated the students were preparing for tandem skydives. Some media outlets reported that the trainee participants included nursing professionals from the Nancy area taking part in a recreational skydiving experience. However, French authorities have not officially released the identities of any victims. Officials confirmed that some relatives and friends of those on board had gathered at the airport to watch the planned parachute jumps. Several family members reportedly witnessed the aircraft's fatal descent shortly after takeoff. Emergency psychological support teams were deployed to assist grieving relatives, witnesses and first responders. More than 50 firefighters, police officers, emergency medical teams and specialist aviation investigators responded to the scene. Authorities established a security perimeter around the crash site and urged members of the public to stay away while rescue and recovery operations continued. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez travelled to the scene, while Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot described the accident as a "terrible tragedy" and extended condolences to the victims' families. The wreckage remained under guard as investigators began documenting evidence and recovering aircraft components. France's aviation accident investigators have launched a formal investigation into the crash. Authorities have stressed that no cause has yet been established. Although northeastern France experienced exceptionally high temperatures the day before the accident, investigators have not linked the weather to the crash. Witness reports that the engine appeared to stop shortly after takeoff will form part of the investigation, but officials cautioned that eyewitness accounts alone cannot determine the cause. Unlike many larger commercial aircraft, the Pilatus PC-6 is generally not equipped with a cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder, meaning investigators will rely heavily on physical evidence, maintenance documentation, operational records and witness testimony. As investigators continue examining the wreckage, authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation until the official investigation determines what caused the aircraft to crash so soon after takeoff.

Aircraft Crashes

11 Killed After Skydiving Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff In France

Aviation Today News Desk / June 29, 2026

Tomblaine, France: Eleven people were killed after a skydiving aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff near Nancy in northeastern France on

Ruidoso, United States: A medical transport aircraft operating in New Mexico crashed in rugged mountainous terrain near Ruidoso early Thursday morning, killing all four people on board and igniting a wildfire in the surrounding forest, according to local authorities and federal aviation officials. The aircraft, operated by Trans Aero MedEvac, a Beechcraft King Air 90 departed from Roswell Air Center and was en route to Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when communication and radar contact were lost shortly before dawn. Officials later received reports of both a missing aircraft and a fire burning in the Capitan Mountains near Ruidoso, prompting an extensive emergency response. Authorities said the aircraft failed to arrive at its scheduled destination, leading emergency protocols to be activated. Search teams located the wreckage between approximately 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. local time in steep, rocky terrain that responders described as difficult to access. Rescue crews reportedly had to hike nearly half a mile through mountainous conditions to reach the crash site. All four occupants were killed in the crash. Officials confirmed the victims were members of the flight crew and medical personnel involved in the transport mission. As of the latest official updates, authorities had not publicly identified the victims pending notification of their families. No patients were reported to be onboard the aircraft at the time of the accident. Lincoln County Sheriff Michael Wood described the incident as “a devastating loss,” while county officials urged the public to avoid the area to allow investigators and emergency crews to continue operations safely. Lincoln County Manager Jason Burns confirmed that the crash also triggered a wildfire that rapidly spread in dry and windy conditions. Officials said the blaze expanded to between 30 and 35 acres by midday Thursday, prompting concerns about further fire growth in the heavily forested region surrounding Lincoln National Forest. Local agencies and the U.S. Forest Service continued suppression efforts throughout the day. Speaking during a news conference, Burns said, “our hearts and prayers go out to the families, loved ones, friends and colleagues of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident.” The exact cause of the crash remains unknown. Officials have not indicated any evidence of mechanical failure, weather-related causes, or pilot error at this stage of the investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a formal investigation, with the NTSB expected to lead the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Prior to Thursday’s crash, there were 25 fatal crashes of medical planes over the past 25 years that killed nearly 70 people, according to NTSB records. According to the operator, the aircraft had been conducting a medical transportation mission when it was reported overdue after communications and radar contact were lost. Trans Aero MedEvac stated that the company has served southeastern New Mexico and west Texas since 1966 and asked the public to keep the families of the crew members and responding personnel in their thoughts and prayers.

Aircraft Crashes

Medical Transport Plane Crash In New Mexico Kills Four, Ignites Forest Fire

Aviation Today News Desk / May 15, 2026

Ruidoso, United States: A medical transport aircraft operating in New Mexico crashed in rugged mountainous terrain near Ruidoso early Thursday

Lagos, Nigeria: Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing mounting operational and financial strain as soaring jet fuel prices and worsening supply shortages trigger widespread flight disruptions, route cuts and growing safety concerns across the country’s domestic airline industry. Industry officials and airline operators say the crisis has intensified in recent weeks despite government intervention efforts and increased local refining capacity from the Dangote Refinery, which began full-scale operations earlier this year. Airlines argue that while domestic production has improved supply volumes, the price of Jet A1 aviation fuel remains prohibitively high under Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market. According to the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), persistent fuel scarcity has caused repeated flight delays, last-minute schedule changes and route cancellations as carriers struggle to secure sufficient supplies for daily operations. The association warned that prolonged disruptions are also forcing extended crew duty periods, raising concerns over fatigue and operational safety in an industry governed by strict rest regulations. NAAPE President Captain Bunmi Gindeh said the shortages were stretching operational planning and placing additional pressure on pilots, engineers and airline personnel. Domestic carriers have reported that jet fuel prices have risen dramatically since February, with some operators stating costs have more than quadrupled in recent months. Airlines say fuel expenses now account for between 30% and 40% of operating costs in Nigeria, significantly above the global average, making several domestic routes commercially unviable. Local airline Rano Air stated that the sustained increase in fuel prices had forced operational adjustments and schedule revisions. Other carriers have reportedly begun cutting unprofitable routes and rescheduling flights to reduce exposure to escalating fuel costs. The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), representing the country’s domestic airlines, had earlier threatened to suspend nationwide flight operations after accusing fuel marketers of imposing “astronomical and artificial” increases in Jet A1 prices. The group warned that the crisis was pushing airlines toward unsustainable losses and could have broader economic implications affecting employment, banking operations and national connectivity. The dispute prompted emergency talks with the Nigerian government in April, leading airlines to temporarily suspend their planned shutdown following appeals from Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. As part of emergency relief measures, Nigerian authorities introduced temporary price caps on aviation fuel and allowed airlines to purchase fuel on credit for a limited period. Regulators also proposed direct fuel supply arrangements between marketers and airlines, debt relief measures for operators and discussions with Dangote Refinery over pricing mechanisms. Under the temporary framework, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) capped jet fuel prices between 1,760 and 1,988 naira per litre in Lagos and between 1,809 and 2,037 naira per litre in Abuja based on April benchmark pricing. Despite those measures, airlines say market conditions remain volatile. Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to face broader structural challenges including foreign exchange shortages, high aircraft maintenance costs, limited access to spare parts and inadequate airport infrastructure. The crisis has unfolded alongside wider global disruptions in the aviation fuel market linked to escalating tensions in the Middle East and instability surrounding shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Airlines worldwide have reported major increases in fuel-related costs.

Airlines

Nigerian Airlines Face Jet Fuel Crisis As Supply Shortages Disrupt Flight Operations

Aviation Today News Desk / May 12, 2026

Lagos, Nigeria: Nigeria’s aviation sector is facing mounting operational and financial strain as soaring jet fuel prices and worsening supply

Aircraft Crashes

Russian Military Aircraft Crashes In Crimea After Losing Contact, Kills All 29 Onboard

Aviation Today News Desk / April 1, 2026

Update: 6th April, 2026 Lieutenant General Alexander Otroshchenko identified as one of the victim in the fatal crash, he was

Manaus, Brazil: A small single-engine aircraft crashed into the Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River, on the morning of January 4, 2026, leaving both occupants with minor injuries, according to local sources and eyewitness footage. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Paricatuba and Iranduba, in the metropolitan region of Manaus, Amazonas state. Video captured by witnesses including an architect riding a jet ski shows the aircraft flying at very low altitude before losing height and nose-diving into the water with a large splash. Fernando Araújo, who recorded the dramatic sequence, told reporters he noticed the plane performing unusual low-altitude maneuvers over the river before the crash. In the footage, the aircraft appears to touch the water twice and make steep turns before the final descent. According to local media reports, Araújo and others on boats and jet skis were first on the scene. They were able to reach the floating wreckage quickly and pull the pilot and passenger to safety, administering first aid before rescue teams arrived. Both men aboard the aircraft were reported to have sustained injuries. The pilot suffered deep cuts to his forehead and was described as being in shock. The passenger reportedly had a smaller head wound and a puncture wound to his thigh. Officials from the Amazonas Military Fire Department confirmed they were alerted and responded to the scene. When authorities arrived, the victims had already been removed from the water by civilian rescuers. Local news outlets noted that a single small aircraft was involved in the accident, and there were no reports of additional persons onboard. Following the rescue, firefighters inspected the area and reported no remaining hazards at the crash site. There has been no official release on the aircraft’s registration, operator, or flight plan as of this writing. Brazil’s Centro de Investigação e Prevenção de Acidentes Aeronáuticos (CENIPA), the aviation accident investigation authority had not yet confirmed receipt of a formal notification about the crash at the time of initial reporting. Investigators will likely examine factors such as flight control, altitude management, weather conditions, and mechanical systems to determine the circumstances that led to the loss of control over the river.

Aircraft Crashes

Small Aircraft Crashes Into Amazon’s Rio Negro Near Manaus, Two Rescued With Injuries

Aviation Today News Desk / January 9, 2026

Manaus, Brazil: A small single-engine aircraft crashed into the Rio Negro, a major tributary of the Amazon River, on the

Airlines

IndiGo Inducts India’s First A321XLR, Launches India’s First Direct Flights To Greece

Aviation Today News Desk / January 8, 2026

New Delhi, India: IndiGo has inducted India’s first Airbus A321XLR aircraft, marking a major milestone in the airline’s long-term international

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 cruising at 36,000 feet on Thursday, forcing an emergency diversion to Salt Lake City International Airport. The flight, operating as United Airlines 1093 from Denver (DEN) to Los Angeles (LAX), was carrying 134 passengers with 6 crew members when the incident occurred approximately 37 minutes after departure. The aircraft tail number N17327 began a controlled descent from its cruising altitude and safely landed in Salt Lake City without further incident. Photographs circulating online show a spider-webbed outer windshield and blood on the pilot’s arm, believed to be caused by flying glass fragments inside the cockpit. United Airlines confirmed that one of the pilots sustained a “minor injury” and was treated after landing. All passengers were unharmed and later transferred to another aircraft to continue to Los Angeles. “The outer pane of the multilayer windshield was damaged, but the aircraft maintained pressurization and all flight controls functioned normally,” United Airlines said in a statement. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the windshield failure. The damaged windshield has been sent to an NTSB laboratory for forensic analysis. Early images of the damage show scorch marks and what appear to be sheared rivets around the impact area, leading investigators to consider several possibilities including a collision with high-altitude debris, a micrometeorite, or a failure in the windshield’s electrical heating system. At 36,000 feet, the chances of a bird strike are virtually impossible, eliminating one of the most common causes of windshield damage at lower altitudes. “We are exploring all potential explanations from internal electrical faults to external debris impact,” an NTSB spokesperson told ABC News. “It’s too early to draw conclusions until the windshield undergoes structural testing.” A California-based company that operates autonomous weather balloons said one of its balloons may have been in the same airspace as Flight 1093 and that it is cooperating fully with authorities. No official link has yet been confirmed. Several passengers described a loud “bang” followed by a rapid descent. “There was a sharp jolt, then the captain announced we were diverting.” Aviation analysts say the nature of the damage concentrated on the upper-left cockpit window and accompanied by burn-like discoloration suggests an external strike rather than an internal electrical failure. “At that altitude, only space debris, high-altitude ice, or an electrical explosion could cause this pattern,” aerospace engineer Mark Pilling told AvGeekery. Despite the extensive cracking, the multilayer windshield design prevented cabin depressurization. The aircraft’s reinforced windshield system consists of three laminated panes, only the outer layer of which was compromised. The NTSB has not released a preliminary report yet but is expected to do so within weeks.

Incidents

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Aviation Today News Desk / October 21, 2025

Utah, United States: A United Airlines pilot sustained injuries after an unidentified object shattered the cockpit windshield of a Boeing

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest Fort Worth, igniting a massive blaze that engulfed several parked tractor-trailers, authorities said. The King Air aircraft reportedly departed from Fort Worth Alliance Airport shortly before it went down around 1:30 p.m. local time, striking a property filled with semi-trucks, trailers, and campers. The impact set off multiple explosions, triggering fires that spread to at least ten parked trucks, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within 35 minutes, with around 60 personnel, 10 engines, 14 support vehicles, and three ambulances dispatched to the scene. A nearby grass fire that broke out due to the crash was also quickly extinguished. Officials confirmed two fatalities at the crash site. Their identities have not been released. Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board the aircraft. No ground injuries were immediately reported, though the fire caused significant property damage. Several surrounding roads including parts of Business U.S. 287 and Tinsley Road were temporarily closed during emergency response operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Initial reports suggest that investigators are examining possible mechanical failure or pilot-related issues, but officials have emphasized that it is too early to draw conclusions. The wreckage will be relocated for detailed examination by NTSB specialists in the coming days.

Aircraft Crashes

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

Aviation Today News Desk / October 13, 2025

Texas, United States: Two people were killed on Sunday afternoon when a twin-engine aircraft crashed near Hicks Airfield in northwest

latest aviation news

Govt Says Air India AI171 Crash Probe Finds No Fault In Fuel Switch Locking Mechanism

Enugu Air Embraer E170 Overruns Runway At Benin Airport With 68 On Board, All Safe

11 Killed After Skydiving Aircraft Crashes Shortly After Takeoff In France

Medical Transport Plane Crash In New Mexico Kills Four, Ignites Forest Fire

Nigerian Airlines Face Jet Fuel Crisis As Supply Shortages Disrupt Flight Operations

Russian Military Aircraft Crashes In Crimea After Losing Contact, Kills All 29 Onboard

Small Aircraft Crashes Into Amazon’s Rio Negro Near Manaus, Two Rescued With Injuries

IndiGo Inducts India’s First A321XLR, Launches India’s First Direct Flights To Greece

United Airlines Pilot Injured As Cockpit Windshield Shatters Mid-Flight At 36,000 Feet

Two Killed as Twin-Engine Plane Crashes Near Fort Worth, Sparks Massive Fire

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