Airline Industry Review » Incidents

Miscommunicated 767 Landing accident at Harare turns out to be a non-event

Miyuru — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 09:33:23 +0000

UPDATE: The Airport Authority is now confirming there wasn’t any accident. It is not clear why the CEO decided to create a false alarm.
He later stated that he deliberately misinformed the media stating a Boeing 767 aircraft from London had crashed on landing.

The events started with Harare Airport Authority CEO confirming to AFP and a number of international media that a Boeing 767 aircraft from London had crashed while attempting to land at Harare Airport. The event later turned out to be an annual preparedness exercise held by Medical Rescue International.
The company confirmed the following to BNO News Wire.
“No real aircraft was being used during the drill. It is to test all the agencies.”
“Today’s event simulated a large aircraft that ran off the end of the runway, crashed and burned”
“It simulated that there were 140 casualties”.

It is very unfortune to notice how the Airport Authority CEO had been unaware of the training exercise at the very airport he manages and created an unnecessary chaos.

The CEO was not immediately available for comment.
However later stated that he deliberately misinformed the media, to see how media would react.
” Telling the media was part of the exercise. We wanted to see how the media would react”
” I told you there’d been an accident to make it ( the training ) more realistic. It was generally an all-round success.”

Airports around the world regulary conduct safety exercises, however only after sending out relevant notifications and do not misinform in order to avoid unnecessary panic.

Original report:
The Harare Airport Authority CEO confirmed to AFP that a Boeing 767 from London has been involved at an landing “accident” at Harare. No other info available yet.

The only carrier flying between HRE and London, Air Zimbabwe, operates two 767-200ERs. The aircraft are Z-WPE and Z-WPF. Of these, Z-WPF’s last recorded flight to London has been on 2nd Aug while WPE had flown to London yesterday – but without a recorded return flight yet.Similar Posts:

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AirBlue flight 202, A321, crash near Islamabad

Miyuru — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:06:39 +0000

AIR – An AirBlue passenger aircraft with over 150 passengers has impacted Margala Hills near Islamabad and crashed .
Flight ED202 was operating from Karachi ( KHI ) to Istanbul ( IST ). An AirBlue spokesperson confirmed this.

The aircraft was Airbus A321, AP-BJB ( more info below ).
The incident occured at approximately 0943 local time ( 0443Z ) and it was reported that there was bad weather with heavy rainfall at the time.
Reports surface stating the aircraft lost contact with control tower before impacting hills.
An eye witness stated he had seen the aircraft flying very low before impact.

Pakistani TV/BBC image

Photo copyright Twitter user @Rezhasan / Twitpic

Various reports state between 152-159 persons onboard the aircraft including five children. There have been reports of five survivors.
It is believed there was a crew of six.
METARs at the time were
Jul 28 05:00 METAR OPRN 280500Z 09018KT 3500 RA SCT010 SCT030 OVC100 FEW030 25/24 Q1006.9=
Jul 28 04:00 METAR OPRN 280400Z 05016KT 3500 SCT010 SCT030 BKN100 FEW030TCU 29/24 1006.7=

AP-BJB, Copyrighted photo

AirBlue operated a fleet of five Airbus aircraft consisting of two A319s and three A321s. AP-BJB, MSN 1218 was an aircraft built in 2000 . It was originally delivered to Aero Lloyd and was taken delivery by AirBlue in 2006.
According to Airbus, the aircraft had accumulated about 34,000 flight hours and around 13,500 cycles.
AP-BJB was subject of a lightning strike at Trabzon last year, however this is considered as unlikely to be related.
Following the incident, AirBlue has cancelled all of its flights which were due today.
This is the first fatal crash of an A321 and the second write off ( the first having caused by a ground accident ).
This article will be updated.Similar Posts:

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Lufthansa Cargo MD-11 Crash Lands at Riyadh ( with Photos, Aircraft’s History and Flight History )

Miyuru — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:38:25 +0000

(AIR) – A Lufthansa Cargo McDonnel Douglas MD-11, registration D-ALCQ , operating flight LH8460 crashed while on approach to Riyadh Airport ( RUH ).
The flight was on a Frankfurt – Riyadh- Sharjah – Hong Kong routing.

Photo copyright AlRiyadh

Photo copyright AlArabiya

Photo copyright AlRiyadh

Reportedly the flight crew have been hospitalized.
The airline confirmed that the pilot and co-pilot were injured.
The exact cause for the crash is not yet known.
UPDATE: The Saudi Arabian authorities confirmed that the crew reported a fire onboard and declared emergency.
The airline stated that the aircraft suffered a hard landing.
The aircraft was carrying 80t of unspecified freight.
Weather at the time was as belows
Jul 27 10:00 METAR OERK 271000Z 32022KT 7000 SKC 41/05 Q1005 NOSIG=
Jul 27 09:00 METAR OERK 270900Z 32014KT CAVOK 40/05 Q1006 NOSIG=
Various reports state a smoke was coming from the aircraft, however this cannot be confirmed since most media ( without an expertise in aviation ) can easily confuse matters within the first few hours of the incident.
D-ALCQ was MSN534/48431. An ex-Alitalia passenger aircraft delivered in 1993. It was converted into a freighter in 2004.
* Registration data have been confirmed through ACARS messages.
The airport, Saudi Arabia’s busiest, has two parallel runway – of which one, 15L/33R, was closed for maintenance. However it has now been opened following the accident on 15R/33L.
MD-11 freighters have lately had a rather bad safety record compared to its same vintage counterparts, such as the Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 777-200. This is believed by many as to being the aircraft’s rather different aerodynamic design ( the aircraft’s low speed handling is not considered the perfect due to the relaxed stability from moving the CG aft in an attempt to reduce the drag ). This is the 8th write-off of a MD-11. The A340 family has had only 3 crashes that resulted in write offs and the Boeing 777 family has so far not encountered any fatal crashes except for one accident.

The last recorded flights by D-ALCQ in the last two weeks, by data.Flight24.com
Note: GEC is the ICAO code for Lufthansa Cargo
GEC8460 seen @ 2010-07-27 07:05 CET
GEC8251 seen @ 2010-07-25 21:39 CET
GEC8250 seen @ 2010-07-24 21:15 CET
GEC8385 seen @ 2010-07-24 12:53 CET
GEC8384 seen @ 2010-07-22 23:43 CET
GEC8297 seen @ 2010-07-22 07:37 CET
GEC8296 seen @ 2010-07-21 03:30 CET
GEC8415 seen @ 2010-07-20 20:36 CET
GEC8414 seen @ 2010-07-19 21:25 CET
GEC8413 seen @ 2010-07-19 12:02 CET
GEC8412 seen @ 2010-07-18 12:47 CET
GEC8297 seen @ 2010-07-18 05:56 CET
GEC8296 seen @ 2010-07-17 03:25 CET
GEC8251 seen @ 2010-07-16 21:41 CET
GEC8250 seen @ 2010-07-15 20:17 CET
GEC8453 seen @ 2010-07-15 11:25 CET
GEC8452 seen @ 2010-07-14 04:01 CET
GEC8189 seen @ 2010-07-13 21:24 CET
GEC8188 seen @ 2010-07-13 03:19 CET

The aircraft in its glory days

Flying for Alitalia, its original owner, as I-DUPB. Named as “Pietro Mascagni”. To remind her capability, a very low approach into Hong Kong Kai Tak.

This article will be updated.Similar Posts:

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Rosinenbomber DC3 Crashes at Berlin

Miyuru — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:55:51 +0000

Historic Berlin Airlift aircraft, DC-3 Rosinenbomber ( Raisin Bomber ), registered D-CXXX yesterday ( 19th ) crashed above Berlin.

Photo: Nestor Bachmann/dpa

The 66 year old aircraft, was damaged beyond repair, possibly bringing an unfortune end to its prestigious career.

The aircraft was on a sightseeing flight operated by Berlin Air Services when the incident occured.
Shortly after taking off from Berlin Schönefeld airport, the left hand engine reportedly failed and the aircraft was unable to gain height. The pilots apparently attempted to land the aircraft at a proposed site for Schönefeld’s third runway.
The incident has taken place at around 3.00pm local time.
The 25 passengers and three crew were able to get out of the aircraft unassisted. Eight persons were injured and taken to a hospital.
The aircraft, a C-47 Skytrain variant, was the last aircraft depart out of Berlin Tempelhof Airport – in formation with B-52 Junkers – when the airport was officially closed down in 2008.
The aircraft was msn 16124/32872 – a 1944 built example which was powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-1830-92 engines. It was being used by Air Services Berlin for sightseeing flights over Berlin.Similar Posts:

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Alitalia/Air One A330 makes emergency landing following engine fire

Miyuru — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 05:43:02 +0000

An Air One Airbus A330-200, EI-DIP, operating as AZ615 from Boston, BOS to Rome, FCO was forced to return to Boston after a fire developed on no.2 engine.
The aircraft made an emergency landing and safely stopped.

The aircraft, MSN339, first flew on 15/05/2000 and was delivered to its first owner Canada 3000 Airlines on 26/05/2000. The aircraft is fitted with GE CF6 engines.Similar Posts:

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British Airways 777, BA16, incurs engine damage and diverts to Amsterdam

Miyuru — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:20:17 +0000

A British Airways Boeing 777-200ER, powered by Rolls Royce engines, registration G-YMMP, incurred multiple engine faults and safely diverted to Amsterdam, AMS today ( 15th ).
The aircraft was enroute from Sydney, SYD via Singapore, SIN to London Heathrow, LHR as BA16.

G-YMMP in flight

The aircraft was over Germany when crew decided to divert to Amsterdam following multiple technical problems which the crew could not pinpoint to.
The crew also reported the aircraft was low on fuel and requested a longer than usual final approach in order to configure the aircraft for the touch down.
The aircraft safely landed and upon inspection it was found that the right hand Trent 895 engine had suffered substantial damage. Both engines had however produced thrust till the aircraft landed albeit with higher than regular fuel burn rates. The aircraft is currently at Amsterdam.

Damaged engine
Photo copyright Rob Van R/Scramble.nl

Compare it with the normal engine below

G-YMMP had operated the following flights in the last few days
( Only recorded flights. Data from flight24.com )

BAW16 seen @ 2010-06-15 07:13 CET on route from SYD to LHR via SIN
BAW15 seen @ 2010-06-13 00:51 CET on route from LHR to SYD via SIN
BAW168 seen @ 2010-06-12 18:42 CET on route from PVG to LHR
BAW169 seen @ 2010-06-11 17:43 CET on route from LHR to PVG
BAW16 seen @ 2010-06-11 06:25 CET on route from SYD to LHR via SIN
BAW15 seen @ 2010-06-09 21:05 CET on route from LHR to SYD via SIN
BAW38 seen @ 2010-06-08 15:59 CET on route from PEK to LHR
BAW39 seen @ 2010-06-07 21:15 CET on route from LHR to PEK
BAW194 seen @ 2010-06-07 07:49 CET on route from IAH to LHR
BAW26E seen @ 2010-06-06 15:41 CET on route from LHR to IAH
BAW16 seen @ 2010-06-06 06:23 CET on route from SYD to LHR via SIN
BAW15 seen @ 2010-06-04 21:01 CET on route from LHR to SYD via SIN

It is believed the damage took place at least 5 hours before landing at Amsterdam, and the engine had been continuing operating inefficiently till landing. The aircraft will receive an engine change at KLM facilities, Amsterdam. Passengers have been sent to London onboard a BA 767-300.

Notice another ( and the only major ) Boeing 777 engine incident was reported in 2008 on British Airways flight 38, again powered by Rolls Royce engines.
This is a developing story and will be updated.Similar Posts:

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Minor Collision of US Airways Aircraft

Miyuru — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 01:08:46 +0000

An US Airways Airbus A330 scheduled to fly to Frankfurt collided with a company Airbus A321 at Charlotte,CLT, yesterday. The wingtip of the A330 had sliced into the A321′s rudder. Both aircraft have been reportedly taken out of service.

Photo credit Atrude777 .Similar Posts:

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Air India Express flight IX812 crash

Miyuru — Sat, 22 May 2010 03:00:46 +0000

MANGALORE, ( AIRLINE INDUSTRY REVIEW ) – An Air India Express flight from Dubai to Mangalore, overshot the runway at Mangalore International Airport ( IATA :IXE ) and caught fire. The flight, IX812, was being operated by a Boeing 737-800. The aircraft involved was VT-AXV, cn 36333/2481, a 2007 December built example.
It was bearing the ‘Victoria Memorial’ tailart. The flight was due to arrive in Mangalore at 6.30a.m local time.
The flight was carrying 163 passengers ( some reports state this at 137 adults + 19 children, at 156 passengers ) and six crew. The aircraft has mostly burnt, with nose and tail remaining ( the only ) recognizable parts. NDTV, an Indian TV channel, reported six survivors, while a majority are presumed to have perished.

Photos of the crash scene. Copyrighted to original photographers.

Mangalore has two runways 09/27 5,300 ft. and 06/24 9,515ft. long and has a steep valley in the end of runway 24, leaving no space for correction.

Crash photos ( copyrighted )

Runway 24 location ( copyrighted to original poster Threeifbyair on Airliners.net )

Runway 24 steep hill ( original poster TBYO787 )

Air India Express operates flights to seven Middle Eastern airports from Mangalore, and is the largest operator at the airport.
This was Air India Express’ first major incident and is the worst aircraft accident in India since 2000. This event, currently, is also the deadliest air crash in year 2010, so far.
A cause for the incident was not immediately clear. Although it is too early to make any conclusions, the high-energy falldown into the slope could have increased the damage.
Runway 24 has ILS and the ILS24 approach is valid for ICAO Cat A,B&C aircraft.However, AIP does state that there are no runway end lights for either 06 or 24 end. The runway obstacles/limitations chart also specifies “DEEP VALLEY” beyond the 06 threshold. The runway was completed in 2006 and is fully concrete, as opposed to the other shorter Asphalt runway.

After the accident, the ILS locator antenna of runway 06 has been hit, and is currently NOTAMed unavailable.
According to AvHerald.com, this collision with the antenna, tore the aircraft’s belly open and threw 8 people out of the aircraft – whom are the survivors reported.
The air traffic control and airport authority reported that the aircraft arrived for approbabi without any incident, but a loud bang – possibly a tyre burst – was heard upon touchdown.
Air India Helpline
Mumbai +912222796161
Dubai +971-4-2165828/9

May all those perished rest in peace.Similar Posts:

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Afriqyah A330 Flight 8U 771 Crash Lands

Miyuru — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:28:39 +0000

TRIPOLI ( AIRLINE INDUSTRY REVIEW ) -
An Afriqiyah Airways Airbus A330-200, 5A-ONG, operating flight 8U 771 crash landed at Tripoli Airport this morning.
The aircraft was carrying 93 passengers and eleven crew. The number of fatalities was not immediately clear. AFP reported that there was a survivor, a Dutch child. Dutch prime minister stated that there were 63 Dutch people onboard, of whom only one – the 10yr old child – survived.

All photos copyright to original authors

Afriqiyah has confirmed the news on its website.
Some reports indicate the aircraft exploded upon landing, but this is NOT confirmed. This is the second hull loss of an A330-200 that was on commercial service ( excluding the test flight crash ).
The METAR reported at 0425UTC indicates a 2000m visibility degrade .

5A-ONG, MSN 1024, the aircraft reportedly involved. Photo by Alexander Schelbergen

Afriqiyah operated three A330-200s, all of which were less than one year old.
5A-ONF MSN999 First Flight 11/08/2009
5A-ONG MSN1024 First Flight 12/08/2009
5A-ONH MSN1043 First Flight 01/10/2009

It is reported that the aircraft had a go around and tried to land in Runway 09 although this is unconfirmed. Runway 09 at Tripoli reportedly only has VOR and NDB compared to Runway 27 with ILS support.
The authorities have been able to discover the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder of the aircraft. A cause for the incident was not immediately clear.

This incident seems to be quite similar to the Korean Air 803 incident in which the aircraft crashed short in approach to Tripoli in 1989. Although there is no confirmation that this aircraft crashed short of runway.

Friends and relatives can call +27105001918 from South Africa, +218213341181 from Libya and +442033552737 from U.K and rest of the world. May all who perished rest in peace.Similar Posts:

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Icelandic Volcano Disrupting European Air Travel Again

Miyuru — Sun, 09 May 2010 12:57:11 +0000

Icelandic volcano Eyjaffjallajokul, which disrupted European air traffic between 14 and 21 April has now again started erupting and is causing air travel disruption.

Recent progression of ash eruption caused a number of Spanish airports to be closed, some of which have now been reopened.
Keep an eye on @AirlineIndustry on Twitter for latest information.
The Live Airport Status list, is now again live – after a long break since up to the minute live action till 1315Z 21APR.
Stay tuned to Airline Industry Review, one of the web’s most trusted* sources for airport status during last eruption.

* – Ranked no.1 on Google search for airport status, and no.1 on Microsoft employee site.Similar Posts:

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