Safety Report – 09/30/2008

Date & Time: 09/30/2008 05:50
Location: Lubbock, TX
Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas DC-9-32 Registration: Unknown
Operator: Airborne Express Flight: 133
Phase: Unknown
Damage: Substantial
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: Airborne Express flight 133 struck a flock of birds at 8000FT, causing damage to wings and number 2 engine. The plane landed without incident at Lubbock, Texas.

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.

Safety Report – 9/29/2008


Date & Time: 09/28/2008 02:03
Location: Boston, MA
Aircraft Type: Boeing 757-251 Registration: N545US
Operator: Northwest Airlines Flight: NWA60
Phase: Take-Off
Damage: Unknown
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: Northwest Airlines flight 60, on takeoff reported number 2 engine pylon covering separated from the aircraft. The plane returned and landed without incident.

Date & Time: 09/27/2008 23:45
Location: New York JFK
Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-300ER Registration: Unknown
Operator: Emirates Flight: UAE202
Phase: Other
Damage: Unknown
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: While pushing back from the gate, struck a catering truck

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.

Boeing 787 Static Airframe Complete First Test

Boeing successfully completed a high-pressure test, known as “high blow,” on the 787 Dreamliner static test airframe at its Everett factory on Saturday. The test is one of three static tests that must be cleared prior to first flight. During the test, the airframe reached an internal pressure of 150 percent of the maximum levels expected to be seen in service – 14.9 lbs. per square inch (1.05 kilograms per centimeter) gauge (psig). It took nearly two hours to complete the test, as pressure was slowly increased to ensure the integrity of the airplane.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner static test

“We had every confidence going into this test because of the extensive work we’ve done on larger and larger pieces of composite – from small coupons to fuselage sections,” said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of the 787 program. “Still, it’s very rewarding to see a whole airplane being tested and having the results we expected.
“I am so proud of the team that has worked on this program and the progress we are making.”

Photo: Boeing
Source: Boeing

“Fusion man” crosses English Channel

Today, Swiss pilot Yves Rossy, also called “Fusion man”, has successfully completed his solo flight across the English Channel using his single, jet-propelled wing.

Video:

Yves Rossy has served as a fighter pilot in the Swiss Air Force, flying Dassault Mirage IIIs, Northrop F-5 Tiger IIs and Hawker Hunters. He also flew Boeing 747s for Swissair and now pilots an Airbus for Swiss International Air Lines.
He developed and built the winged pack with rigid carbon-fiber wings with a span of about 8 feet (2.4 m), and four small kerosene-burning Jet-Cat jet engines under the wings. These engines are large versions of a type designed for model airplanes. He wears a heat-resistant suit similar to that of a firefighter or racing driver to protect him from the hot jet exhaust.

Visit his website at http://www.jet-man.com

First Embraer 190 delivered to Virgin Nigeria

Embraer recently delivered the first E190 jet to Virgin Nigeria. The aircraft accommodates 96 passengers in a dual-class layout, with 12 first-class and 84 Elite seats, and also features a state-of-the-art In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system, with individual TV screens at each seat.
Virgin Nigeria Embraer 190
The EMBRAER 190 is the first E-Jet delivered to Virgin Nigeria, and it will assist the airline’s growing domestic and regional network, by providing the right capacity for current routes. The aircraft will also be used to develop international markets, feeding the Lagos hub for its long-haul operations.

Virgin Nigeria’s EMBRAER 190 is equipped with the new-generation i4500 satellite-based In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) system supplied by Thales Avionics (USA). As the aircraft enters service, passengers flying short-haul routes will have the opportunity to watch movies, as well as Nigerian and foreign programs, or select from a wide range of music channels.

In November 2007, at the Dubai Air Show, Virgin Nigeria announced firm orders for seven EMBRAER 170s and three EMBRAER 190s, all of which are Advanced Range versions, plus options for six EMBRAER 190s and purchase rights for another eight E-Jets.

Source: Embraer
Photo: Embraer

Safety Report – 9/23/2008

Date & Time: 09/22/2008 18:35
Location: Chicago, IL
Aircraft Type: Boeing 757 Registration: Unknown
Operator: American Airlines Flight: AAL268
Phase: Landing
Damage: Unknown
Injuries & Fatalities: None
Description: American Airlines flight 268 reported an electrical problem, diverted, landed and stopped in the overrun area off the runway. The passengers deplaned via stairs, no injuries reported.

Source: FAA
Correctness of this posting is not guaranteed & completeness not intended. This posting is just for informational purpose.

Croatia Airlines orders Bombardier Q400

Bombardier Aerospace announced recently that Croatia Airlines has signed a contract to acquire two Q400 NextGen turboprop airliners. The airline has also taken options for an additional four aircraft. The transaction represents the conversion of two options taken for Q400 aircraft which was announced on June 4, 2007 when Croatia Airlines also placed a firm order for four Q400 aircraft. Two of those aircraft have already been delivered.

Croatia Airlines Bombardier Q400

Croatia Airlines is the Croatian flag carrier and a Star Alliance member.

Photo: Bombardier
Source: Bombardier

First Airbus A380 delivered to Qantas

Australia’s flagship airline, Qantas, has received the first of 20 Airbus A380s on order, at a ceremony in Toulouse, France. The Rolls-Royce powered aircraft was handed over to Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Dixon and Qantas CEO-Designate, Alan Joyce by Tom Enders, Airbus President and CEO and John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers.

First Qantas Airbus A380
Qantas Airbus A380
Qantas Airbus A380

Photos and videos at http://www.a380delivery.com/qantas/

The aircraft – VH-OQA / MSN014 – is named in honour of “Nancy Bird Walton“, an female Australien aviation pioneer.

Qantas’ A380 cabin was created by internationally renowned designer Marc Newson. Typically the A380 seats 525 passengers in three-classes, however Qantas’ cabin is extra spacious with 450 seats (14 First, 72 Business, 32 Premium Economy and 332 Economy) (seat plan).

Qantas’ A380 will stop-over in Singapore before arriving in Sydney on September 21st at 9:00am local time. Qantas’ first commercial A380 services will be launched on October 20th from Melbourne to Los Angeles, and on October 24th from Sydney to Los Angeles. Later Qantas will also fly the A380 to Singapore and London.

Source: Airbus

Spanair Crash – Video Released

Spanish newspaper El Pais today released a video of last month’s crash of Spanair flight JK5022 at Madrid airport.

Link to the Video: Click Here

El Pais said on its website that the video was recorded by cameras belonging to Spain’s airport authority.
Spanish authorities acknowledged the existence of the video shortly after the accident, but it had never before been made public.

The causes of the crash is not yet officially announced. Leaked extracts of the official report say the plane’s wing flaps were not properly extended when it attempted to take off, causing it to lose altitude and crash. The pilots were not aware of the problem until it was too late because a warning alarm failed to work.

Montenegro Airlines orders E-195

Embraer announced the sale of the first EMBRAER 195 jet to Montenegro Airlines, today. The agreement with the airline from the Republic of Montenegro also includes purchase rights for two more aircraft of the same model.

The EMBRAER 195 for Montenegro Airlines will comfortably seat 116 passengers in a singleclass layout and delivery is expected in 2009. The company plans to use the new airplane for key markets on the European continent, including routes to cities like London and Moscow.

Montenegro Airlines Embraer E-195

Last June, Embraer delivered the first EMBRAER 195 to Montenegro Airlines through a leasing operation carried out by GE Commercial Aviation Services (GECAS). This leasing contract includes another aircraft of the same model for delivery next year that will increase the airline’s fleet to three EMBRAER 195s by mid-2009.

Photo: Embraer
Source: Embraer