Flight Safety Information - August 14, 2023 No. 156 In This Issue : Incident: Southwest B737 at San Diego on Aug 11th 2023, cleared to line up then forgotten, overflown by Citation on short final : Incident: United B752 at Los Angeles on Aug 12th 2023, hydraulic and nose gear door problem : Accident: KLM B738 at Helsinki on Aug 8th 2023, gear damage on landing : Incident: Flydubai B738 at Dhaka on Aug 12th 2023, rejected takeoff due to bird strike : Incident: Biman B738 at Dhaka on Aug 12th 2023, rejected takeoff due to bird strike : Plane crashes during Thunder over Michigan airshow finale at Willow Run : Passenger arrested after flight from Australia to Malaysia returns to Sydney in 'emergency incident' : 10 Types Of Food That Passengers Can't Take On Aircraft : High Court Orders Probe Into Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pilot Recruitment Violations : Naval Aviators Are Being Offered More Cash to Become Commanding Officers : FAA Proposes $90K Against Woods Aviation LLC., for Alleged Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations : Florida-bound flight drops 15,000 feet in three minutes terrifying passengers Incident: Southwest B737 at San Diego on Aug 11th 2023, cleared to line up then forgotten, overflown by Citation on short final A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, registration N7734H performing flight WN-2493 from San Diego,CA to San Jose,CA (USA), was at holding point B1 and was instructed to line up runway 27 at 12:03L (19:03Z) and wait with the advice that landing traffic was 5nm out. The aircraft went onto the runway and stopped about 470 meters/1550 feet ahead of the displaced runway threshold. About 50 seconds prior to the instruction to line up and wait to WN-2493 Tower cleared a Citation to land on runway 27, traffic would be holding in position. About 2:10 minutes after the 737 had been instructed to line up runway 27 and wait the crew of the landing Citation queried, whether they were still cleared to land, in return tower instructed the Citation to go around, then instructed the 737 to vacate the runway via the next taxiway to the right, taxiway C2. The 737 queried for the reasoning, tower responded, there was traffic 2nm out behind them. The 737 crew complied and vacated the runway and subsequently went to holding point C1. The Citation positioned for another approach and landed safely about 14 minutes later. The 737 departed about 10 minutes after the go around of the Citation. ADS-B data suggest that the Citation was already over the runway about 150 meters/480 feet ahead of the displaced runway threshold having overflown the 737 at low height when it reached the lowest height of about 100 feet AGL starting to climb again. The FAA opened an investigation into the occurrence and stated: "The controller had previously cleared the Citation to land on Runway 27 and then instructed Southwest Flight 2493 to taxi onto that runway and wait for instructions to depart. The facility’s automated surface surveillance system alerted the controller about the developing situation." https://avherald.com/h?article=50cfe4ae&opt=0 Incident: United B752 at Los Angeles on Aug 12th 2023, hydraulic and nose gear door problem A United Boeing 757-200, registration N57111 performing flight UA-1076 from Los Angeles,CA to Newark,NJ (USA) with 154 people on board, was climbing out of Los Angeles' runway 25R when the crew stopped the climb at about 10,500 feet, descended to 10,000 feet and entered a hold to troubleshoot a hydraulic problem and nose gear doors not closing. The crew subsequently decided to return to Los Angeles, performed an alternate gear extension and landed safely on runway 25L about 65 minutes after departure, stopped on the runway advising they were unable to vacate the runway. Attending emergency services reported everything looked normal around the aircraft except that all gear doors were open. The aircraft was towed off the runway. The flight was cancelled. https://avherald.com/h?article=50cfcb0d&opt=0 Accident: KLM B738 at Helsinki on Aug 8th 2023, gear damage on landing A KLM Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXZ performing flight KL-1167 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Helsinki (Finland), landed on Helsinki's runway 22L at 12:59L (09:59Z) and taxied to the apron. The aircraft was unable to depart for the return flight and is currently still on the ground in Helsinki about 98 hours (4 days 2 hours) after landing. The Aviation Herald received information that the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its right main gear. A ground observer reported the aircraft had been parked on the apron in Helsinki with one of the wheels of the right hand main gear missing. https://avherald.com/h?article=50cf167e&opt=0 Incident: Flydubai B738 at Dhaka on Aug 12th 2023, rejected takeoff due to bird strike A Flydubai Boeing 737-800, registration A6-FGC performing flight FZ-502 from Dhaka (Bangladesh) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was accelerating for takeoff from Dhaka's runway 14 when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 140 knots over ground) due to a bird strike into the left hand engine (CFM56). The aircraft slowed safely and returned to the apron. Postflight inspection revealed at least 3 fan blades were bent. The aircraft is still on the ground in Dhaka about 31 hours after the rejected takeoff. https://avherald.com/h?article=50cfc12a&opt=0 Incident: Biman B738 at Dhaka on Aug 12th 2023, rejected takeoff due to bird strike A Biman Bangladesh Boeing 737-800, registration S2-AFM performing flight BG-388 from Dhaka (Bangladesh) to Bangkok (Thailand), was accelerating for takeoff from Dhaka's runway 14 when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (about 100 knots over ground) following a bird strike. The aircraft slowed safely and returned to the apron. Feathers were found entangled between the wheels of the left main gear, both left main tyres were deflated. A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration S2-AHV reached Bangkok with a delay of about 5:45 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=50cfbff0&opt=0 Plane crashes during Thunder over Michigan airshow finale at Willow Run "A guy was pointing and said ‘oh my God’ and pointing, which caused me to turn,” said Mark McCulloch, 49, from Saline, who shot this picture just as the MiG crashed. Ypsilanti — It was a perfect Sunday for an airshow: clear skies and thousands of aviation fans, heads raised for the 25th Thunder Over Michigan, one of the leading airshows in the nation, when suddenly, at the finale, billows of black smoke and cries from the crowd as a jet performing for the event crashed. Two pilots ejected from the MiG-23UB fighter plane in mid-air at Willow Run Airport at 4:15 p.m. on Sunday and were rescued from Belleville Lake, the Wayne County Airport Authority said. The jet crashed into unoccupied vehicles in the parking lot of the Waverly on the Lake Apartments in Van Buren Township. There were no injuries, the airport authority said. The pilot and backseater ejected successfully from the aircraft before the crash, the airport authority said. “While it did not appear they sustained any significant injuries, first responders transported the pair to a nearby hospital as a precaution.” The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board will conduct the investigation, the two agencies said. The NTSB will take the lead in the investigation. The cause of the crash was not known. https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2023/08/13/plane-crashes-during-airshow-finale-at-willow-run/70563452007/ Passenger arrested after flight from Australia to Malaysia returns to Sydney in 'emergency incident' • An airline flight from Australia to Malaysia has returned to Sydney where a passenger was arrested hours later in what police described as an emergency incident SYDNEY -- An airline flight from Australia to Malaysia returned on Monday to Sydney, where a passenger was arrested hours later in what police described as an emergency incident. The emergency caused dozens of domestic flight cancellations and delays at Australia's busiest airport. Malaysia Airlines flight MH122 left Sydney Airport with 199 passengers and 12 crew aboard on an eight-hour flight to Kuala Lumpur and returned more than three hours later because of a “disruptive passenger,” the airline said. “In the interest of safety, the commander of the flight made a decision to return to Sydney,” Malaysia's national carrier said in a statement. Nine News reported that a passenger holding a backpack on the Airbus A330 had threatened to “blow the plane up.” Crew checked the backpack and found no explosives, it said. Australian Federal Police described the situation as an “emergency incident.” A 45-year-old man was arrested without incident and the rest of the passengers were released from the plane about three hours after it landed, a police statement said. The man, who was not identified, was expected to be charged later Monday, police said. They did not specify an offense. The airline said passengers would be transferred to the next available flights. “Malaysia Airlines wishes to thank the authorities for their immediate response and to passengers for remaining calm and cooperative during the ordeal,” the airline said. Sydney Airport said some flights continued to land and take off while emergency agencies responded to the situation. No international flights were canceled. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/police-report-emergency-incident-after-airliner-returns-sydney-102245714 10 Types Of Food That Passengers Can't Take On Aircraft Be careful what snacks you pack for your flight -- they might not be allowed through security. SUMMARY • Alcoholic beverages in carry-on luggage must be less than 3.4 ounces and have an alcohol content below 24% to comply with TSA rules. • Canned foods may require additional screening at the airport and could be confiscated, so it's best to pack them in checked luggage or ship them. • Creamy cheeses and liquid chocolate must adhere to the 3.4-ounce limit or they might be considered liquids and subject to confiscation. While many of us are generally familiar with restrictions on what travelers can and cannot bring on flights, food items are not usually the first things to come to mind. Below are 10 types of food that passengers can't take on aircraft without at least encountering some hurdles. 1 Alcoholic beverages While you can bring alcoholic beverages in your checked baggage, carrying them in your carry-on comes with restrictions. Bottles must contain less than or equal to 3.4 ounces of liquid, and the alcohol content should not exceed 24%. It's essential to note that beverages with over 70% alcohol content are entirely prohibited, even in checked bags. The lack of large quantities of alcohol is directly related to the TSA’s 3-1-1 liquids rule, but it is probably a good idea for avoiding incidents rooted in over-indulgence. 2 Bottled water While staying hydrated during your journey is crucial, bringing bottled water might pose a challenge. Bottled water can only be carried if the container holds 3.4 ounces or less. To ensure proper hydration, passengers are advised to bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it up after passing through security. 3 Canned foods While technically allowed, canned foods can trigger additional screening due to their appearance on X-ray machines. The TSA may require further examination of canned items, which could potentially result in them being confiscated. To avoid this, it's recommended to pack canned foods in your checked luggage or consider alternative options, such as shipping them to your destination. 4 Creamy cheeses Creamy cheeses are classified by the TSA as liquids and, thus, fall under the 3.4-ounce rule. If the creamy cheese exceeds this limit, it might be considered a liquid and subject to confiscation. To enjoy your favorite cheesy delight during your journey, ensure that the quantity adheres to the allowed limit. 5 Chocolate in liquid form Presumably liquid chocolate would be chocolate syrup. While this is allowed, it cannot be present in quantities of more than 3.4 ounces. Larger quantities might be considered a liquid and therefore fall under the restrictions governing liquids and gels. 6 Cooking spray While the thought of carrying cooking spray onto an airplane might raise eyebrows to begin with, it's important to note that it's prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. This restriction likely stems from safety concerns associated with pressurized containers. 7 Dips and spreads For fans of dips and spreads, the same 3.4-ounce rule applies. Anything beyond this limit might be confiscated or trigger additional screening. So, if you're planning to savor your favorite dip mid-flight, ensure that it's packed within the specified quantity. 8 Fresh fruits and vegetables The rules surrounding fresh produce can vary depending on the destination. On most domestic flights, fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed. However, on numerous international flights, these items might be restricted due to concerns about invasive pests and plants. Even some routes within the United States also have specific limitations – for instance, passengers flying from Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands to the mainland might face restrictions on bringing fresh produce. 9 Gel ice packs While gel ice packs can help keep perishable items cold, they are subject to the same rules as liquids and gels. Interestingly enough, if they are frozen solid when presented for screening by airport security, they are permitted. However, if they are partially melted or have liquid at the bottom, they must meet the same requirements as many other items on this list for liquids. 10 Soup Soup is also subject to the 3.4-ounce rule. However, given the small portion size, it might not be the most practical food item to bring aboard. Thankfully, many of these items may soon no longer be subject to liquid regulations, thanks to new scanning equipment rolling out in airports around the world. https://simpleflying.com/food-passengers-cannot-take-on-aircraft-list/#alcoholic-beverages High Court Orders Probe Into Biman Bangladesh Airlines Pilot Recruitment Violations The flag carrier has received warning letters from the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh about irregularities in its practices. SUMMARY • The flag carrier of Bangladesh is under investigation for violating pilot recruitment regulations. • The Bangladesh Airlines Pilots Association (BAPA) alleges that the carrier grossly violated international and its own rules in hiring pilots. • BAPA claims that Biman's recruitment process was flawed, leading to financial losses and tarnishing the carrier's reputation. The national flag carrier of Bangladesh, Biman Bangladesh, is facing a probe regarding violations of national and international pilot recruitment regulations. The country’s high court has directed the authorities to investigate the allegations against the carrier. The authorities are directed to submit a formal report of the findings within one month. The probe into Biman’s pilot recruitment practices The bench of Justice JBM Hasan and Justice Razik-Al-Jalil passed the order on Wednesday to investigate the carrier's practices of pilot recruitment. The three-member committee was formed as a result of the legal notice received on March 27 to probe the allegations. The committee comprises the secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, a senior official of Biman, and a senior official of the Civil Aviation Authority. The probe against the flag carrier came to fruition after the Bangladesh Airlines Pilots Association (BAPA) alleged that the authorities of the national flag carrier had grossly violated international and its own rules in recruiting pilots. The violation of regulatory practices are affecting the daily operations of the airline. BAPA demanded an investigation into the recruitment to ensure smooth operations. BAPA has an agreement with Biman that includes the process of the appointment of pilots. According to BAPA, the agreement between the two parties was breached at the time of the pilots’ recruitment. BAPA's executive committee had also submitted a letter to the Managing Director and CEO of Biman demanding an investigation into the matter. The letter stated, We have pointed out at different times that the way contractual pilots are being recruited is beyond regulation. The responsibility of the recruitment was given to the Chief of Training, whose own wife was a candidate and which was surely a conflict of interest. The letter was also copied to the Director of Aviation Administration and Flight Operations Department and emphasized the effects of recruitment biases on the pilot association and carrier’s operations. The letter further stated, The recruitment could have been done within the legal and ethical framework, which would have best suited the airline and its pilots. But the way recruitment was done, it has seriously tarnished the image of the national flag carrier and the pilot community. Biman’s negligence BAPA believes that Biman’s own practices are causing significant financial loss to the airline. Violating its pilot recruitment policies has forced pilots to undertake mandatory training elsewhere, resulting in high expenses. BAPA stated in the letter to the airline, Due to extreme negligence of Biman, the crews of Boeing 787 flight had to go abroad to retake two trainings named ZFTT and PPC, resulting in huge financial loss to Biman. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has issued warning letters in the past about irregularities in the carrier’s practices. The current probe is aimed at finding if Biman’s practices, particularly pilot recruitment processes, have improved. It is a matter of time until the committee reports its findings to the court. https://simpleflying.com/high-court-probe-bangladesh-airlines-pilot-recruitment/ Naval Aviators Are Being Offered More Cash to Become Commanding Officers Big cash bonuses are not just for Navy recruits. The Navy is also offering more than $100,000 to naval aviators to stay in the service and become senior officers and admirals. In an administrative message released last week, the sea service announced that pilots who are commanders in rank and eligible to head up a squadron could receive $105,000 if they agree to three more years of service. The amount is $5,000 higher than in previous years, and the Navy has also introduced a two-year obligation option with a $35,000 bonus as well. The message notes that officers who take the three-year bonus -- paid out in $35,000 increments over those years -- will have a 22-year obligation of service. The two-year bonus carries a 21-year obligation. Meanwhile, the Navy's recruiting website for new enlisted sailors boasts that future active-duty sailors who leave for boot camp before October can earn up to $140,000 between bonuses and loan repayment offerings. The Navy says that its goal with the large retention bonus for pilots is to keep "highly talented, hard-working naval aviators and naval flight officers, screened for aviation command" on active duty and hold on to "their invaluable and irreplaceable skill sets and leadership." "They are the major commanders and flag officers of tomorrow," the message added. While there is little recent data, historically, government investigations and reports have found that the Navy has struggled to retain pilots in necessary numbers. However, that problem is not as severe as the struggle the Navy's surface warfare community faces. It's also not the only branch facing the challenge. The Navy also runs a similar retention program for reserve pilots at the department head level. This year, it offered similar-sized bonuses for some pilots to stay past that mid-career point as well. Applications for the commanding officer bonus are due by the end of August. https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/08/11/navy-expands-program-aimed-getting-pilots-take-commander-jobs.html FAA Proposes $90K Against Woods Aviation LLC., for Alleged Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed a $90,000 civil penalty against Woods Aviation for alleged drug and alcohol testing violations. The FAA alleges that the company transferred an employee to a safety-sensitive position and permitted the employee to perform safety-sensitive functions before receiving verified and negative drug test results. In addition, the FAA alleges that Woods Aviation allowed three non safety-sensitive employees to perform safety-sensitive duties when they were not subjected to drug and alcohol testing. The FAA further alleges that six of its newly hired safety-sensitive employees were excluded from the required random drug and alcohol testing pool due to its failure to timely establish a random drug and alcohol pool. Woods Aviation has 30 days to respond to the FAA. https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-proposes-90k-against-woods-aviation-llc-alleged-drug-and-alcohol-testing-violations Florida-bound flight drops 15,000 feet in three minutes terrifying passengers American Airlines flight descends 20,000 feet within 11 minutes File: American Airlines passenger planes are parked at the gates of Terminal 2 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice A Florida-bound flight dropped over 15,000 feet within three minutes, leaving passengers terrified. The American Airlines flight 5916 departed from Charlotte, North Carolina, when the crew reportedly raised a possible pressurisation issue, a spokesperson from the Federal Aviation Administration told FOX 35 News. The flight dropped almost 20,000 feet within 11 minutes, according to the data shared by FlightAware. The aircraft 18,600 feet in less than six minutes after 43 minutes into the journey. University of Florida professor Harrison Hove, who was on the flight, shared photos on social media that include released oxygen masks. "I’ve flown a lot. This was scary," Mr Hove wrote on X, previously known as Twitter. "The photos cannot capture the burning smell, loud bang or ear pops. Good to be on the ground," he added. He added that "something failed midflight and depressurised the cabin". "The burning smell can apparently be attributed to using the oxygen canisters. The wing flaps came out to immediately lower our altitude so there would be more oxygen. It was terrifying but turned out ok." He praised the crew and pilots, saying they kept the passengers “informed and calm”. The plane landed at the Gainesville Regional Airport shortly before 5pm (local time). In a statement, an American Airlines spokesperson said: “American Eagle flight 5916, operated by Piedmont Airlines, from Charlotte (CLT) to Gainesville, Florida (GNV) landed safely in GNV on Thursday, August 10.” “While inflight, the crew received an indication of a possible pressurization issue and immediately and safely descended to a lower altitude. We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience and thank our team for their professionalism.” https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/florida-american-airlines-flight-b2392499.html Curt Lewis