All articles tagged with #flight safety
An Air India Phuket–Delhi flight dropped roughly 300 feet midflight, injuring 24 passengers. The captain initially tested positive for cannabis, with a confirmatory test also positive; investigators are scrutinizing the captain’s conduct as crew reported concerns, and India’s Civil Aviation Ministry has summoned Air India’s CEO to answer questions about the incident.
A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Orlando returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after crew members reported fumes in the cockpit; passengers evacuated via emergency slides on the taxiway, no injuries were reported, and travelers were rebooked on another flight while the aircraft underwent maintenance inspection.
Following a suspected intentional crash into Beijing’s 109-story tower, China has indefinitely grounded virtually all general aviation nationwide, excluding commercial and emergency flights. Private light aircraft, business jets, recreational flying, and pilot training have been suspended, with flight schools also halted as authorities reassess safety and security. The government is weighing stricter licensing, mental-health evaluations for pilots, and new certifications for flight schools; the situation is developing and viewed as a major disruption to China’s aviation ecosystem.
The FAA is investigating a close-call incident at Boston’s Logan International Airport that occurred on December 9, 2025, with the probe continuing as of June 21, 2026.
An Alaska Airlines passenger was charged after attempting to open the plane door mid-flight, causing concern among passengers and leading to his hospital assessment upon landing.
The Senate approved a bipartisan bill requiring all aircraft, including military ones, to broadcast their locations using ADS-B technology, aiming to prevent incidents like the January DC helicopter crash that caused 67 deaths, and to improve airspace safety around Washington, D.C.
A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 experienced an engine failure during takeoff from Dulles Airport while en route to Tokyo, but safely returned to the airport with no injuries; a fire caused by brush ignited during departure was extinguished, and the FAA is investigating.
Airbus recalled thousands of A320 aircraft due to potential data corruption caused by intense solar radiation, which could affect flight control systems, following an incident where a plane experienced a sudden altitude drop. The issue is linked to solar flares and sunspot activity, prompting software updates and raising concerns about space weather impacts on aviation safety.
Airlines worldwide quickly responded to a major software glitch affecting over 6,000 Airbus A320 aircraft by reverting to previous software versions and planning hardware upgrades for older jets, minimizing disruptions during the busy holiday travel season, with US airlines on track to complete necessary updates by Sunday midnight.
An Air China flight to Seoul made an emergency landing in Shanghai after a passenger's lithium battery in carry-on luggage ignited, causing smoke and flames. No injuries were reported, and the plane was safely diverted to ensure safety, highlighting ongoing concerns about lithium battery fires on aircraft.
A Delta flight in 2023 took off into a severe hailstorm in Italy without reviewing all available weather data, resulting in significant damage to the aircraft. Investigators found that the crew's delayed decision to change course and lack of access to satellite radar images contributed to the incident. Delta has since emphasized the importance of storm avoidance and upgraded some aircraft weather radars.
A former Alaska Airlines pilot pleaded guilty to attempting to shut down aircraft engines midflight after using psilocybin mushrooms, which caused a mental health crisis. He pulled engine fire handles believing he was dreaming, but the crew prevented disaster. He faces up to 20 years in prison and has acknowledged his actions and mental health issues, including a condition caused by psychedelic use.
A United Airlines Boeing 787 experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles, declared an emergency, and safely returned for a landing with no injuries; the FAA is investigating.
A United Airlines flight to Munich declared an emergency due to engine failure shortly after takeoff from D.C., returned safely to Dulles Airport, and was canceled, with investigations ongoing into the mechanical issue.
Passengers on an American Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 evacuated onto the runway via emergency slides after the plane aborted its takeoff in Denver due to a possible landing gear issue, with one person hospitalized for minor injuries; the plane was later extinguished by fire crews and taken out of service for inspection.