Flight Safety Information - December 2, 2025 No. 239 In This Issue : Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 at Nador on Nov 30th 2025, runway excursion : Incident: United B763 at Amsterdam on Nov 30th 2025, engine deice problem : Airbus A321-271NX - Lightning Strike Inflight (Istanbul) : U.S., India Officials Spar Over 787 Crash Investigation : A 13-hour Delta Air Lines flight from China to Detroit diverted to Japan after a mechanical issue : Air India issues clarification on A320 aircraft that flew eight times with an expired airworthiness certificate : United Airlines Boeing 737-700 Returns To Memphis After Windshield Cracks : How black boxes became key to solving airplane crashes : Aircraft deliveries hit 7 year high as Airbus and Boeing push toward 2025 targets : UPRTA International to Host “2025 UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide” : Calendar of Event Incident: Arabia Maroc A320 at Nador on Nov 30th 2025, runway excursion An Air Arabia Maroc Airbus A320-200, registration CN-NMH performing flight 3O-122 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Nador (Morocco), landed on Nador's runway 08 at 22:29L (21:29Z) but veered off the runway and came to a stop on soft ground. According to information The Aviation Herald received the aircraft was configured fully and touched down at about 130 KIAS and went off paved surface at about 100 KIAS damaging the right hand main tyres in the process. The aircraft is still on the ground in Nador about 24 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5307e75f&opt=0 Incident: United B763 at Amsterdam on Nov 30th 2025, engine deice problem A United Boeing 767-300, registration N675UA performing flight UA-909 from Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA) to Amsterdam (Netherlands) with 74 people on board, was descending through about FL200 towards Amsterdam's runway 18R when the crew declared PAN PAN reporting they had problems with their engine (PW4060) de-icing system and requested emergency services on standby. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on runway 18R about 18 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground in Amsterdam for about 26 hours, then departed for the return flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=5307b5fa&opt=0 Airbus A321-271NX - Lightning Strike Inflight (Istanbul) Date: Monday 1 December 2025 Time: 01:10 LT Type: Airbus A321-271NX Owner/operator: Pegasus Airlines Registration: TC-RBA MSN: 8936 Year of manufacture: 2019 Engine model: P&W PW1133G-JM Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW/LTFJ) - T rkiye Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW/LTFJ) Destination airport: Saint Petersburg-Pulkovo Airport (LED/ULLI) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Pegasus Airlines flight PC398, an Airbus A321-251NX, was struck twice by lightning after takeoff from runway 24R at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). The aircraft entered a holding pattern for around 2 hours before returning back for a safe landing. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/562894 U.S., India Officials Spar Over 787 Crash Investigation Relations between American and Indian officials investigating the crash of an Air India 787 earlier this year have been tense, according to a new report, and there may be considerable daylight between the two sides over the cause of the disaster. The Wall Street Journal reported Friday that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Indian authorities disagreed on where to examine the aircraft's flight recorders and the process for examining evidence. The Americans were also frustrated by the alleged slow pace of data recovery efforts. At one point, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy threatened to withdraw American support for the probe unless her agency's demands were met, according to the newspaper. As of this month, the NTSB and FAA, and India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) are continuing to collaborate on the investigation, though no new information has been released through official channels in months. A preliminary report from the AAIB issued in July revealed that the 787's fuel control switches had been turned from "RUN" to "CUTOFF," which starved both engines of fuel and reduced their thrust. The document did not explain why the switches were moved to the cutoff position. Black Box Standoff According to the Journal, Indian officials wanted to examine the aircraft's flight recorders at a laboratory in the town of Korwa in northern India. The Americans thought the analysis would take place in either New Delhi or Washington, D.C., and were reluctant to send specialists to Korwa due to the risk of terrorism in the region. Homendy allegedly blocked the plan and had State Department employees intercept NTSB investigators at the airport in Delhi so they would not board a military flight to Korwa arranged by the Indian government. Homendy then issued an ultimatum-if Indian investigators did not pick between New Delhi or Washington within 48 hours, she would end U.S. support for the investigation. The Indian government settled on New Delhi. U.S. and Indian experts also did not see eye to eye on the overall process for examining and sharing evidence. The Indians conducted some aspects of the investigation sequentially, the Journal stated, while the Americans wanted a broader, faster review to determine if there was a problem with the 787, which would have posed a risk to the international flying public. It also took an unusually long time for Indian examiners to produce a flight recorder readout. "We're champing at the bit to get the data," an FAA official in the U.S. reportedly said at the time. ‘We're Not a Third-World Country' Differences between the U.S. and Indian investigators may have as much to do with culture and national pride as procedure. The Journal report suggests the AAIB did not want an outside organization taking control of the probe or undermining its authority. Agency chief G.V.G. Yugandhar reportedly told American investigators "we're not a third-world country" and "we can do anything you all can do," according to people familiar with the discussions. Flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from the city of Ahmedabad. The 787 failed to climb and struck the campus of a medical college, killing a total of 260 people, including all but one of the flight's passengers. According to the Journal's report, U.S. and Indian experts disagree on where responsibility for the crash ultimately lies. Figures in the U.S. government and the American aerospace sector privately believe one of the pilots deliberately crashed the airplane, while Indian authorities and pilots associations have avoided talking about potential pilot culpability. Data from the flight recorders and other instruments reportedly shows that, as the 787 lost altitude, the first officer panicked and attempted to pull up on the aircraft's yoke, while the senior pilot-suspected of cutting off fuel to the engines-did not. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/u-india-officials-spar-over-210507985.html A 13-hour Delta Air Lines flight from China to Detroit diverted to Japan after a mechanical issue A Delta Air Lines flight from China to Detroit diverted to Japan. It touched down in Tokyo-Haneda about two hours after taking off. Local media reported that it had hydraulic issues. A Delta Air Lines flight from China to the US had to divert to Japan due to mechanical issues. Friday's Flight 388 took off from Shanghai at 5:46 p.m. and was supposed to land in Detroit some 13 hours later. However, less than two hours into the journey, the Airbus A350 began descending off the coast of Japan as it changed course for Tokyo. It touched down at Tokyo Haneda Airport around two hours after taking off. An airline spokesperson told Business Insider the crew "followed procedures to divert to Tokyo-Haneda after reporting a mechanical issue." Japanese officials told local media that the plane had suffered from hydraulic issues, which could impact key components like the landing gear. "The aircraft landed safely, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans," the Delta spokesperson said. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew." It's unclear how much of a delay passengers faced as they appeared to be rerouted via alternative flights. Data from Flightradar24 shows that the A350, registered as N512DN, remained in Tokyo for another 26 hours. It was repositioned to Seattle, one of Delta's hubs, before continuing on to Detroit. On Saturday, the plane flew its first regularly scheduled commercial flight since the incident, heading to Seoul. Flight 388 wasn't the only long-haul Delta flight that diverted last week. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/13-hour-delta-air-lines-154928978.html Air India issues clarification on A320 aircraft that flew eight times with an expired airworthiness certificate Air India clarified reports of operating an aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, stating it reported the issue to the DGCA and suspended the involved personnel. An internal investigation is ongoing. The DGCA noted the aircraft was grounded. Air India responds to safety concerns. Tata Group-owned carrier Air India has issued a clarification following a report alleging that the airline has operated an aircraft on several occasions without a valid airworthiness certificate. In a statement to Mint, an Air India spokesperson said that an incident involving one of our aircraft operating without an airworthiness review certificate is regrettable. “As soon as this came to our notice, it was duly reported to the DGCA, and all personnel associated with the decision have been placed under suspension, pending further review. We have initiated a comprehensive internal investigation and are fully cooperating with the regulator.” The airline assured that Air India remains “unwavering in its commitment” to maintaining the highest standards of operational integrity and safety, and any deviation from mandated compliance protocols is treated with utmost seriousness and is unacceptable to the organisation. The clarification comes after a report by The Economic Times, citing people familiar with the matter, stated that a 164-seat Airbus A320, with an expired airworthiness licence, flew eight times on 24 and 25 November. The issue was discovered when an engineer identified it, and the plane was taken out of service. DGCA launches probe Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), in a statement issued on Tuesday, acknowledged that it was notified about an Air India aircraft operating on an expired ARC for eight sectors. “An investigation is underway, and the aircraft has been grounded.” “DGCA has instituted an investigation and instructed the operator to ground the aircraft. The ARC process is in progress. Concerned personnel have been de-rostered with immediate effect pending investigation. Air India, on the instructions of DGCA, is carrying out an internal investigation to identify deficiencies in their system and put corrective measures in place to prevent such failures from occurring in future,” the agency said in the statement. The incident will likely be classified as a Level 1 violation by the DGCA, indicating a serious safety concern, marking the latest error affecting Air India’s flight operations, the ET report said. Notably, the incident comes months after the Air India plane crash of 12 June in Ahmedabad that left 260 people dead. What is an airworthiness certificate? An airworthiness certificate is issued by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation, certifying that an aircraft is safe to operate. It must be renewed annually after the aircraft has passed all essential maintenance and safety inspections. Flying an aircraft without a valid certificate is illegal and poses serious safety risks, potentially leading to substantial penalties for the operator and responsible officials. Trouble for Air India Following the latest incident, Air India may also face trouble with lessors, as operating with an expired licence can lead to the invalidation of insurance coverage, the report said. “By operating an aircraft which was not certified to be airworthy, the carrier has risked flight safety and (that of) all the passengers. This is a serious violation and not expected from a mainline carrier like Air India,” a government official told the news portal. Earlier, the airline’s top officials, including chief executive Campbell Wilson, received show-cause notices for operating multiple aircraft components that had exceeded their lifespan. Some months ago, the regulator suspended the head of the airline's engineering quality department, who is responsible for audits, ensuring the airline complies with all standards. https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/air-india-issues-clarification-on-a320-aircraft-that-flew-eight-times-with-an-expired-airworthiness-certificate-11764670975619.html United Airlines Boeing 737-700 Returns To Memphis After Windshield Cracks A United Airlines flight departing on the morning of December 1, 2025, was forced to return to its origin airport. As posted by Flightradar 24 Flight Spotters on Facebook, United flight UA1126 was departing from Memphis en route to Chicago when the windshield cracked on the Boeing 737 operating the route. The crew halted their climb and proceeded to return to Memphis. The flight landed safely in Memphis and taxiied back to the gate. United allocated another aircraft to the flight, and it ended up departing several hours later. The aircraft, meanwhile, remains on the ground and will need repairs before it can reenter service. Simple Flying reached out to United Airlines for further information, but a representative was not immediately available for comment. A Cracked Windshield And A Diversion United Airlines flight UA1126 is a daily service between Memphis International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International. This flight number is also used on flights between Chicago and Newark, and from Newark to Tampa. On December 1, the leg from Memphis to Chicago was being operated by N14735, a 26-year-old Boeing 737-700. It's unknown how many passengers were onboard, but the jet has a capacity of 126 seats, and would require two pilots and three flight attendants. UA1126 departed Memphis at 7:34 am, only four minutes behind its scheduled departure time. It was scheduled to arrive at 9:26 am, with a block time of one hour and 56 minutes. As the aircraft was climbing through 13,000 feet, the windshield on the First Officer's side of the aircraft developed a crack. The severity of the damage is unknown, likewise whether this was an issue with the aircraft itself or the result of a collision with a bird or an object. The crew declared an emergency and began descending while turning back towards Memphis International Airport. UA1126 landed on Memphis's Runway 36R after roughly half an hour in the air. The flight was able to taxi to the gate on its own power, and no injuries were reported. The Aftermath Of The Incident UA1126 landed safely at Memphis International Airport and taxiied to its gate. Passengers were deplaned, and United sourced a replacement 737. The new aircraft was N81449, a 179-seat Boeing 737-900ER. The aircraft was coming into Memphis from Washington-Dulles, and as such, UA1126 wouldn't depart Memphis again until 2:04 pm. The aircraft arrived at Chicago-O'Hare at 3:25 pm, resulting in a roughly six-hour delay. Passengers were likely compensated for the delay, and United would have also needed to rebook connecting passengers on alternative flights. As Chicago-O'Hare is United's largest hub, this wouldn't have been too difficult for the carrier. N14735 is still on the ground after the incident. A crack in the windshield could potentially lead to a pressurization issue, and as such, the aircraft will need to be repaired before reentering service. United will either need to ship replacement parts to Memphis for the repairs, or the 737 will need to be ferried to a nearby maintenance base (likely Chicago-O'Hare). Due to the pressurization issue, N14735 will need to be flown at a lower altitude if the carrier decides to fly it to another facility. Perhaps the most obvious problem with a cracked windshield is that this can greatly reduce visibility for the impacted pilot (in this case, the First Officer). However, airline pilots primarily rely on instruments to fly. Perhaps more importantly, a cracked windshield can cause depressurization in the cabin. United has not confirmed the extent of the damage to the windshield, but a crack in the windshield has the potential to spread and cause more damage to the glass. Not only would this increase the rate of depressurization, but damage to the windshield could injure the pilots. In October 2025, a United 737 collided with an object in midair, causing the windshield to shatter. It is believed that a weather balloon struck the aircraft, and this caused glass shards to fly into the cockpit, causing minor injuries to one of the pilots. https://simpleflying.com/united-airlines-boeing-737-700-returns-memphis-windshield-cracks/ How black boxes became key to solving airplane crashes Why black boxes are crucial to solving aviation accidents Key Points • Flight data recorders and cockpit voice recorders are nearly indestructible. • The recorders are widely referred to as the “black box” and are crucial to aviation accident investigations. • Future advancements of these recorders could include real-time data streaming. • In this article After the search for survivors and recovery of victims in tragic aviation accidents — like that of a UPS cargo plane shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky last month — comes the search for flight data and a cockpit voice recorder often called the “black box.” Every commercial plane has them. Aerospace giants GE Aerospace and Honeywell are among a few companies that design them to be nearly indestructible so they can help investigators understand the cause of a crash. “They’re very crucial because it’s one of the few sources of information that tells us what happened leading up to the accident,” said Chris Babcock, branch chief of the vehicle recorder division at the National Transportation Safety Board. “We can get a lot of information from parts and from the airplane.” Commercial aircraft have become very complex. A Boeing 787 Dreamliner records thousands of different pieces of information. In the case of the Air India crash in June, data revealed both engine fuel switches were put into a cutoff position within one second of each other. A voice recording from inside the cockpit captured the pilots discussing the cutoffs. “All of those parameters today can have a very huge impact on the investigation,” said former NTSB member John Goglia. “It’s our goal to to provide information back to our investigators who are on scene as quick as we can to help move the investigation forward.” This crucial data can also help prevent future accidents. A crash can cost airlines or plane manufacturers hundreds of millions of dollars and leave victims’ families with a lifetime of grief. But in some circumstances black boxes were destroyed or never found. Experts say further developments such as cockpit video recorders and real-time data streaming are needed. “The technology is there. Crash worthy cockpit video recorders are already being installed in a lot of helicopters and other types of airplanes, but they’re not required,” said Jeff Guzzetti, aviation analyst and former accident investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration and NTSB. “There’s privacy and cost issues involving cockpit video recorders but the NTSB has been recommending that the FAA require them for years now.” https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/30/black-box-airplane-crashes.html Aircraft deliveries hit 7 year high as Airbus and Boeing push toward 2025 targets New ADS data shows aircraft deliveries reaching their strongest October since 2018, while Airbus and Boeing continue to track toward ambitious 2025 output goals. Global aircraft deliveries rose to their highest October level since 2018, with manufacturers handing over 132 aircraft during the month, according to new ADS data. This represents a 67% increase year on year and the second strongest October ever recorded, narrowly behind the 138 achieved in 2018. Orders were quieter. ADS recorded 127 aircraft orders in October, down 12% on the same month in 2024 and the lowest October total since 2021. Widebody demand slipped to just nine orders, a 47% decline year on year, with ADS noting that some customers appeared to be holding announcements for the Dubai Airshow. ADS orders and deliveries 2025 Data: ADS The global backlog remains substantial at 16,133 aircraft. At current production rates, this equates to more than 16 years of work and is valued by ADS at between £225 billion and £260 billion to the UK economy. Narrowbodies make up 13,314 of those aircraft, while the widebody backlog has grown 19% year on year to 2,819 aircraft. ADS value to UK of commercial aircraft orders 2025 Data: ADS Read more: Did Airbus or Boeing really win the Dubai Airshow? Airbus and Boeing deliver over 1,000 aircraft as they press towards delivery goals ADS does not break out OEM totals, but the combined figures indicate that Airbus continued to dominate single aisle deliveries in October, while Boeing contributed a stronger mix of widebodies. The October spike reflects two clear trends. Widebody deliveries rose 109% year on year, driven primarily by 787, 777F and A350 activity, and single aisle deliveries increased 60% as A320neo and 737 MAX production continued to stabilise. ADS orders and deliveries of commercial aircraft in october 2025 Data: ADS By the end of October, manufacturers had jointly delivered 1,092 aircraft in 2025, which is 25% higher than the same point in 2024. The year-to-date trajectory aligns with ADS’s high growth scenario of 1,340 deliveries by year end, although this relies on the historic pattern of fourth quarter backloading remaining intact. ADS delivery forecast 2025 Data: ADS Airbus continues to work toward phased rate increases on the A320neo family, although engine availability remains a constraint. Boeing has benefited from stable 787 output and continued demand for 777F aircraft, while the 777X programme remained focused on flight test, production readiness and certification milestones across 2025. Read more: Airbus vs Boeing – Which planemaker is more likely to hit its 2025 delivery target? Why are so many aircraft being ordered without engine selections? One notable feature of the ADS dataset is the growing divergence between aircraft orders and engine orders. In October, ADS recorded 232 engine orders, and not all of these would have been tied to the 127 aircraft orders for the month. Across 2025, the lack of engine selection has been an ongoing trend as more customers, particularly lessors, are holding out on making powerplant orders. Several factors are driving this behaviour. Engine supply remains the tightest part of the production system, with both LEAP and GTF deliveries lagging airframe output, and shop visit turnaround times still elevated. Keeping the engine choice open allows customers to select the more reliable or more available option closer to the delivery date. There is also continuing uncertainty around long-term reliability and maintenance costs. Airlines are seeking clarity on the impact of the PW1100G powder metal inspections and early LEAP durability issues before committing to long-term service programmes that will run for two decades or more. Lessors are the most active users of this strategy. Many large leasing orders are placed before a future operator is secured, and engine choice has a major influence on lease rates and residual values. Deferring the selection allows lessors to configure each aircraft in line with customer preference and market conditions. This widening gap between airframe orders and engine selections is likely to persist until engine reliability stabilises and supply chains ease across the single aisle segment. https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/commercial-aircraft-deliveries-airbus-boeing/ UPRTA International to Host “2025 UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide” Aviation leaders unite to eliminate the Loss of Control In-Flight threat The Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Association, International (UPRTA International), is proud to announce its annual UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide, taking place December 17, 2025. This single-day virtual event will feature leading experts from across the aviation industry to present and share best practices, new strategies, and the association’s strategic plan to save lives by eliminating the Loss of Control In-Flight (LOC-I) threat. LOC-I: Aviation’s Most Persistent Killer Loss of Control In-Flight remains the leading cause of fatalities across all segments of aviation, a tragic reality that has persisted for over a decade. • According to Boeing’s annual statistical summary, LOC-I tops the list of fatal airline accidents worldwide. • In the past decade alone, LOC-I accidents involving airliners have claimed 428 lives. • AOPA’s Air Safety Institute reports that 40% of general aviation accidents are attributed to LOC-I. • In general aviation, a fatal LOC-I accident occurs once every four days. To confront this global safety challenge, the aviation community has developed Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) programs—a proven strategy that strengthens pilots’ manual flying skills and equips them to recover safely from unexpected in-flight upset events. A Global Commitment to Safety “At UPRTA International, we drive upset training excellence in aviation to save lives globally,” said UPRTA International President Paul “BJ” Ransbury. “Guided by our core values of safety, leadership, empowerment, and commitment, we’re uniting the industry to set new standards, deliver best practices, and ensure every pilot is prepared to prevent Loss of Control InFlight — protecting lives on every flight.” UPRTA International Executive Vice President of Operations Dave Carbaugh added, “Loss of Control In-Flight remains aviation’s most persistent and deadly threat. The UPRT Safety Summit will give pilots and operators critical insight into how global best practices are evolving beyond compliance — to truly save lives — and how UPRTA is helping shape the future of upset prevention and recovery.” Summit Highlights The 2025 UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide will feature presentations from UPRTA International’s senior leadership and expert working groups representing multiple sectors, including: • Flight Department – Business aviation, government, and military • General Aviation – Owner-pilot associations and individual pilots • Safety Management Systems – Risk management, safety profiles, operational manuals • Science – Human factors and data-driven safety analysis • Regulatory – Airlines and flight schools Registration Information The 2025 UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide is free to attend and will begin at 14:00Z on Thursday, December 17, 2025. Register here: http://bit.ly/2025uprta About UPRTA, International UPRTA International is a nonprofit association dedicated to saving lives with the mission of eliminating Loss of Control In-Flight accidents through the global adoption of comprehensive Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) programs. By uniting industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, operators, and training experts, UPRTA International drives the development and implementation of best practices that enhance flight safety and protect both pilots and the traveling public. For more information, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8HMjiHwr2s About the UPRT Safety Summit for Pilots Worldwide UPRTA International hosts the UPRT Safety Summit annually to provide pilots, instructors, operators, and regulators with direct access to world-leading experts in upset prevention and recovery. The Summit focuses on the LOC-I threat and equips participants with life-saving knowledge, practical training strategies, and regulatory insights to advance aviation safety worldwide. Media Contact: Stuart “Kipp” Lau Executive Vice President – Industry Liaison Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Association, International email: slau@uprta.org Tel: (502) 649-3211 Website: www.UPRTA.org Upset Prevention and Recovery Training Association, International World Headquarters: 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Suite 900, South Building | Washington, DC 20004 www.uprta.org CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis