Aviation Safety Postings page 2

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13 AUG 2002 The ATSB releases a discussion paper 'The Hazards Posed To Aircraft By Birds'. This study investigated the Australian birdstrike data for the period 1991 to 2001. A.o. the production of regular, standardised, educational and promotional material, regarding the birdstrike problem within Australia is recommended. (ATSB) media release

12 AUG 2002 The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will send site survey teams to 33 airports during the week of Aug. 12 to conduct initial studies to federalize passenger security and baggage screening checkpoints. (TSA) press release

30 OCT 2002 A Thai Airways International Boeing 737-400 plane damaged a wing during a hard landing at Trang airport. The flight, TG251 from Bangkok, landed in think fog while the airport's Instrument Landing System was inoperative. (Bangkok Post)

29 OCT 2002 The National Transportation Safety Board convened its public investigative hearing on the crash of American Airlines flight 587 today. The hearing is expected to last four or five days. (NTSB) hearing information

29 OCT 2002 The French BEA released their findings regarding the August 24, 1997 incident involving an Air France Airbus A.320 near Lorient. A fuel leak caused a fuel imbalance between the two wings. Fuel was crossfed but the aircraft kept losing fuel near the nr.1 engine. On approach to Lorient the nr.1 engine failed and the crew carried out a single engine landing. (BEA) final report f-qh970824

24 OCT 2002 Transport Minister David Collenette signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in technical cooperation with the Minister of Transport of Colombia to enhance transportation safety in Colombia, with particular emphasis on civil aviation. (Transport Canada)

24 OCT 2002 A Lufthansa Boeing 747-400 reportedly missed a Mexicana Airbus A.320 by some 30m while on approach to Mexico City Airport, October 7. The Lufthansa pilot ignored contrary orders from air traffic control and followed his TCAS RA to climb. (AFX)

23 OCT 2002 The United States warned it would turn away foreign civilian planes after next April unless they are equipped with reinforced cockpit doors to deter hijackers. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta also pushed for the use of fingerprints on all entry and exit travel documents as part of a bold US package of anti-terror measures. (AFP)

23 OCT 2002 A Tretyakovo Air Transport Company Ilyushin 62M (RA-86452) overran the runway on landing at Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and caught fire. All 9 crew members survived the accident.

19 OCT 2002 A United Airlines Boeing 767 (N607UA) struck several birds after departing Boston-Logan Airport Runway 22R. The no.2 engine suffered an uncontained failure. The aircraft circled around to land safely on runway 33L, 17 minutes later. (FAA)

16 OCT 2002 An Asian Spirit NAMC YS-11 plane hit powerlines while on final approach to Catarman, Philippines. The aircraft, carrying 33 people, landed safely but two poles collapsed injuring two villagers. (AP)

15 OCT 2002 Saudi Arabian Airlines says a passenger on a flight from Khartoum, Sudan to Jeddah used a pistol to try to take over the plane 22 minutes into the flight - but he was overpowered by security staff. (BBC)

14 OCT 2002 The German BFU released their investigation report brief regarding the April 27, 2002 Airbus A.340 tailstrike incident. The mishap occurred during a crosswind takeoff at Frankfurt with slats at 20deg and flaps at 18deg. (BFU) accident report (PDF - 2,8 Mb)

07 OCT 2002 The FAA published a final rule requiring Boeing 737 operators to install a newly designed rudder control system, and to make other changes to the aircraft to accommodate the new system. (FAA) press release

01 OCT 2002 Two Ilyushin Il-38 "May" from India, crashed each other on a flypast. The planes felt over populated areas, killing at least one person in ground. Their crew of twelve people (6 each) died on both planes. These aircrafts were celebrating their 25th Anniversary. (The Indian Express, AP)

27 SEP 2002 The ATSB issued two safety recommendations airside vehicle operation with a view to establishing national operating standards and procedures following a June 2001 incident at Perth. A sweeper vehicle was still on the runway when a Boeing 737-476 was taking off. The vehicle vacated the runway when the driver saw the aircraft approaching in the rear view mirror. (ATSB) occurrence report 200102695

26 SEP 2002 The Federal Aviation Administration ordered wing inspections on all C-130A air tankers after NTSB investigators determined that cracks in the wings caused the crash of a C-130A fighting a wildfire in California in June. (FAA) AD-2002-19-14

25 SEP 2002 The Association of European Airlines released the 16th edition of its Recommendations for De-Icing /Anti-Icing of Aircraft on the Ground. (AEA) recommendations (PDF)

24 SEP 2002 Based on petitions filed for reconsideration of the probable cause of the October 31, 1994 American Eagle ATR-72 crash near Roselawn, the NTSB has updated it's findings. Also, part of the petitions were denied. (NTSB) report AAR-96-01

20 SEP 2002 The ATSB released their investigation report regarding the windshear encounter of an Qantas Boeing 737-476 on final approach to Brisbane, 18 January 2001. Twenty recommendations were issued to CASA, Airservices Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology. (ATSB) Final report 200100213

19 SEP 2002 The National Transportation Safety Board will convene its public investigative hearing on the crash of American Airlines flight 587 on October 29, 2002. The hearing is expected to last four or five days. (NTSB) press release

19 SEP 2002 The Irish AAIU released the report of their investigation into the 10 November 2001 incident in the Shanwick Oceanic Airspace involving an Air France B747-400 and an Airtours Int'l A.330. The problems began when the A.330 crew requested a clearance which was incorrect by one hour. This was noted about one hour later when a traffic conflict at FL370 was observed. The A.330 crew were told to descend to FL350. (AAIU) Report No.: 2002/009

18 SEP 2002 Following two Airbus A.300 incidents in which crew members were forcibly ejected when opening the aircraft doors, the NTSB issued another 7 safety recommendations to the FAA a.o. with regards to A.300 cabin altimeter gauges and ionization-type smoke detectors. (NTSB) safety recommendations A02-26/32 (PDF)

17 SEP 2002 The Finnish Accident Investigation Board released their report on their investigation into the 21 July 2001 incident, when a SAS MD-81 was damaged in severe hail and turbulence while descending in a cumulonimbus cloud near Helsinki. It was recommended that SAS should take appropriate actions to ensure that the pilots pay sufficient attention to weather conditions during flight preparation and in flight, and make efficient use of airborne weather radar. Also, the Finnish Meteorological Institute should consider creating a system to facilitate the monitoring of rapidly developing weather phenomena and preparation of warning messages on significant weather. (Accident Investigation Board (AIB)) report B 5/2001 L

14 SEP 2002 The FAA ordered inspections of the all Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 series airplanes, having line numbers 1136 through 1230 to see if any have potentially defective flight control modules that could make the planes hard to control. (FAA ) emergency AD

11 SEP 2002 A British man has been jailed for four months, for refusing to switch off his cell phone during a flight from Egypt to Manchester last year, and compromising aircraft safety. He was advised to switch off his Ericsson T28 cell phone by stewards when they noticed him playing a game that was built into the phone. Later he was seen again playing games on the phone and following three warnings which he ignored he was finally arrested when the plane arrived in Manchester. (cellular-news)

09 SEP 2002 An Indian man was overpowered by a flight attendant when he attempted to hijack an Air Seychelles plane shortly before the Boeing 737 was to make a stopover at Male, Maldives. (AP)

06 SEP 2002 CAA New Zealand released their report regarding the July 2000 incident of Air New Zealand Flight NZ60, Boeing 767, near Apia, Samoa in which the crew detected an erroneous glideslope capture during an autocoupled ILS approach in time to perform a go around. It was later established that the ILS glideslope transmitter had inadvertently been left in control (monitor) bypass mode, with the unserviceable transmitter selected. (CAA NZ) Investigation report

04 SEP 2002 An Asian Spirit DHC-7-102 Dash 7 Reg.RP-C2788 plane carried out an emergency landing with one gear retracted at Manila. The aircraft had returned for an emergency landing when the right landing gear failed to deploy while on approach to destination Caticlan. There were no injuries among the 4 crew and 45 pax, but the plane sustained substantial damage. (AFX-Asia)

30 AUG 2002 The FAA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring operators of All Boeing 737-600, -700, -700C, –800, and -900; 747; and 757 series airplanes to revise the AFM to include certain operating limitations to prevent fuel vapors from coming into contact with an ignition source in the center wing fuel tank, which could result in fire/explosion in the center fuel tank. (FAA) AD 2002-18-52

30 AUG 2002 TAM Fokker 100 PT-MRL carried out an emergency belly landing at São Paulo-Viracopos following landing gear problems. The aircraft operated flight 3499 Salvador - São Paulo-Guarulhos. (ASN) incident description

30 AUG 2002 TAM Fokker 100 PT-MQH carried out a forced landing in a field near Birigui as a result of fuel exhaustion. The aircraft, flight 3804 São Paulo-Guarulhos - Campo Grande, sustained substantial damage. (ASN) incident description

30 AUG 2002 Canadian investigators have sent out a draft report on the 1998 Swissair MD-11 crash off Nova Scotia, completing their probe almost four years after the accident that killed all 229 people on board. The final report is expected to be made public early next year. (Canada.com)

29 AUG 2002 The Nigerian Accident Investigation and Prevention Bureau concluded that the May 2002 Sky Executive Aviation Services Let 410 was caused by premature descent of the airplane. Just prior to that the pilot reported electrical problems. Also many maintenance shortcomings were discovered on the recently imported plane. (ASN) accident description

29 AUG 2002 The NTSB has determined that inadequate fuel supply caused the crash of a BAe Jetstream 31 in Bear Creek Township, PA in May 2000. The plane crashed while on approach to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, killing all 19 persons aboard. (NTSB) NTSB/AAB-02/05

29 AUG 2002 A Buffalo Airlines DC-4 struck approach lights of the Diavik diamond mine air-strip in Canada, causing the plane to crash-land on the runway. Reportedly a wing separated on impact. One of the two crew members sustained minor injuries. (Edmonton Sun)

28 AUG 2002 After landing on Phoenix, AZ runway 8 an America West Airbus A.320 (N635AW) was unable to maintain directional control. The aircraft, flight 794 from Houston, exited the runway into dirt, causing the nose gear to collapse. No serious injuries among 5 crew and 150 passengers. (FAA)

27 AUG 2002 The Peruvian government suspended the AOC of LAN Peru for 90 days and fined the airline USD 250,000. The airline is said to have operated an airplane that had cracks in its fuselage. (ASN)

13 AUG 2002 Sri Lankan Airbus A340-311 (4R-ALA) aborted takeoff and wheels caught fire. Flight UL546 from Male to Colombo. (IASA/ASN)

26 AUG 2002 The German BFU released another update on their investigation into the July 1 Tu-154/B757 collision near Überlingen. The report gives a clearer description of the probable collision/impact sequence. (BFU) Status Report AX001-1-2/02 (PDF, 2714 KB)

16 AUG 2002 Antonov 12 4R-AIA, charted by Air Lanka, landed with it's nosegear retracted at Karachi, Pakistan at 14.36 UTC. (ASN)

16 AUG 2002 A Saudi Arabian Airlines Boeing 777, on flight 635 from Riyadh to Amman, made an emergency landing at Qassim, in an attempt to save the life of an ailing passenger who was travelling to Jordan for medical treatment. The passenger died before the plane landed. (ArabNews)

16 AUG 2002 A China Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 ran off the runway in Lijiang Airport. Flight 4451 was originated in Kunming. The incident delayed most of the scheduled flights. (Xinhua News)

15 AUG 2002 An Air Canada Jazz Dash-8 make an emergency landing in Labrador, when flying from Deer Lake. The aircraft reported hydraulics lost. No one was injured. (CNews)

30 JUL 2002 An Air Canada Jazz BAe-146 made a precautionary landing in Sydney, Nova Scotia, after the pilot smelled smoke in the cabin. The flight 184 originated at Halifax was bound to Saint John's, Newfoundland with 61 passengers and 5 crew, touched down without incident. (Cape Breton Post)

29 JUL 2002 Reports on a KrasAir Tu-134A that landed with engine problem wasn't confirmed by the company, which prepared a press release reporting that the aircraft mentioned is not a part of KrasAir's fleet. However, this non-identified aircraft landed at Norilsk, while flying from Novosibirsk to Norilsk. KrasAir told they not fly that route. (RosBusiness, KrasAir) KrasAir

27 JUL 2002 More than 85 people died and 110 injured when a ukranian Sukhoi Su-27 crashed into a crowd of spectators, in Skniliv-Lviv air show. The Su-27 was performing low-altitude maneuvers when it banked left, touching trees and another aircraft parked. (BBC, Avia.ru)

26 JUL 2002 Two of the three pilots involved in a Singapore Airlines Boeing 747 crash at Taipei Oct. 2000 have been fired. (AP)

26 JUL 2002 An United Airlines Airbus A320 returned to airport after reported smoke in cabin. The flight scheduled from Los Angeles to Washington was carrying 128 passengers. The aircraft landed with no major problem and the entire pax were evacuated (AFX)

26 JUL 2002 A FedEx Boeing 727 freighter crashlanded half a mile short of the runway at Tallahassee, FL. All three crew members escaped unhurt. The aircraft caught fire and burned out. (ASN)

25 JUL 2002 According to the Italian air safety agency the pilot of a Citation, perhaps due to fog or confusing signs on the runway, misinterpreted instructions from the control tower and taxied his aircraft onto the active runway, causing it to collide with a SAS MD-87 taking off, October 2001 in Milan. But control tower operators failed to follow correct procedures for the low-visibility conditions. (AP)

23 JUL 2002 The NTSB issued five safety recommendations to the FAA regarding ATC separation of military and civilian air traffic following a collision between a Cessna 172 and an F-16 fighter Nov. 16, 2000 and the near midair collision between an F-117 and a Boeing 757 near Los Angeles on Sept.7, 2000. (NTSB) safety recommendations (PDF)

20 JUL 2002 APLA (Argentine Airlines' Pilots Association) reported that two Argentine aircraft were on a collision course. An Austral Boeing 737 flying from Buenos Aires to Chapelco encountered an Aerolineas Argentinas B737 flying from Bariloche to Buenos Aires. Both aircraft were warned by their TCAS and performed evasive actions. The Argentine Air Force announced they will analyze both FDRs in order to establish what happened. (ASN)

20 JUL 2002 A Hawkins & Powers Aviation Consolidated PB4Y-2 Super Privateer fire tanker crashed near Rocky Mountain National Park, where was working to control a 1200 acre wildfire burning. (ASN)

19 JUL 2002 An Avianca Boeing 767 (Flight 011, Bogota-Madrid) made an emergency landing at Torrejon Air Base after a passenger brandished a knife, but officials denied the incident was a hijacking attempt. (AP)

19 JUL 2002 A LAN Express Boeing 737-200 (Flight 202, Concepcion-Santiago) suffered number one engine birdstrike on takeoff. An engine fire occurred, but was quickly contained. No injuries among 6 crew and 96 passengers. (ASN)

16 JUL 2002 The Bahrain Department of Civil Aviation Affairs report into the August 2000 Gulf Air A.320 crash said the accident was a result of a fatal combination of factors, including the captain's failure to comply with the "standard operating procedure" and the copilot's failure to draw the captain's attention to the deviations of the aircraft from the standard flight parameters. (AP)

16 JUL 2002 A Britten Norman BN-2B Islander operated by Sabang Merauke Raya Air Charter (PK-TAR) crashed near Long Barai, Indonesia, killing both crew members and all seven passengers. The aircraft was on a flight from Tarakan to Kalimantan. One passenger survived and was able to reach a village July 22. (Kompas)

15 JUL 2002 The FAA announced that the Argentine Republic does not comply with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and
has been given a Category 2 rating following a reassessment of the country’s civil aviation authority. The Argentine Republic was previously rated Category 1. (FAA) press release

13 JUL 2002 According to the Japanese investigation report, the near-miss incident between two Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger planes in January 2001 was caused by the air traffic controller giving the wrong flight numbers when asking the pilots to change course and the pilots' decision to follow air traffic control instead of their TCAS. Such a decision also seems to have played an important roll in the collision over Germany, July 1. (ARIAC)

11 JUL 2002 The UK Airprox Board published statistics for all of 2001 together with findings on Airprox incidents filed between July to December 2001. During 2001, 195 Airprox were filed for assessment – the lowest annual total since 1990. A breakdown of the 82 airliner near midair collisions shows that 14 were Risk B (safety compromised), 64 were Risk C (no collision risk) and four were Risk D (insufficient information available on which to assess the risk). (UK Airprox Board) press release

11 JUL 2002 The U.K. AAIB issued two safety recommendations following the investigation of a June 2001 Airbus A.320 cabin depressurisation event. Recommendations were made regarding the advantages of using the 'Pre-Recorded Announcement' (PRA) facility when it is provided as a manufacturers' option and the review of JAR-OPS 1.285 with regards to passenger safety briefing cards. (AAIB) AAIB Bulletin No: 7/2002

10 JUL 2002 The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation that will allow for all trained and qualified pilots to carry firearms to combat terrorist attacks aboard commercial aircraft. (U.S. House Committee on Transportation) press release

10 JUL 2002 Swiss Air Lines flight LX850 (Basel-Hamburg) was forced to divert to Werneuchen, Germany because of severe thunderstorms. On landing, the Saab overran the runway sustaining severe damage to the propellers and undercarriage. No injuries among 4 crew and 16 passengers. (ASN)

10 JUL 2002 A Dover AFB-bound Polar Air Cargo Boeing 747-100 suffered an electrical failure after takeoff from Ramstein AFB, Germany. A safe emergency landing was carried out at Ramstein one hour after takeoff, escorted by two F-16 fighters. (AP)

09 JUL 2002 The NTSB issued 2 safety recommendations to the FAA during the investigation into the November 2000 AirTran DC-9-32 in-flight fire incident. The recommendations include a visually inspection the electrical connectors at FS237 for evidence of lavatory rinse fluid contamination and for the presence of a drip shield above the disconnect panel. (NTSB)

08 JUL 2002 Evaluation of the cockpit voice recorders of both aircraft that collided over Germany July 1, revealed that the Russian crew were given conflicting instructions. Their TCAS requested "climb, climb" but one second later ATC-Zrich instructed: "descend flight level 350, expedite, I have crossing traffic" . Both aircraft descended and collided. (BFU)

05 JUL 2002 The pilot of El Al flight 615 from Tel Aviv to Moscow reported seeing a ground-to-air missile pass close to his Boeing 757 plane while flying over eastern Ukraine, July 5. Three Russian pilots confirmed they had seen a sizable flash in the same area. The pilot of a Ukrainian plane also reported seeing a flash in the sky at the time. (Ha`aretz)

05 JUL 2002 The FAA has proposed a $50,000 civil penalty against Air Midwest for allowing one of its pilots to serve as a required crewmember after he failed three aspects of a proficiency check; for failing to recheck the pilot on two of those
proficiency aspects; and for failing to maintain current records of that pilot's training status. (FAA) press release

04 JUL 2002 Swiss prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into the collision of two airliners. Swiss prosecutors said their investigation was opened amid suspicions of negligent homicide. The aim is to establish whether any actions by Swiss air traffic control could prompt criminal charges. (AP)

03 JUL 2002 Investigators of the May 7 China Northern Airlines crash in Dalian Bay are focusing on the possibility that the crash was caused by an incendiary device set off by one of the passengers. A passenger who was seated in the area
where the fire started, reportedly had taken out between five and seven life insurance policies. (AFX-Asia)

03 JUL 2002 If two America West pilots accused of trying to fly while drunk from Miami are found guilty, they'll join a small group of airline employees caught breaking the rules forbidding alcohol abuse, the Federal Aviation Administration says. In 2000, nine of 10,419 airline employees randomly screened for alcohol tested positive. (AP)

02 JUL 2002 An American Airlines 767-323ER (N376AN) on flight 900 from Buenos Aires (EZE) to New York (NYC), declare emergency and landed in Paraguay's Silvio Petirossi Airport (ASU). The left engine caught fire soon after landing. All the 120 passengers were evacuated and transfered to another flight with no injured. (ABC Color, TN)

01 JUL 2002 The Federal Aviation Administration assessed a USD110,000 civil penalty against Malaysian Airlines for violating hazardous materials regulations. The FAA alleged that on July 5, 2001, Malaysia improperly offered a passenger service unit with an attached and undeclared chemical oxygen generator for transportation by air. (FAA) press release

29 JUN 2002 A Boeing Co. supplier is mostly to blame for the crash of a USAir Boeing 737 that crashed near Pittsburgh in 1994, killing 132 people, a jury decided. The verdict means Parker Hannifin Corp. which made a valve in the plane's rudder, must reimburse the airline for most of the money paid to settle lawsuits brought by the families of those killed in the 1994 crash.
(AP)

28 JUN 2002 The German BFU released an accident brief regarding an incident involving a Lufthansa Canadair RegionalJet on October 1, 2000. The aileron jammed due to icing while climbing through FL260. The ice broke free while the pilots where trouble shooting. The aircraft had departed from a wet runway. (BFU) Untersuchungsbericht 5X008-0/00

28 JUN 2002 Prosecutors said they will seek to charge 11 people, most of them air traffic controllers, with manslaughter and other charges in the Milan runway collision of a SAS MD-87 and an executive jet that killed 118 people. (AP)

26 JUN 2002 The NTSB determined that the probable cause of a Southwest Airlines B737 accident (on March 5, 2000) was the flight crew's excessive airspeed and flight path angle during the approach and landing at Burbank. The Board also attributed the cause of the accident to the crew's failure to abort the approach when stabilized approach criteria were not met. (NTSB ) press release

25 JUN 2002 EasyJet flight 868 (GLA-AMS - Boeing 737-300, G-EZYB) diverted to Newcastle after a member of crew reported evidence of smoke emanating from a waste-bin in the rear galley area. An initial investigation has shown no evidence of any burning or fire in the isolated area. Dry ice bags have been found in the metal waste-bin container, which may prove to be the cause of the 'smoke'. (easyJet) news release

23 JUN 2002 Initial analysis of the CVR from the China Airlines B747 crash has yielded no clues, but has shown several unusual sounds. Shortly before the crash, the black box recorded a noise that sounded like "ka ta, ka ta, ka ta," and the last noise was a sharp "thud" before the power went off, he said. (AP)

22 JUN 2002 Two Dutch air traffic controllers appealed to a higher court after receiving fines following a runway incursion incident at Amsterdam-Schiphol Airport in 1998. Also, the public prosecutor appealed because another controller was acquitted of a charge by the district court. (Parool)

19 JUN 2002 The second black box, the flight data recorder from a China Airlines Boeing 747-200 that crashed last month has been recovered, Taiwan aviation safety authorities said. (AFX-Asia)

19 JUN 2002 The FAA has proposed to assess a $59,000 civil penalty against Mesaba Aviation, for allegedly violating Federal Aviation Regulations. The FAA alleges Mesaba operated a Saab 340 for 24 flights without performing a required inspection of the cargo compartment fire extinguisher circuit. (FAA) press release

19 JUN 2002 Boeing unveiled a new Web site featuring extensive information about aviation safety. The site contains information about a.o. aviation's safety record, jetliner safety features, things passengers should do to ensure their own
safety and governments' role in keeping the system safe. (Boeing) Boeing Jetliner Safety site

18 JUN 2002 Search teams recovered the cockpit voice recorder from the China Airlines Boeing 747 that broke up over the Taiwan Strait May 25. (AP)

18 JUN 2002 Pilots working for some low-cost airlines are disobeying air traffic control instructions because they are under extreme pressure to meet tight schedules, according to a British confidential safety report, The Times reports. They allegedly try to save time by approaching airports too fast and are sometimes forced to abandon a landing because they come too close to the aircraft in front. (The Times)

18 JUN 2002 Australians overwhelmingly support an increase in safety standards for charter aircraft flights, according to a new national survey. The survey found 92 per cent of people agree with lifting the safety of charter aircraft flights - even if better safety means slightly higher prices. (CASA) Media release

18 JUN 2002 All five remaining C-130A aircraft under contract to the U.S. National Interagency Fire Center were grounded following the accident involving a Hawkins & Powers C-130A June 17 near Walker, CA. (AP)

17 JUN 2002 The U.S. Department of Transportation announced that foreign airlines must install new flight deck doors on aircraft serving the United States by April 9, 2003. Foreign airlines must also install temporary locking devices within 60 days of publication of the rule in the Federal Register. (FAA) press release

16 JUN 2002 Lawyes for Gulf Air Flight 072 crash victims' families will file litigation next month in France against the airline and the aircraft manufacturer. he case is being brought against both Gulf Air and Airbus Industrie, alleging pilot error and that there were design flaws in the tail section of the Airbus A320. (Gulf Daily News)

14 JUN 2002 The NTSB recommended to the FAA to revise FAR 135 to require certain on-demand charter operators to establish an FAA-approved crew resource management training program for their flight crews. This recommendation was made following the investigaation into the March 2001 crash of an AVjet Gulfstream III near Aspen, CO. (NTSB) safety recommendation A-02-12 (PDF)

14 JUN 2002 The FAA announced that it is seeking $536,000 in civil penalties from American Airlines for multiple alleged cargo security violations uncovered in October 2000. (FAA) press release

14 JUN 2002 Charges of manslaughter due to negligence against two crew members of Flight SQ 006 which crash at Taipei in 2000, were conditionally suspended for 3 years. The charges would be lifted if they complied with certain conditions during the 3-year probation period and did not commit any crime in Taiwan. The conditions include that the two pilots are banned from operating any aircraft which enters or leaves Taiwan and that they perform community service for 240 hours in Singapore. (AFX-Asia)

13 JUN 2002 Transport Canada will proceed with a new Aircraft Emergency Intervention Services (AEIS) regulation that will apply to medium-sized airports across Canada. When combined with existing rules for Canada's large airports, this regulation extends Canada's emergency response coverage to 96% of the travelling public. (Transport Canada) news release

13 JUN 2002 Spirit Airlines Flight 945 (Atlantic City-Fort Myers) returned to Atlantic City when the right engine failed while climbing through FL220. The passengers were evacuated on the runway causing six injuries among the 6 crew and 75 pax. (Press of Atlantic City, FAA)

13 JUN 2002 Air France flight 185 returned to Hong Kong following an engine failure after takeoff. The Boeing 777, carrying 274 passengers and crew, landed safely. (Reuters)

12 JUN 2002 A USAF Lockheed MC-130 transport plane crashed on takeoff with 10 people onboard in Afghanistan. (US Pentagon)

11 JUN 2002 A Sudan Airways Fokker F-27 on a training (touch and goes) flight when it landed back on the runway and overran, coming to rest near the glide slope antenna. The right wing and engine were damaged. (Waleed Elgundi)

09 JUN 2002 Two men attempted to hijack an Ethiopian Airlines Fokker 50 plane on a domestic flight between Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa. The men, who were armed with knives, were killed by undercover security guards moments after announcing they were taking control of the plane. (UN Integrated Regional Information Networks)

07 JUN 2002 The FAA issued Airworthiness Directive AD 2002-11-11 applicable to certain Boeing Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This action requires an inspection for indications of overheating of the heater tape attached to the potable water fill and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo compartments, exposed foam insulation or missing or damaged protective tape around the potable water fill and drain lines, and debris or contaminants on or near the potable water fill and drain lines. The AD follows the 13 MAY 2002 Air Canada B767 cargo bay fire.

04 JUN 2002 The NTSB issues their 8th update on their investigation into the November accident of American Airlines Flight 587. A review of 349 accounts of eyewitnesses reveals many conflicting accounts. For instance 52% of the eyewitnesses specifically reported seeing a fire while the plane was in the air, while 20% specifically reported seeing no fire at all. (NTSB) press release

03 JUN 2002 Northwest Airlines DC-9-31 N8986E suffered a right main gear collapsed on landing at Minneapolis, MN. The aircraft skidded to a stop mid-field; no injuries among 4 crew and 66 pax. Flight 877 Lousiville-Minneapolis. (FAA, Star Tribune)

03 JUN 2002 Australians are increasingly confident about the safety of air travel, a new national CASA survey has found. 75% of people surveyed state they are highly confident about the safety of major airline flights; a 5% rise in confidence compared to 18 months ago. At the same time 21% of people believe the safety of the major airlines has actually improved over the last 12 months. (CASA) Media release

31 MAY 2002 The Taiwanese transport minister said he would become chairman of the state-controlled China Aviation Development Foundation, which owns 71 percent of China Airlines, after the foundation's board resigned en masse in the wake of the airline's fourth fatal crash since 1994. (Reuters)

28 MAY 2002 The TSB of Canada released its report on the investigation of the 18 June 1998 crash involving a Propair Metro II at Montreal-Mirabel. A.o. a recommendation was made dealing with the need for a brake system pressure warning indicator on SA226 and SA227 aircraft because the dragging of brakes caused overheating, leakage of hydraulic fluid and fire in the wheel well. (TSB) Report Number A98Q0087

27 MAY 2002 Thinking one of the engines was on fire, the co-pilot of a Binter Méditerraneo CN-235 switched off both of the aircraft's two engines, causing the plane to crash short of the Malaga runway August 29, 2001. The transcription was made public by a lawyer for six of the passengers crash who have filed a lawsuit against the airline. (El Mundo) accident description

26 MAY 2002 The Canadian Transportation Safety Board is investigating a May 13 incident in which an Air Canada Boeing 767 suffered a cargo bay fire on approach to Toronto. (CCN) Incident description

24 MAY 2002 US NTSB Chairman Marion Blakey warned yesterday that the board's "party system" is in danger of self-destructing in the face of increasing politicization of the process and called on all involved "to step up to a higher level." (ATWOnline)

22 MAY 2002 A legal action against the Nigerian Federal Government is in the offing as Airline Operators of Nigeria(AON) begins moves to seek redress over the 22-year age limit placed on all commercial aircraft designated for domestic operations and the suspension of all BAC 1-11 aircraft type following the May 4 accident in Kano. (This Day)

21 MAY 2002 The U.S. federal government said that pilots will not be allowed to have guns in the cockpits of commercial airplanes. The announcement was made at a Senate Commerce Committee hearing by John Magaw, undersecretary for transportation security. It followed months of debate over whether arming pilots would be a deterrent to hijackers. (AP)

21 MAY 2002 Airbus has gained certification from the Joint Aviation Authority (JAA) for its new cockpit doors that meet all recently introduced and pre-existing safety and security regulations. The first conversion kits will be available for in-service aircraft from the end of May, while all aircraft from the production line will have the doors fitted as standard from August. Conversion kits are offered to customers at a reduced price: US$ 23,000 for the single-aisle kits, and US$ 29,000 for widebodies. (Airbus) press release

21 MAY 2002 A Mexican DC-3 (XB-JBR) deloped engine problems just taken off from Laredo International Airport. The pilot ditched the plane into Lake Casa Blanca; all 3 on board were rescued. (KSAT)

20 MAY 2002 Testifying before Senate Committee on Aviation in Kano, the principal officer in charge of the airport control tower, said the BAC 1-11 which crashed May 4, used the full length of the runway (2600m) for takeoff, climbed to about 300-400 feet and crashed. (This Day)

18 MAY 2002 Chinese salvage workers found the flight data recorder, from the China Northern Airlines MD-82 plane, which crashed on May 7. The cockpit voice recorder was recovered from the sea on May 14. (Xinhua)

16 MAY 2002 The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) is very concerned with the trend to prosecute pilots following an aircraft accident or serious incident. (IFALPA) press statement (PDF)

16 MAY 2002 Families who lost relatives in a 1997 Silkair Boeing 737 plane crash lost their final appeal in a lawsuit against the Silkair and have been ordered to pay its legal fees. The Chief Justice dismissed the appeal on the grounds that the technical evidence "did not conclusively reveal the cause of the crash". (AP)

15 MAY 2002 China has vowed to punish anyone found responsible for the crash of a China Northern Airlines plane which killed all 112 people on board. (AFX)

15 MAY 2002 Barely one week after the Nigeria government banned the use of BAC 1-11 aircraft, following a crash in Kano, the government has further banned airline operators who possess only one commercial aircraft in their fleet from operations in Nigeria. The Ministry of Aviation also streamlined the number of Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs) servicing air operators in Nigeria to 20. (Daily Trust)

14 MAY 2002 Fire destroyed a Grand Island-Central Nebraska Regional Airport hangar and two Great Lakes Aviation Beech 1900D airplanes inside worth $8 million. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. (AP)

14 MAY 2002 A Japan Airlines (JAL) captain was indicted for an alleged error in piloting an MD-11 aircraft that encountered turbulence over central Japan in June 1997, resulting in the death of a cabin crew member 20 months later, prosecutors said. While manoevering the aircraft exceeded its speed limit. (Kyodo)

13 MAY 2002 Australia's aircraft operators are being told they must comply with air safety rules that require infants to be properly restrained during critical phases of flight. (CASA) media release

09 MAY 2002 The U.K. AAIB issued 4 safety recommendations to the CAA and Centro Tecnico Aeroespacial (CTA) of Brazil regarding faulty DFDRs on Embraer 145 aircraft. The AAIB found several occasions where the resolution in recording of several parameters is variable and inadequately low. (AAIB) safety recommendations

29 APR 2002 An emergency meeting of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) is billed to hold
early this week, this consequent upon reports that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has finally endorsed the 22 years age limit for aircraft used by operators
in Nigeria. (allAfrica.com)

28 APR 2002 A UPS Boeing 747-212F cargo plane (N521UP) made an emergency landing at the Hong Kong airport around 15.00h, after smoke was found belching from the cabin of the aircraft. Fire fighters responded; the four crew members survived. (Xinhua)

26 APR 2002 The wrong grease didn't cause Alaska Airlines Flight 261 to crash, but a lack of grease probably was a key factor, federal safety investigators have concluded according to the Seattle Times. (Seattle Times)

26 APR 2002 An official report by Taiwan investigators has concluded that the flight crew lost situational awareness and commenced takeoff from the wrong runway. The moderate time pressure to take off before the inbound typhoon, and the condition of taking off in a strong crosswind, low visibility, slippery runway subtly influenced the flight crew's decision-making ability and the ability to maintain situational awareness. A total of 60 safety recommendations were issued. (Aviation Safety Council) final report

26 APR 2002 A Hewa Bora Airways Boeing 707-300 reportedly crashed while on approach to Kinshasa-NDjili Airport in stormy weather. No fatalities reported. (ASN)

23 APR 2002 United Airlines has begun training its pilots to use stun guns for self-defense in the cockpit, becoming the first U.S. airline to take that step in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. (CNN)

23 APR 2002 The FAA has proposed to assess a $764,250 civil penalty against Boeing. The proposed penalty is for violating FAA regulations, particularly for failures to maintain Boeing’s quality control system in accordance with the data and procedures approved in its production certificate. (FAA) press release

19 APR 2002 Relatives of those who died Sept. 11 aboard hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 heard cockpit voice recorder tapes from the final minutes of the doomed plane. Planesimulation has aquired the the cockpit recordings of flight 93 before contact was lost.(AP) (Actual recording young or sensitive listeners may not want to listen.) united93.wav

18 APR 2002 A private Rockwell 112TC (HB-NCX) crashed into the 32 storey Pirelli Building in Milano, Italy. Five people reported killed. (ANSA)

17 APR 2002 American Trans Air flight 208, a Boeing 757, flew through a thunderstorm and hit severe turbulence while en route Guadalajara-Chicago at FL370. The crew diverted to St.Louis because approx. 10 passengers out of all 128 occupants had been injured. (FAA)

16 APR 2002 The NTSB issued two safety recommendations asking the FAA to require operators of Airbus A.319, A.320, and A.321 airplanes to set and cross-check the trim using center of gravity trim values only and to require them to ensure that the ECAM and ACARS load data sheet are configured so that they display THS trim unit information in a manner consistent with the display on the degree scale of trim wheel indicator. (NTSB ) safety recommendations A-02-06/7 (PDF)

16 APR 2002 In light of the March 29, 2001 Gulfstream III accident near Aspen, CO, the NTSB issued a safety recommendation asking the FAA to revise any restrictions and prohibitions that currently reference or address "night" or "nighttime" flight operations in mountainous terrain so that those restrictions and prohibitions account for the entire period of insufficient ambient light conditions, and ensure that it is clear to flight crews when such restrictions and prohibitions apply. (NTSB) Safety recommendation A-02-08 (PDF)

12 APR 2002 The NTSB will conduct a public hearing May 9th, as part of its ongoing investigation into the crash of an Emery Worldwide Airlines DC-8 cargo aircraft near Rancho Cordova, California, on February 16, 2000. (NTSB) press release

12 APR 2002 The NTSB issued the 7th update on their investigation into the November American Airlines A.300 crash. Destructive testing on the composite vertical stabilizer and rudder has begun and will take at least 4-5 months to complete. Also, the NTSB has identified other Airbus upset event. In addition, the FAA and Airbus identified seven Airbus A300-600 and A310 aircraft whose vertical stabilizers needed to be ultrasonically inspected because of possible high lateral loads experienced by those aircraft. (NTSB) NTSB Advisory

12 APR 2002 The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive warning Boeing 737-600 and -700 Series airplane crews not to use speedbrakes at speeds in excess of 300 knots. The action is taken following an incident where speedbrake deployment at 315 KIAS led to a high frequency vibration of the elevator and elevator tab assembly. (FAA) AD

11 APR 2002 The head of the NTSB said there is no reason to ground the Airbus A.300-600, one of which crashed in New York last year. Marion Blakey said she disagreed with a group of eight American Airlines pilots who wrote her last month urging that the government consider grounding the plane. (AP)

10 APR 2002 Transport Canada announced the finalization of new regulations to reinforce cockpit doors on Canadian registered aircraft to provide further protection to flight crews and Canadian air travellers. The new regulations are designed to prevent forcible intrusions into flight crew compartments. In the December 2001 Budget, $35 million was allocated to assist Canadian operators with these aircraft modifications. (Transport Canada) news release

10 APR 2002 Three and a half years after launching a program to more effectively inspect airlines for potential safety problems, the Federal Aviation Administration still lacks the people, training and management focus to carry out the job, according to a report by the Office of Inspector General. (DoT, Office of Inspector General) Report on the Air Transportation Oversight System

10 APR 2002 A parked American Airlines Boeing 767 waiting for maintenance began rolling and smashed through an airport fence, coming to a stop with its nose blocking a side street (World Way West) at Los Angeles Airport. (AP)

09 APR 2002 The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive requiring the immediate deactivation of both thrust reversers on all Airbus A.300B2 and B4 series airplanes equipped with General Electric CF6-50 engines. The action follows a February 16, 2002 uncommanded thrust reverser deployment on the number 1 engine of a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 airplane equipped with CF6-50 engines. A specfic DC-10 AD is being prepared by the FAA. (FAA) AD

06 APR 2002 A suspected Islamic militant planned to hijack a plane and crash it into Singapore's Changi Airport, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said. In January, five members of a group linked to the al-Qaeda network, escaped from Singapore and fled to Thailand. One of them had allegedly planned to hijack a plane from Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand and crash it into Changi Airport. (AFX News)

04 APR 2002 The FAA acted upon NTSB safety recommendation A-02-05 (dated March 29) by issuing an airworthiness directive to prevent ingestion of deicing fluid into the auxiliary power unit (APU) of Fokker F-28, 70 and 100. (FAA) AD

04 APR 2002 An American Airlines MD-80, enroute from Dallas/Fort-Worth (DFW) to Oakland (OAK) on flight 717, made an emergency landing after reported smoke haze and heat radiating from back of the plane. (Amarillo Globe News) news story

31 MAR 2002 Delta Air Lines MD-11 N809DE en route Atlanta - London diverted to Charlotte, NC because of a nr. 2 engine fire warning. The aircraft landed safely on runway 18R was evacuated with slides on the runway, resulting in 3 serious and 6 minor injuries. (FAA)

29 MAR 2002 The union representing American Airlines pilots says there is not enough evidence to ground Airbus A.300-600 planes. The Allied Pilots Association said it was concerned about the November accident, but disagreed with eight American pilots who asked the federal government to consider grounding the Airbus A300-600. (APA) press release

29 MAR 2002 The NTSB recommends that the FAA: Immediately issue an airworthiness directive for the Fokker 100 and F-28-4000 airplanes that prohibits auxiliary power unit operation during deicing operations. The recommendation is a.o. a reaction to a March 2, 2002 uncontained rupture of an APU turbine wheel on an American Airlines F100 at Dallas, TX. (NTSB) safety recommendation A-02-05 (PDF)

28 MAR 2002 The only Boeing 307 Stratoliner still in existence (N19903) ditched into Elliott Bay, Seattle, WA. The aircraft reportedly suffered engine problems shortly after takeoff from Boeing Field. All 4 occupants were rescued. (AP)

28 MAR 2002 Canadaian Transport Minister Collenette announced the creation of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The new authority will immediately assume full responsibility for all screening equipment at airports, including explosives detection systems, and for contracting with the RCMP for armed officers on board aircraft. (Transport Canada) news release

22 MAR 2002 The FAA issued an airwortiness directive requiring certain inspections of Airbus A.300 and A.310 planes (including the vertical stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer, pylons, wing, and fuselage areas) following an in-flight incident resulting in extreme lateral loading. This action is necessary to detect and correct reduced structural integrity of the airplane following any future event. (FAA) AD

21 MAR 2002 The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the crash of EgyptAir flight 990 was the airplane's departure from normal cruise flight and subsequent impact with the Atlantic Ocean as a result of the relief first officer's flight control inputs. The reason for the relief first officer's actions was not determined. (NTSB) accident report

21 MAR 2002 The FAA issued an emergency airworthiness directive regarding an unsafe condition that may exist on Airbus A.319, A.320, A.321, A.330, and A.340 series airplanes, equipped with certain Thales Avionics Digital Distance and Radio Magnetic Indicators (DDRMI). Failure of the DDRMI, if not corrected, could cause the loss of data from the affected computers to other systems and degradation or total failure of the computers, leading to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse conditions. (FAA) AD

21 MAR 2002 The FAA has launched an initiative to more closely monitor maintenance and operations of aircraft it certifies as a way to improve safety. The initiative was a response to a study ordered by aviation regulators after the crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 in January 2000 that concluded the FAA, the industry and safety interests should work more closely to share data and boost oversight. (Reuters)

21 MAR 2002 Hours after the NTSB blamed an Egyptian co-pilot for the downing of an EgyptAir Boeing 767 in 1999, the airline and a relative of the man rejected the report,
saying that U.S. investigators were biased from the start of the probe. (AP)

19 MAR 2002 The Transportation Safety Board of Canada released its report on the investigation of the crash of a Régionnair Beech 1900D on 12 August 1999. In its investigation, the TSB found that some of the company's standard operating procedures were not followed; the aircraft was allowed to descend well below the published minimum descent altitude; no visual contact with the ground was established; and a user-defined GPS approach was used contrary to regulations and safe practices. (TSB) Aviation Investigation Report A99Q0151

17 MAR 2002 Iranian investigators who probed the Iran Air Tours Tupolev 154 crash have "unanimously agreed that pilot error was the cause of the crash," a civil aviation spokesman told state-run television. (AP)

14 MAR 2002 A Cuban Aerotaxi's Antonov An-2 (CUT-1020) crashed near Guaracabuya, Cuba. The charter flight was scheduled from Cienfuegos to Jardines del Rey. 16 passengers were onboard. All them were identified as citizens from Canada, United Kingdom, Cuba and Germany. No survivors were found. (Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC))

14 MAR 2002 The NTSB's final report on the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 says the co-pilot was responsible, government sources said. The report is expected to be released soon. The NTSB report is silent on whether he deliberately crashed the plane, the sources said. (AP)

14 MAR 2002 The FAA has proposed to assess a $1 million civil penalty against American Eagle Airlines for operating nine Saab 340 aircraft on 514 flights between May 1 and August 24, 1998 when they were not in compliance with the company's oil consumption monitoring program. (FAA ) press release

13 MAR 2002 The FAA has proposed to assess a $170,000 civil penalty against American Airlines for violations of maintenance procedures involved in an MD-80's fuel indicating system in July 2000. (FAA) press release

11 MAR 2002 NTSB investigators report that an indication of damage (possibly delamination) has been found at the pin bushing of the right rear lug of an of the vertical stabilizer of an American Airlines Airbus A300-600 that experienced an upset event in 1997. The FAA now plans to order new inspections of Airbus A300-600 tails. (NTSB, AP) press release

08 MAR 2002 A U.S. Federal grant jury returned indictments charging 66 people working at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport stemming from alleged violations of law relating to information they provided to employers and airport authorities when they applied for and received security badges allowing them to work at the airport. (U.S. Office of Inspector General) Press Release

07 MAR 2002 An American Airlines ERJ-145, flight AA5787 bound for St.Louis (KSTL) made an emergency landing at Lincoln, Nebraska (KLNK) after a high-pressure hose exploded in the cargo area and set off fire alarms, forcing pilots to return Lincoln, after 10 minuted of departure. No one of the 50 passengers onboard were injured. (Lincoln Journal Star) Lincoln Journal Star

05 MAR 2002 United Flight 275 (ORL-SFO), a Boeing 757, diverted to Texarkana, AR following a small fire in the cockpit. None of the 106 people on board was injured. (AP)

04 MAR 2002 Failure of an engine forced an American Airlines Boeing 767 to return the airport shortly after taking off from Los Angeles, CA. American flight 76 was en route to Washington-Dulles Airport. (AP)

27 FEB 2002 The Canadian TSB released their investigation report regarding the 18 December 2000 Windsor Airport runway overrun involving Antonov Airlines Antonov 124 UR-82029. The aircraft touched down long and fast on a runway covered with a trace of loose snow. The pilot was supplied with incorrect braking action information using non-standard phraseology. (TSB) accident report

24 FEB 2002 An Iranian Il-76 made an emergency landing in Meshed, Khurasan after put down fire on board. Six people result injured. (ITAR-TASS)

20 FEB 2002 Armed rebels hijacked an Aires DHC-8 and forced its crew to land on a highway near Hobo, Colombia. The aircraft was traveling between Neiva and Bogota with 35 passengers including opposition Senator Jorge Eduardo Gechem on board. (Xinhua)

18 FEB 2002 Aerolineas Argentinas Flight AR1289, Boeing 737-236 LV-ZRE from Santiago to Buenos Aires suffered a crack in the fuselage near the cabin door, causing depressurization. The plane diverted to San Juan. (ASN)

16 FEB 2002 A TAM Fokker 100 operating flight 3523 suffered a wheel brake fire after landing at Rio de Janeiro-Galeão. The fire was controlled by the fire brigade and none of the 108 passengers was injured. (Terra)

15 FEB 2002 The Australian TSB released the report from their investigation of the January 30, 2001 incident involving an Emirates Boeing 777 serious engine failure on take-off from Melbourne. A fanblade had cracked and failed as a result of irregular blade seating.
(ATSB) report

15 FEB 2002 An air traffic controller is being investigated after two Qantas Boeing 747-400 planes (QF25 AKL-LAX and QF26 LAX-AKL) flew at each other head-on at FL330 over a remote part of the Pacific Ocean and came within a minute of a collision. A TCAS warning on both aircraft prevented a collision.
(New Zealand Herald )

13 FEB 2002 During an investigation by the Dutch Ministry of Transport, 39 parts were found that were bought from Panaviation, the Italian bogus part suspected company. The 39 parts were found at 9 companies; none of the 39 parts were critical with regards to safety. (ANP)

12 FEB 2002 The NTSB issues 2 safety recommendations regarding the need for immediate inspection and repair of certain Hamilton Sundstrand 568F propeller blades. The recommendations are a response to the January 12, 2002 incident involving an ACES Colombia ATR-42 (VP-BVE). A propeller blade separated shortly after takeoff from Cartagena. (NTSB) safety recommendation (PDF)

08 FEB 2002 The 6th report of the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) which covers airprox incidents filed between January to June 2001 was released. Between January and June 2001 there were 44 airprox involving airliners compared with 52 during the same period in 2000. No airliners were involved in any actual risk of collision incidents, compared with two cases during the same months in 2000. (CAA) Analysis of Airprox in UK Airspace (PDF)

08 FEB 2002 In the wake of the November 2001 American Airlines Airbus A.300 accident, the NTSB issued 2 safety recommendations regarding pilot training on the use of the rudder. Key aspect is the fact that potentially dangerous loads on the vertical stabilizer, even at speeds below the design maneuvering speed can occur . (NTSB) safety recommendations (PDF)

05 FEB 2002 The families of 9 National Guard members killed in a Shorts Sherpa plane crash last year sued aerospace companies Bombardier and Rockwell. Lawyers for the families claimed in the lawsuit that the autopilot and flight control systems on the Sherpa were defective and dangerous and the plane's weather radar system produced faulty information, possibly causing the crew to fly into bad weather. (Reuters) accident description

31 JAN 2002 The Ivory Coast Ministry of Transport said the January 2000 crash of a Kenya Airways Airbus A.310 was caused by a cockpit alarm falsely which indicated that the plane had stalled moments after take-off. The pilot failed to react properly. The plane's take-off toward the sea at night contributed to the accident. (Reuters) accident description

31 JAN 2002 A cab was flung 25m into the air at Rio de Janeiro-Santos Dumont Airport by the jetblast of a departing VASP Boeing 737. The driver, who is in coma, apparently missed the traffic lights. (Reuters)

30 JAN 2002 United Express Canadair RJ N671BR sustained minor damage at Charleston, SC when the right wing struck the runway on landing due to wake turbulence from a C-17 engine runup. (FAA)

29 JAN 2002 The FAA has proposed to impose a $100,000 civil penalty against Delta Air Lines, for allegedly violating regulations regarding its FAA-approved anti-drug program. In the proposal, FAA alleged that Delta failed to provide an employee access to his drug testing records in 1994 as required by the procedures for transportation workplace drug testing programs. (FAA) press release

28 JAN 2002 The FAA has proposed to assess a $900,000 civil penalty against American Eagle Airlines for allegedly violating hazardous materials regulations. FAA alleges that on one occasion in 2000, American Eagle Airlines improperly offered for transportation by air an oxygen generator. American Eagle accepted the shipment and transported it as cargo aboard a passenger flight. (FAA) press release

28 JAN 2002 A newly discovered and very detailed'surveillance video from a tollbooth may reveal new information about the crash of American Airlines Flight 587, according to a Time magazine. (AP)

16 JAN 2002 A Garuda Boeing 737-300 (PK-GWA) made an emergency landing on the Benjawang Solo River on the island of Java during a heavy rainstorm. The plane was operating Flight GA421 from Lombok to Yogyakarta, about 14 mls west of the crash site. Tthree out of the 54 passengers and crew were injured. (AP) accident description

15 JAN 2002 The NTBS issued an update of their investigation into the American Flt 587 accident. Some delamination of the vertical stabilizer has been noted, but it is not known whether this occurred before impact or as a result of impact. More extensive and intrusive tests of the stabilizer and rudder will be done at NASA Langley. The flight data recorder continues to be analyzed (NTSB) press release

14 JAN 2002 US airlines said they will start inspecting all checked baggage for explosives at the end of the week, as required by a new federal law. In some cases, bags may not be loaded unless a passenger also boards. In other cases, the bags will be sent through explosive detection machines, be searched by hand or bomb-sniffing dogs, or be checked by handheld wands that check for traces of explosives. (AP)

14 JAN 2002 Sibir Airlines Flight 852 from Frankfurt had to divert from Novosibirsk to Omsk due to bad weather. The Tupolev 204 (RA-64011) then overran the icy and snowy runway at Omsk by approx. 400m. (AP; Avia.ru)

14 JAN 2002 An Indonesian Lion Airlines Boeing 737-200 (PK-LID) crash landed immediately after taking off from Pekanbaru-Simpang Tiga Airport, injuring seven people. One of the engines is said to have broken off the wing after the impact; airline officials said the plane was only slightly damaged. (Jakarta Post) accident description

11 JAN 2002 The BEA issued their final report regarding the July 2000 Concorde crash, reaffirming previous conclusions that the crash was triggered by a blown tire. The findings of the BEA also noted a number of maintenance and operational problems at Air France, while stressing these were not related to the accident. (BEA) press release & final report

11 JAN 2002 The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has restated its ban on the use of mobile phones or any other communication gadget on board aircraft. In a statement NCAA said the ban was informed by the apparent and real danger which the use of such phones posed to air travellers. (AllAfrica.com)

11 JAN 2002 The FAA published new standards to protect cockpits from intrusion and small arms fire or fragmentation devices, such as grenades. The Aviation and Transportation Security Act authorizes the FAA to issue the final rule that requires operators of more than 6,000 US airplanes to install reinforced doors by April 9, 2003. (FAA) press release

09 JAN 2002 A Korean Air MD-11 cargo plane (HL7372) tipped on its tail at Sydney Airport, Australia forcing 10 crew members to be rescued by a cherrypicker. The plane had arrived from Seoul and a car was being unloaded when the incident happened. (Yahoo.com.au) photo at Airliners.net

07 JAN 2002 The NTSB released a safety study that examined the accident rates for aircraft used in certain government operations. The Board called for improvements in gathering data essential for the monitoring of public aircraft safety. (NTSB) press release

07 JAN 2002 A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 aircraft (Flight 1281 LGA-ATL) with 163 passengers on board made a precautionary landing at New York-JFK after the crew reported an electrical problem and fumes in the cockpit. (Reuters)

04 JAN 2002 The NTSB issued 5 safety recommendations to the FAA following 3 recent inflight fire incidents. Crewmembers should take immediate and aggressive action in response to signs of an in-flight fire and should be trained for that. (NTSB) Safety recommendations (PDF)

01 JAN 2002 The Aviation Safety Network recorded a lowest fatal airliner accident count since 1945: 34, claiming a total of 1118 lives aboard aircraft and over 2500 on the ground. (Seattle Times) article

26 DEC 2001 A Britten Norman Islander crashed into the Weser river, shortly after takeoff from Bremerhafen, Germany. Two survivors were rescued. Eight people were on board the aircraft, including the pilot. (Reuters)

22 DEC 2001 American Airlines Flight 63 (Paris-Miami, operated by a Boeing 767) diverted to Boston when a man tried to ignite explosives in his shoes. It appeared that the shoes contained detonation cord and some improvised explosives, C-4 in nature. (CNN)

21 DEC 2001 During the investigation of the IRS Aero Ilyushin 18 crash on November 19, 2001, serious violations of the regulations on aircraft maintenance and organization of flights have been uncovered, the Interstate Aviation Committee reports. (RosBusiness Consulting)

20 DEC 2001 The NTSB is looking at whether a wire brush left under the cockpit floor of a United Airlines Boeing 737-322 led to a rudder problem that caused the plane to suddenly bank while descending into Chicago on Dec. 13. (AP) NTSB description

18 DEC 2001 The American Flight 587 maintenance log shows that the Airbus' pitch trim control and the yaw damper would not engage during a pre-flight check the morning of the crash. The computer controlling those components was re-set by a mechanic, which resolved the problem. (NTSB) press release

15 DEC 2001 A Delta Airlines Boeing 727 (N2829W) returned to Salt Lake City for an emergency landing when the cargo heat fire alarm went off and smoke was noted in the cockpit. (FAA)

13 DEC 2001 In order to increase safety, research and information on aircraft bird strikes will now be shared throughout the UK’s aviation industry, due to a decision by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to resurrect the UK Bird Strike Committee. (CAA) press release

11 DEC 2001 Transport Canada outlined details concerning the wide-ranging air security initiatives contained in the December 2001 budget. The initiatives included the creation of a new Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, expansion of the program of armed police on aircraft and the enhancement of pre-board screening at Canadian airports. (Transport Canada) news release

06 DEC 2001 The FAA announced that the Republic of Korea complies with international safety standards set by the ICAO, giving the country a Category 1 rating following a reassessment of the country's civil aviation authority this month. South Korea previously did not comply with ICAO standards and was rated Category 2 in August. (FAA) press release

06 DEC 2001 A Trans-Air-Link Convair 580 cargo plane (N582HG) crash-landed in the shallow ocean just 100 yards away from Miami Beach. Both engines reportedly failed en route from Fort Lauderdale Airport to nearby Opa-locka Airport. (FAA; Reuters)

03 DEC 2001 TSB Canada released the investigation report regarding the 3 Dec. 1998 HS-748 overrun at Iqaluit on their website. The aircraft, 200 pounds over mtow had a far-forward CofG and could not be rotated. Takeoff was rejected past the V1 speed. (TSB) report

29 NOV 2001 The NTSB will send the vertical stabilizer and rudder of the American Airlines Airbus A.300 which crashed in New York Nov.12 to the Center of Excellence for Structures and Materials at NASA's Langley Research Center for further investigation. (NTSB) press release

29 NOV 2001 The NTSB removed an Alaska Airlines representative from the board's investigation into the fatal crash of Alaska Flight 261, saying he had "delayed and frustrated" the inquiry. The engineer was removed from a technical-review group looking into whether greases used by Alaska contributed to the accident. (Seattle Times)

20 NOV 2001 The NTSB issued additional information on the American Airlines A.300 crash Nov.12. It is estimated that the time from lift off to impact was 103 seconds. Some lateral movements as a result of wake turbulence measured 0.3 and 0.4G. (NTSB) press release

16 NOV 2001 The FAA is requiring U.S. operators of Airbus A.300-600 and A.310 aircraft to immediately perform visual inspections around the base of the tail and examine rudder parts within 15 days. (FAA) Emergency AD 2001-23-51

15 NOV 2001 United Airlines announced 2 major initiatives designed to further enhance security on board its aircraft. Advanced Taser weapon devices will be installed in every cockpit. Also a special security training program for all flight attendants will be intrudoced. (UAL) press release

15 NOV 2001 The FAA and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have made available a new tool that will provide advanced storm information to pilots. It provides pilots with a plotted map depicting the current location of convective hazards and where they will be an hour later. (FAA) NOAA tool

14 NOV 2001 The FAA announced that the Bahamas complies with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), giving the country a Category 1 rating following a reassessment of the country's civil aviation authority in October. The Bahamas previously did not comply with ICAO standards. (FAA) press release