Flight Safety Information - May 29, 2024 No. 107 In This Issue : Incident: Kalitta B744 at Honolulu on May 24th 2024, fire on board : Incident: Flydubai B38M at Penang on May 27th 2024, wheel well fire indication : Incident: Thai Asia X A333 at Osaka on May 24th 2024, could not fully retract landing gear : F-35B fighter jet crashes near Albuquerque International Sunport : Man arrested for running naked through aircraft, knocking over flight attendant : Video shows strong winds pushing American Airlines plane away from gate at DFW Airport : BWI airport employee caught with gun at security checkpoint : Two loaded guns intercepted at Reagan National Airport during 2 busy travel days : IBAC Celebrates Decade of IS-BAH : China Hopes For Comac C919 EASA Certification In 2025 : EASA and FAA To Address eVTOL Certification at Safety Conference : G-force changes likely cause of Singapore flight injuries, probe finds : CALENDAR OF EVENTS Incident: Kalitta B744 at Honolulu on May 24th 2024, fire on board A Kalitta Boeing 747-400 freighter, registration N740CK performing flight K4-368 from Los Angeles,CA to Honolulu,HI (USA), declared emergency reporting a fire in the aft cabin. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Honolulu's runway 08R. The FAA reported the aircraft was enroute when the "AIRCRAFT DECLARED AN EMERGENCY DUE TO A FIRE IN THE AFT OF THE PLANE AND FIRE EXTINGUISHERS WERE USED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, HONOLULU, HI." The aircraft was able to depart for the return flight about 11 hours later. https://avherald.com/h?article=51932752&opt=0 Incident: Flydubai B38M at Penang on May 27th 2024, wheel well fire indication A Flydubai Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration A6-FMU performing flight FZ-1603 from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Penang (Malaysia), was on approach to Penang's runway 22 when the crew received a wheel well fire indication. The aircraft continued for a safe landing and stopped on the runway. Emergency services attended to the aircraft, which was towed off the runway about 30 minutes later. A passenger reported the flight went smoothly but upon landing in Penang three fire engines responded to the aircraft, the aircraft stopped on the runway, however, no visible activity ensued. The aircraft was subsequently towed off the runway to the apron, the passengers disembarked via mobile stairs. The aircraft was able to depart for the next sector to Langkawi (Malaysia) about 3 hours later and reached Langkawi with a delay of about 2 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=519323be&opt=0 Incident: Thai Asia X A333 at Osaka on May 24th 2024, could not fully retract landing gear A Thai Air Asia X Airbus A330-300, registration HS-XTI performing flight XJ-613 from Osaka (Japan) to Bangkok (Thailand), was climbing out of Osaka's runway 24L when the crew stopped the climb at 13,000 feet due to being unable to retract the landing gear. The aircraft entered a hold while working the checklists, then performed a low approach to runway 24R about 2:15 hours after departure, positioned for another approach to runway 24R and landed safely on runway 24R about 25 minutes after the low approach. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 56 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=51931c97&opt=0 F-35B fighter jet crashes near Albuquerque International Sunport ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Crews responded to an Air Force fighter jet crash near University and Rio Bravo Tuesday afternoon. Lockheed Martin confirmed a F-35B fighter jet crashed just south of the Albuquerque International Sunport after a refueling stop at Kirtland Air Force Base. It was traveling from Fort Worth, Texas to Edwards Air Force Base in California. The pilot – who ejected before impact – is recovering at UNM Hospital. The fighter jet crashed and burst into flames just before 2 p.m. Tuesday. Albuquerque Fire Rescue and Bernalillo County firefighters battled the fire, but they needed help from Kirtland Air Force Base. “We carry 500 gallons of water on our apparatus and small foam tanks, but it’s no match for a jet fuel fire of that scope,” said Lt. Jason Fejer with AFR. Investigators are still looking into what caused the crash. Fire crews had the scene under control within a few hours, but the cleanup process will take longer. According to AFR, University between Rio Bravo and Mesa del Sol will be closed throughout the night and most of Wednesday while crews remove the debris. https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/f-35b-fighter-jet-crashes-near-university-rio-bravo-albuquerque-sunport/ Man arrested for running naked through aircraft, knocking over flight attendant A Virgin Australia flight on Monday night was forced to turn around after a passenger ran naked through the cabin and pushed over a flight attendant, according to the Australian Federal Police (AFP). VA696 departed Perth as scheduled and was about an hour en route to Melbourne when the incident occurred, causing the pilots to make a U-turn and return to Perth, according to FlightAware. “Appropriate steps were taken by the crew, in line with protocol” to deal with the “disruptive passenger,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson told USA TODAY in an email statement. AFP officers were called to meet the passenger when the plane landed safely back at Perth. “AFP officers arrested a man after he allegedly ran naked through the aircraft mid-flight and knocked a crew member to the floor,” an AFP spokesperson told USA TODAY in an email. The passenger is currently being held at a local hospital for assessment. He is expected to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on June 14, although the charges he will face have yet to be finalized, AFP said. A man ran naked through a Virgin Australia aircraft on Monday night. Next to an unruly airline passenger?Here's what to do One of the passengers onboard the flight told the Guardian Australia, "All of a sudden I hear this running up the aisle and the guy's got no clothes on and he's just charging towards the front of the plane." The passenger also said there was "a lot of yelling and screaming." “The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we sincerely apologize to guests impacted,” the airline said. The aircraft continued to Melbourne and landed 28 minutes late. Last month, an unruly passenger who caused a United Airlines flight to be diverted after threatening to "mess up the plane" during a loud argument with his girlfriend was charged $20,638 in restitution fees. https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2024/05/28/passenger-arrested-for-running-naked-through-aircraft-during-flight/73885730007/ Video shows strong winds pushing American Airlines plane away from gate at DFW Airport The video show just how powerful winds were across North Texas on Tuesday morning. DALLAS — Severe storms brought incredibly strong winds to the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Tuesday morning. Numerous places saw wind gusts peak well over 70 mph, with DFW Airport even reaching 77 mph. The winds at the airport appeared to be strong enough to move an American Airlines 737 away from its gate. American Airlines 737-800 pushed away from its gate at DFW Airport during severe weather Tuesday morning. pic.twitter.com/ZoccA1mw7A American Airlines released a statement saying the winds affected several parked, unoccupied aircraft and that there were no injuries. Maintenance teams are working to conduct inspections and make any necessary repairs, according to the airline. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/strong-winds-push-american-airlines-plane-away-from-gate-at-dfw-airport/287-5582c01c-7127-4938-bc9c-d2d09086d385 BWI airport employee caught with gun at security checkpoint BALTIMORE -- Transportation Security Administration officers stopped an employee at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport from bringing a loaded handgun into the airport, the TSA said Tuesday. The employee, who the TSA said worked at a retail shop, had a loaded 9mm handgun and eight bullets when he was screened at the security checkpoint on his way to work. Airport police were contacted, responded to the checkpoint, and confiscated the gun. The employee now faces firearms charges, and has had his airport identification badge confiscated. He also faces a possible federal financial civil citation, which could cost thousands of dollars, according to the TSA. The agency said the incident marked the 21st firearm that officers have detected at BWI so far this year. Last year, 42 guns were intercepted. https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/bwi-airport-employee-caught-with-gun-at-security-checkpoint/ Two loaded guns intercepted at Reagan National Airport during 2 busy travel days ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Two firearms were intercepted by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport during what were two of the busiest days in TSA history, officials said. On Thursday, May 23, TSA agents intercepted a .40 caliber handgun loaded with 14 bullets, including one in the chamber. The gun owner, an Alexandria, Va. man, told officials he forgot that he had his loaded gun with him. On Friday, May 24, TSA agents detected a .380 caliber handgun loaded with seven bullets, including one in the chamber. The gun belonged to a Florida man, officials said. In each instance, the firearms were detected in the travelers’ carry-on items. Metropolitan Airports Authority Police were notified and responded to the checkpoint to confiscate the weapons. Both the Virginia and Florida men were cited on a weapons charge “It has been a very busy Memorial Day holiday travel period here and across the country,” said John Busch, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the airport. “Our officers are good at their jobs and even with sky-high checkpoint volume, they remain alert and vigilant in screening individuals who are arriving at our checkpoints." https://wjla.com/news/local/two-guns-intercepted-by-tsa-reagan-national-airport-arlington-virginia-memorial-day-weekend-travel-loaded-guns-airport-security IBAC Celebrates Decade of IS-BAH The organization honored SRC Aviation, the first registered ground handler The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH) program, honoring its first registered ground handler, SRC Aviation of New Delhi, India. Also as part of the milestone year, IBAC launched an IS-BAH campaign, “Elevating Ground Handling Safety.” “The idea for IS-BAH was based on the success of the aircraft operators’ standard, IS-BAO, introduced more than 20 years ago,” said IBAC director general Kurt Edwards. “Its global recognition as an industry safety standard inspired us to develop something similar for the critical ground handling sector, complement the operational standard, and get ahead of coming SMS requirements in this area. We are grateful for SRC Aviation and their proactive approach to safety.” SRC Aviation implemented and achieved Stage 1 in 2014, and Edwards said they have “continued their leadership in the program,” and now have been with IS-BAH for the duration. “We are very proud to have been the first IS-BAH-recognized ground handler on the planet,” said Bobby Chadha, managing director for SRC Aviation. “Implementing IS-BAH has significantly benefited us by reinforcing our commitment to ground handling safety and elevating our service quality.” He explained that under IS-BAH, SRC Aviation has introduced training programs to better equip its team to perform their duties safely and efficiently. “Regular audits and performance evaluations under the IS-BAH framework ensure that any deviations from safety protocols are promptly addressed, helping us maintain operational efficiency and safety compliance. “IS-BAH certification sets SRC Aviation apart from competitors by showcasing our dedication to maintaining high safety standards, which helps us attract and retain clients who value safety and quality in ground handling services.” Edwards told AIN that the program has had a “terrific pickup over those years with more than 300 registered facilities around the world.” That’s particularly gratifying because there is no regulatory requirement in terms of how FBOs manage themselves and putting in place a safety management system. “Although it's coming in Europe, but these hundreds of facilities have voluntarily said, ‘We want to demonstrate excellence and safety.’” Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH program director, agreed. “Getting 300-plus organizations to do something when they don't need to do it globally is a huge achievement. I think it shows commitment from our sector, from the business aviation sector to make a difference.” He added that the aircraft operator is going to benefit from IS-BAH as much as the FBOs. The program has set a benchmark for ground handlers and FBOs when there has not been one before, he noted. “There’s been a lot of opportunities for people to say, ‘We're the best FBO; we do this better than everybody else,” Yeomans said. But that is based on the nice staff, the lounge, the crew cars, and even the coffee. “But do they mention safety? This is what we're trying to get people to think about: Let’s make it a core value.” Also driving its creation were rumblings that EASA was heading in the direction of regulations, and IBAC wanted to get ahead of that, building off IS-BAO, Edwards said, adding that the program brought safety management systems to ground handling. The fact that a ground handler from India joined first underscores that IS-BAH is a global program, Yeomans added. But there are more facilities outside North America signing on to the program than inside the largest business aviation market. “We’ve got every other region covered globally,” he said. “The rest of the world is beating the U.S. by a considerable margin. That's something that really people need to wake up to.” As for the Elevating Ground Handling Safety campaign, IBAC is planning initiatives throughout the year, including case studies such as the recently released Duncan Aviation’s Journey to Stage 3 IS-BAH, a Top 10 series of Elevating Your Safety, and a View from the Ramp photo contest for IS-BAH organizations. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-29/ibac-celebrates-decade-bah China Hopes For Comac C919 EASA Certification In 2025 SINGAPORE—Chinese officials are hoping the country’s Comac C919 narrowbody airliner will attain EASA certification in 2025, which would enable the aircraft to be flown in most international markets. The comments from China’s aviation regulator came as the C919 marked its first anniversary of commercial operation. The milestone was celebrated with the delivery of the sixth C919 to China Eastern Airlines. Quoting Gu Xin, director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s (CAAC) airworthiness certification center, the South China Morning Post reported that Chinese officials are aiming for an optimistic 2025 certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). “We very much look forward to certification next year,” Gu told the Hong Kong-based paper. “We are working hard, as this requires cooperation from both sides.” “We are confident the plane, having been certified to fly in China, is also safe to fly elsewhere,” Gu added. The 2025 date is a year earlier than EASA has previously said Beijing requested. In March, EASA’s then-acting director Luc Tytgat told Reuters that the C919 is “too new for us to know how easy or difficult it will be” to be approved in 2026. EASA did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the 2025 date. China Eastern became the first carrier to fly the C919 commercially on May 28, 2023. The airline now has five C919s flying routes serving Shanghai Hongqiao-Beijing Daxing; Shanghai Hongqiao-Chengdu Tianfu; and Shanghai Hongqiao-Xi’an Xianyang. The Shanghai-based airline said the aircraft has chalked up 2,181 flights over 6,090 hours and carried more than 276,000 passengers. China Eastern now has more than 60 C919 pilots, nearly 170 C919 flight attendants and more than 60 C919 maintenance personnel. The sixth aircraft, registered B-919G, is the first aircraft from the 100-aircraft order China Eastern placed in September 2023. The airline is expecting four more C919s by the end of 2024. Comac has now received 330 firm orders for the C919. The country’s big three state-owned carriers—Air China, China Eastern and China Southern Airlines—each have 100 aircraft on order, and Suparna Airlines has also ordered 30. All of the airlines that have placed firm orders expect to receive their first C919s by the end of 2024. https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/safety-ops-regulation/china-hopes-comac-c919-easa-certification-2025 EASA and FAA To Address eVTOL Certification at Safety Conference Questions remain as to whether EASA will validate the FAA's performance-based approach Participating in an EBACE show discussion about advanced air mobility, Billy Nolen, Archer’s chief safety officer, told AIN that he believes EASA will validate the FAA's type certificates for eVTOL aircraft even though the European regulator’s Special Condition VTOL certification basis appears to be more prescriptive than the performance-based approach his company favors. Nolen was acting FAA administrator before the appointment of Administrator Mike Whitaker, who came to the FAA from eVTOL manufacturer Supernal. “What I advocated for at the FAA was that the regulatory framework should be able to move at the speed of the technology without compromising safety,” he said. The FAA has agreed on the certification basis for Midnight but has not yet released the special federal aviation regulation (SFAR) governing operational requirements. Nolen said he hopes these will be issued in the fall, and he indicated that Archer still expects to complete type certification in time for Midnight to enter service “sometime in 2025.” Nolen said that the FAA’s objectives for supporting the launch of eVTOL commercial operations have received a boost from the terms of the recently confirmed Reauthorization Act, which provides further funding for the regulator. Lilium’s CEO Klaus Roewe told the EBACE audience that the company is aiming to have operating costs that will allow for ticket prices equating to €2 per passenger per kilometer. The German company, which is targeting EASA certification in 2025, now aims to start delivering its four-passenger Pioneer Edition aircraft to business aviation customers in 2026, followed by the six-passenger standard model in 2027. According to Roewe, improved battery technology will eventually support eVTOL flights of up to around 400 kilometers (217 nm). He said Lilium has longer-term ambitions to produce much larger aircraft that could carry as many as 100 passengers. Meanwhile, developers of eVTOL await the joint EASA/FAA International Aviation Safety conference next month that will result in close regulatory alignment over type certification processes on both sides of the Atlantic. The gathering from June 11 to 13—which will include EASA’s newly appointed executive director Florian Guillermet and the FAA's Whitaker—is expected to hear from companies such as Archer Aviation, which is pushing hard to complete certification for its four-passenger Midnight vehicle. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-05-28/easa-and-faa-address-evtol-certification-safety-conference G-force changes likely cause of Singapore flight injuries, probe finds Singapore’s Ministry of Transport says Boeing aircraft experienced 54-metre altitude drop during incident. A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of passengers were injured last week when Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was buffeted by severe turbulence [Reuters] Dozens of passengers suffered injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight due to “rapid changes” in gravitational force and a 54-metre altitude drop, a preliminary investigation has found. A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of passengers were injured last week when Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 was buffeted by severe turbulence, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Bangkok. Singapore’s Ministry of Transport said in a statement on Wednesday that a rapid change in G-force resulted in passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts becoming airborne. “At 07:49:41 hr, the vertical acceleration changed from -ve 1.5G to +ve 1.5G within 4 sec. This likely resulted in the occupants who were airborne to fall back down,” the ministry said, citing an examination of the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. “The rapid changes in G over the 4.6 sec duration resulted in an altitude drop of 178 ft, from 37,362 ft to 37,184 ft. This sequence of events likely caused the injuries to the crew and passengers.” The ministry said investigations into the incident, involving officials from the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau of Singapore, United States regulators and Boeing, were continuing. Singapore Airlines said that it was “fully cooperating” with the relevant authorities in the investigations into the incident. “The safety and well-being of our passengers and staff are our top priorities. We are committed to supporting our passengers and crew members who were on board SQ321 on that day, as well as their families and loved ones. This includes covering their medical and hospital expenses, as well as any additional assistance they may need,” the airline said in a statement. Singapore Airlines said last week it was adopting “a more cautious approach to managing turbulence in-flight” following the incident, including discontinuing its meal service when the seat belt sign is on. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/5/29/g-force-changes-likely-cause-of-singapore-flight-injuries-probe-finds CALENDAR OF EVENTS • Blazetech - Aircraft Fire Hazards, Protection, and Investigation Course June 4 - 7, 2024 • (APTSC) Asia and Pacific Turboprop Safety Conference - June 26 - 27, 2024 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia • Airborne Public Safety Association, Inc. (APSCON 2024) - July 29 - August 3; Houston TX • Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS 2024), Aug. 13-15, Beijing, China. • Asia Pacific Airline Training Symposium - APATS 2024, 0-11 September, 2024, Singapore • Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 17 & 18 September - London • 2024 Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS) - September 17-18, 2024 - Fort Worth, TX • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • International Congress of Aerospace Medicine ICAM 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, 3 - 5 October 2024 • Aviation Health Conference back on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th October 2024 • 2024 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition - Oct. 22-24 (Vegas) • Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore Curt Lewis