Flight Safety Information - September 16, 2024 No. 184 In This Issue : Incident: Horizon B734 near Athens on Sep 14th 2024, cracked windshield : Incident: KLM B738 at Amsterdam on Sep 13th 2024, unsafe gear : Incident: Qantas A332 at Perth on Sep 15th 2024, blew up runway surface on departure : Incident: Cathay Pacific A333 at Shanghai on Sep 13th 2024, hot brakes after departure : Accident: Alaska B738 over Pacific on Sep 12th 2024, fumes on board : California man arrested after allegedly kicking, trying to choke flight attendants : Boom’s supersonic test aircraft XB-1 makes third flight : FAA confirms the Dominican Republic’s category 1 status following rigorous aviation safety audit : United Airlines Will Offer Free Wi-Fi On Flights In 2025 Using SpaceX’s Starlink : NBA Strikes Airbus Deal for 13 Planes, Delta to Operate Flights : Ryanair may get five fewer planes by next summer due to Boeing strike, CEO says : Graduate Research Survey : This September, let's end childhood cancer. Together. : Calendar of Events Incident: Horizon B734 near Athens on Sep 14th 2024, cracked windshield An Air Horizont Boeing 737-400, registration 9H-MPW performing flight HT-6061 from Larnaca (Cyprus) to Bratislava (Slovakia) with 177 people on board, was enroute at FL320 about 130nm northeast of Athens (Greece) when the crew decided to divert to Athens due to a cracked windshield. The aircraft burned off fuel and landed safely in Athens about one hour later. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 5.5 hours, then departed again, climbed to FL300 enroute and reached Bratislava with a delay of about 7 hours. The aircraft is still on the ground in Bratislava about 21 hours after landing there. https://avherald.com/h?article=51dba21f&opt=0 Incident: KLM B738 at Amsterdam on Sep 13th 2024, unsafe gear A KLM Boeing 737-800, registration PH-BXA performing flight KL-1316 from Warsaw (Poland) to Amsterdam (Netherlands), was on final approach to Amsterdam's runway 36R when the crew initiated a go around due to an unsafe gear indication. The aircraft climbed to 2000 feet, positioned for another approach to Amsterdam's runway 06 and landed without further incident about 20 minutes later. A passenger reported the aircraft departed Warsaw with delay due to some malfunction. On approach to Amsterdam the captain aborted the landing due to problems with the landing gear. After the gear became operational the aircraft landed without further incident with emergency services on stand by. The aircraft was towed to the apron. https://avherald.com/h?article=51db9e76&opt=0 Incident: Qantas A332 at Perth on Sep 15th 2024, blew up runway surface on departure A Qantas Airbus A330-200, registration VH-EBD performing flight QF-71 from Perth,WA (Australia) to Singapore (Singapore), was in the initial acceleration for takeoff from Perth's runway 03 when parts of the new surface of the runway were blown off. The aircraft continued takeoff and landed safely in Singapore about 4:50 hours later. The runway remained in use, the next approach continued for a safe landing. The airport reported the runway remained partly operational after pavement damage was detected following the departure of an aircraft. Pavement Maintenance works were underway. https://avherald.com/h?article=51db82bb&opt=0 Incident: Cathay Pacific A333 at Shanghai on Sep 13th 2024, hot brakes after departure A Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300, registration B-LAB performing flight CX-341 from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hong Kong (China), was climbing through about 6100 meters (FL200) when the crew decided to return to Hongqiao after observing the brake temperatures were increasing after becoming airborne. The aircraft landed safely back on Shanghai's runway 18L about 45 minutes after departure. Following inspection and repair the aircraft was able to depart again after about 3.5 hours after landing back and reached Hong Kong with a delay of about 6 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=51db007a&opt=0 Accident: Alaska B738 over Pacific on Sep 12th 2024, fumes on board An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N533AS performing flight AS-810 from Lihue,HI to Seattle,WA (USA) with 119 people on board, was enroute at FL350 about 250nm northeast of Lihue when the crew decided to turn back and divert to Honolulu,HI (USA) due to fumes on board causing nausea and difficulties in coordination to the flight attendants. The aircraft landed safely on Honolulu's runway 08L about 45 minutes later. The remainder of the flight was cancelled. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Honolulu for about 16 hours, then positioned to Seattle as flight AS-9801 and is still on the ground in Seattle about 32 hours after landing in Seattle. Honolulu's emergency services reported they treated four flight attendants of flight AS-810 at the airport, who felt nausea and coordination difficulties following an unknown smell on board of their aircraft. The four flight attendants were subsequently taken to a hospital. https://avherald.com/h?article=51daf6e5&opt=0 California man arrested after allegedly kicking, trying to choke flight attendants Federal authorities have arrested an Alameda County man after he allegedly assaulted flight attendants while traveling from Orange County to San Francisco, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Charles Angel Salva, 30, of Fremont, was on a Frontier Airlines flight from John Wayne Airport to San Francisco International Airport on Monday when, authorities say, he pulled down an oxygen mask from the overhead compartment shortly after takeoff and began yelling obscenities at flight attendants. “We are all going to hell,” he said, according to a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office. “This airplane is going down!” He then allegedly grabbed at passengers and ran to the back of the plane as flight attendants tried to restrain him. Passengers helped restrain Salva using a seat belt after he broke out of flex cuffs. Salva attempted to choke a flight attendant and kicked another approximately six times in the leg, causing bruising and swelling, according to federal officials. The affidavit also alleges that Salva said he was going to kill everybody. The flight diverted to Ontario International Airport in San Bernardino County, as flight attendants did not feel safe to trying to put Salva back in his seat. Read more: 'Every parent's worst nightmare': Teen who was sexually assaulted by passenger sues Delta Air Lines A passenger later told officials that Salva appeared claustrophobic and seemed like he wanted to get off the plane. Salva was arrested Wednesday and is charged with interference with flight crew members and attendants, according to the U.S. attorney's office. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. https://www.yahoo.com/news/california-man-arrested-allegedly-kicking-110036614.html Boom’s supersonic test aircraft XB-1 makes third flight Boom’s supersonic demonstrator aircraft XB-1 has completed its third flight on September 13, at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, California. The cadence of test flights is increasing and Boom plans for XB-1 to perform a supersonic test flight before the end of the year. During last week’s flight, which was piloted by Chief Test Pilot Tristan “Geppetto” Brandenburg the team continued to test key systems and performance as they systematically expand the flight envelope. Geppetto, took XB-1 to the maximum pitch and yaw attitudes and the testing was done at a safe, higher altitude to ensure there were no unexpected handling qualities. The team also checked the performance of the environmental control system (ECS), which controls the temperature and pressurization of the cockpit. This test is to ensure that the ECS is functioning as designed before XB-1 goes to higher altitudes, where it is colder and the pressure is lower. The landing gear was extended and retracted at higher speeds than its previous flight (215 knots), marking the second of three steps working up to the maximum safe speed for raising and lowering the gear, which is 225 knots. Additionally, the team continued testing of the stability augmentation system, which was demonstrated during the second flight. The XB-1 flight test program continues to progress while systematically expanding the flight envelope to confirm its performance and handling qualities through and beyond Mach 1. The sequencing of test flights will increase through this next phase of testing with a total of approximately 10 flights before reaching supersonic speeds. Just weeks after XB-1’s inaugural flight, Boom secured the first-ever Special Flight Authorization (SFA) to Exceed Mach 1 from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). XB-1 test flights will continue to be conducted in the R-2508 Complex and supersonic operations will occur in the Black Mountain Supersonic Corridor and in a portion of the Bell X-1 Supersonic Corridor within the R-2515 airspace, which has been used extensively for research and military supersonic aeronautical operations. The XB-1 demonstrator is providing the foundation for the design and development of Overture, Boom’s supersonic airliner. XB-1 uses digitally-optimized aerodynamics, carbon fiber composites, advanced supersonic engine intakes and an augmented reality vision system for take-off and landing visibility. Two decades after Concorde’s retirement, the first flights of XB-1 mark the return of a civil supersonic aircraft to the skies and pave the way for the revival of mainstream supersonic travel onboard Overture. https://www.aerospacetestinginternational.com/videos/booms-supersonic-test-aircraft-xb-1-makes-third-flight.html FAA confirms the Dominican Republic’s category 1 status following rigorous aviation safety audit Santo Domingo.- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States has reaffirmed the Dominican Republic’s Category 1 status after a thorough safety audit. Lawrence Fields, Executive Director of the FAA’s Flight Standards Service, presented the final compliance document to Igor Rodríguez Durán, Director of the Dominican Civil Aviation Institute (IDAC). The document certifies that the Dominican Republic continues to meet the obligations of the Chicago Convention and international aviation safety standards within the agreed deadlines, thus maintaining its Category 1 status after successfully passing the operational safety inspection. The document, delivered through the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, notes that the country’s aviation system underwent the required audit to review compliance as part of the International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program of the FAA. It highlights the significant efforts made by the Dominican Republic’s operational safety oversight system, which produced the positive results now being celebrated. “We have determined that the Dominican Republic complies with the requirements and standards of the Chicago Convention and its annexes for civil aviation safety supervision. Based on the corrective actions taken by IDAC to date, the IASA category for the Dominican Republic will continue to be listed as Category 1,” stated Fields in the letter sent to the Dominican government. In response, IDAC Director Igor Rodríguez, as the Dominican government’s representative, reiterated the commitment made by President Luis Abinader and IDAC to continue fully complying with international civil aviation requirements. “It is important to highlight the efforts of Tourism Minister David Collado and the responsible personnel within IDAC’s various areas that contributed to achieving this certification. This creates an excellent environment for the Dominican civil aviation sector,” Rodríguez noted. Fields emphasized in his statement that the evaluation activity regarding the Dominican Republic has concluded, and that the U.S. government will continue to monitor the country’s compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) safety standards. “We appreciate the positive way IDAC worked with the FAA on this matter. IDAC has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring effective oversight of the Dominican Republic’s aviation safety system. We look forward to working with you in the future,” Fields added. In mid-August, President Luis Abinader praised the results of the FAA audit and the country’s ability to maintain Category 1 status after passing the safety inspection and meeting operational safety standards. “With this certification, we hope to see more Dominican airlines traveling and competing for routes to the United States. The government is committed to fully supporting these airlines,” stated the President. https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2024/09/15/faa-confirms-the-dominican-republics-category-1-status-following-rigorous-aviation-safety-audit/ United Airlines Will Offer Free Wi-Fi On Flights In 2025 Using SpaceX’s Starlink Topline United Airlines will be equipping its planes with free in-flight Wi-Fi using SpaceX’s Starlink internet service next year, the airline announced Thursday, becoming the latest airline to offer complimentary internet service. United will start testing SpaceX’s Starlink service in early 2025 before expanding to more flights later in the year, the airline said. The service will be free for all passengers aboard the airline’s more than 1,000 planes and allow for multiple devices to be connected at once, according to United. The Federal Aviation Administration will have to approve SpaceX’s Starlink equipment before it can be equipped on United’s planes, according to the Wall Street Journal. Key Background SpaceX has reached deals with other airlines to provide internet service on flights in the U.S., including Hawaiian Airlines and the public charter carrier JSX, in addition to agreements with Qatar Airways, Air Baltic Corp., Air New Zealand and ZIPAIR Tokyo. More airlines have started offering complimentary Wi-Fi in recent years, as customers request higher-speed internet connections while traveling. JetBlue Airways, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines have offered or announced plans to offer free internet in recent years, and Delta Airlines—which has reportedly tested Starlink on some flights—rolled out a free internet service on some planes last year. Surprising Fact SpaceX CEO Elon Musk responded to criticism of United chief executive Scott Kirby by X users earlier this year, appearing to support posts that were skeptical of Scott’s plan to increase diversity among United pilots. Jojo, United’s chief customer officer, told the Journal that United was aware of Musk’s social media posts, though they continued with a partnership because of Starlink’s value to the airline’s customers. https://www.forbes.com/sites/tylerroush/2024/09/13/united-airlines-will-offer-free-wi-fi-on-flights-in-2025-using-spacexs-starlink/ NBA Strikes Airbus Deal for 13 Planes, Delta to Operate Flights The NBA is working to lease 13 Airbus planes to provide team travel as the league seeks to improve working conditions for players around the league. All of the VIP Airbus A321neo aircraft will be fitted with custom features and will be leased through SMBC Aviation Capital. The planes will feature custom lie-flat beds and humidifiers, adjustable lighting, and a cabin altitude equivalent of less than 6,000 feet- all with the goal of reducing player travel fatigue and improving performance. Delta Airlines, a longtime partner of the NBA, is expected to operate the jets. Player health and performance is driving the league to upgrade travel amenities in an era where NBA franchises closely monitor every possible variable tied to performance and injury reduction. Studies have suggested a link between long flights and diminished on-court team results soon after; in theory, higher-quality jets could reduce that effect, improving competitive balance. The NBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Corporate Jet Investor was first to report the news. An Airbus A321neo can fit 244 passengers in “a higher-density arrangement,” the company’s website says. The planes will hold NBA players, coaches, staffers and equipment. In the past, the NBA has used retrofitted former commercial airplanes for player travel, but those have comfort limitations. To help combat the toll on players riding cross-country flights, the league has made an effort to reduce road back-to-backs. Not every team is expected to be in the rotation of clubs using the VIP Airbus A321neo aircraft. Several organizations, including the Dallas Mavericks, travel with their own private jets. Long-distance logistics have also been top-of-mind in the WNBA, which partnered with Delta Airlines teams to provide a league-wide chartered flight system for the first time. https://www.sportico.com/leagues/basketball/2024/nba-jet-deal-with-airbus-to-feature-13-delta-operated-plane-1234797355/ Ryanair may get five fewer planes by next summer due to Boeing strike, CEO says DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ryanair Group CEO Michael O'Leary said on Saturday a prolonged Boeing workers' strike may cut the number of aircraft it receives by next summer to 20 from an anticipated 25. O'Leary said his low-cost Irish airline, one of Boeing's largest customers, was supposed to receive 30 737 MAX aircraft before summer 2025 but Boeing's operational issues had already brought that number down to 25. But now, with this week's Boeing's workers' strike further threatening the airplane maker's turnaround, O'Leary said Ryanair might only receive 20 planes if the strike continues for three to four weeks. "I have no doubt that Boeing will fix this strike," O'Leary told Ireland's Newstalk Radio. "It may take a number of weeks." Workers have been protesting all week in Boeing factories in the Seattle area that assemble Boeing's MAX, 777 and 767 jets. Boeing has pledged to grow output by the end of the year, after wrestling with supply chain snags and operating a slower assembly line since a Jan. 5 in-flight blowout of a door plug on a 737 MAX 9 jet that heightened regulatory scrutiny. O'Leary said it would likely take Boeing two to three years to get back on track. Boeing and union negotiators will return to the bargaining table early next week as the two sides try to end a strike. https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/ryanair-may-five-fewer-planes-130301250.html Graduate Research Survey I am a former United States Air Force aviator with over 30 years of flying experience, now pursuing a Ph.D. in Aviation at Saint Louis University. My research focuses on Human Factors, particularly sleep and fatigue. My journey in aviation has been defined by a commitment to excellence, service before self, and integrity towards a greater good. For my dissertation, I am studying pilots' likelihood to report sleep disorders in Part 121 commercial aviation operations—a critical issue affecting both pilot health and aviation safety. My Research This anonymous survey is designed to be completed in 10-12 minutes and aims to build a predictive model to better understand situational factors influencing pilots' reporting behaviors. Your participation could contribute to long-term safety improvements in the aviation industry, including enhanced fatigue countermeasures and better sleep disorder screening. The survey is entirely confidential, with no way to trace responses back to individuals, and has been approved by the Saint Louis University Institutional Review Board (IRB). Thank you for considering taking part in this important research. Survey Link: https://slu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_agHdxCbY0E1D3Ho CALENDAR OF EVENTS • Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 17 & 18 September - London • 2024 Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS) - September 17-18, 2024 - Fort Worth, TX • Safety is not a Secret - September 27-28, 2024 - Seminar, JUNGLE AVIATION AND RELAY SERVICE • 2024 ISASI - Lisbon, Portugal - September 30 to October 4, 2024 • DEFENCE AVIATION SAFETY 2024 - 2 OCTOBER - 3 OCTOBER 2024 - LONDON • 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 • Safeskies Australia Conference, Canberra Australia - 16th and 17th of October 2024 - www.safeskiesaustralia.org • 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