Flight Safety Information - December 24, 2025 No. 254 In This Issue : Incident: Endeavor CRJ7 at Charlotte on Dec 22nd 2025, engine shut down in flight : Incident: Sky A20N at Santiago on Dec 22nd 2025, engine failure : Incident: Seychelles A20N enroute on Dec 22nd 2025, first officer incapacitated : Dassault Falcon 50 - Fatal Accident (Turkey) : Delta Air Lines Agrees To Pay Nearly $80 Million To Settle Jet Fuel Dump Lawsuit : Black box recovered from Libyan general's crashed plane : Pakistan Airlines Finally Sold for Around $500 Million in New Privatization Deal : AerCap Delivers First of Ten New Airbus A321neo Aircraft to Thai Airways : Do aircraft engines need antifreeze in winter? : FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation : Calendar of Events Incident: Endeavor CRJ7 at Charlotte on Dec 22nd 2025, engine shut down in flight An Endeavor Canadair CRJ-700 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N641CA performing flight DL-4827 from Charlotte,NC to Atlanta,GA (USA) with 68 people on board, was climbing out of Charlotte's runway 36C when the crew stopped the climb at about 6500 feet, kind of declared emergency and reported engine #2 was shut down. The aircraft returned to Charlotte for a safe landing on runway 36C about 30 minutes after departure. A replacement CRJ-700 registration N907XJ reached Atlanta with a delay of about 4 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=5319f065&opt=0 Incident: Sky A20N at Santiago on Dec 22nd 2025, engine failure A Sky Airlines Airbus A320-200N, registration CC-AZQ performing flight H2-1820 from Santiago (Chile) to Buenos Aires Ezeiza,BA (Argentina), was climbing out of Santiago's runway 17R when the crew stopped the climb at about 7500 feet and decided to return to Santiago due to a problem with one of the engines (Leap). The aircraft landed safely on Santiago's runway 17L about 15 minutes after departure. The airline reported a technical indication related to an engine temperature increase prevention and detection system, after the related procedures were applied, the indication ceased. Chile's DGAC reported the crew declared Mayday due to an engine failure. https://avherald.com/h?article=5319d99c&opt=0 Incident: Seychelles A20N enroute on Dec 22nd 2025, first officer incapacitated An Air Seychelles Airbus A320-200N, registration S7-PTI performing flight HM-49 from Mahe Island (Seychelles) to Mauritius (Mauritius), was enroute at FL360 over the Indian Ocean when the first officer, pilot not flying, became unwell. The captain continued the flight to Mauritius for a safe landing on runway 14. The aircraft remained on the ground in Mauritius for about 8 hours before departing for the return flight and reaching Mahe Island with a delay of about 6:45 hours. The airline reported they chartered an aircraft to Mauritius to take a replacement crew there to operate the return flight. Passengers waiting for the return flight were given vouchers. https://avherald.com/h?article=5319d6bc&opt=0 \Dassault Falcon 50 - Fatal Accident (Turkey) Date: Tuesday 23 December 2025 Time: 20:44 Type: Dassault Falcon 50 Owner/operator: Harmony Jets Malta Registration: 9H-DFS MSN: 185 Fatalities: Fatalities: 8 / Occupants: 8 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Category: Accident Location: 2 km S of Haymana - Türkiye Phase: Initial climb Nature: Passenger - Non-Scheduled/charter/Air Taxi Departure airport: Ankara-Esenboga Airport (ESB/LTAC) Destination airport: Tripoli-Mitiga International Airport (MJI/HLLM) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Falcon 50 business jet, 9H-DFS, crashed almost 30 miinutes after takeoff from Ankara, Türkiye. The flight took off from Ankara Esenboğa Airport at 20:17, bound for Tripoli. A request for an emergency landing after electrcal isuues was received from the aircraft from near Haymana; however, contact with the aircraft could not be re-established afterward. There are eight passengers on board, including the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Armed Forces, General Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad. The aircraft reportedly crashed on Selamalmaz Hill, 2 kilometers south of Haymana Kesikkavak Village. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/564215 Delta Air Lines Agrees To Pay Nearly $80 Million To Settle Jet Fuel Dump Lawsuit Delta Air Lines has agreed to settle with victims represented in a class action lawsuit related to a January 2020 fuel dumping incident. As reported by Top Class Actions, the Atlanta-based carrier will pay $78.75 million to property owners and residents in the Los Angeles area affected by a flight that dumped fuel at a low altitude shortly after departing from Los Angeles International Airport. The flight in question, operated by a since-retired Boeing 777, had caused skin and lung irritation to nearly 60 people as a result of the crew's decision to dump fuel at a low altitude in preparation for a return to Los Angeles. The incident prompted an FAA investigation due to the fact that the aircraft dumped fuel over a populated area, which is not a routine procedure. Delta Air Lines has agreed to settle with the plaintiffs represented in a class action lawsuit against the carrier for a 2020 fuel-dumping incident, in which a Delta Boeing 777 jettisoned fuel over a populated area in Los Angeles. The plaintiffs allege that the fuel damaged properties and harmed residents as it was preparing to make an emergency return to LAX. The carrier will be paying $78.75 million while admitting no wrongdoing. Class members will be eligible to receive a cash payment based on the amount of fuel that fell in their area, as well as their property type. 67% of the settlement fund will be allocated for owner payments, while 33% will be designated for resident payments. Exact payments will vary depending on the number of claims. In addition, the settlement includes a joint declaration from experts. The declaration will include test results to determine whether the maximum amount that was dumped would be detectable and persist after the incident. The deadline for exclusion and objection is set for February 6, 2026, which is also the deadline for any claims. The final approval hearing is scheduled for May 18, 2026. On January 14, 2020, Delta flight DL89 was departing Los Angeles International Airport for a nonstop hop to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This service was being operated by N860DA, a Boeing 777-200ER delivered to Delta in 1999. The jet was powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent 800 engines and had 149 passengers along with 16 crew members for a total of 165 occupants. The aircraft experienced a compressor stall in its number two engine as it climbed over the Pacific Ocean, requiring a return to LAX. Controllers had asked the pilots if they needed to dump fuel, but the crew transmitted that it was not necessary. The crew requested to land at Runway 25R, the airport's longest runway, which would be necessary for an overweight landing. However, despite initially denying the need to dump fuel, the flight ended up jettisoning fuel while in the pattern. It's believed that DL89 dumped between 15,000 and 20,000 gallons (57,000 to 76,000 liters) of fuel, all of which was at low altitude over the city of Los Angeles. The flight flew over five elementary schools and a high school. First responders were called to treat the affected individuals, and a total of 56 people experienced minor skin and lung irritations. Delta retired its Boeing 777s in 2020 without regret, favoring cost-efficient Airbus jets. Here's why the move was strategic, not sentimental. Fuel dumps are common during emergencies, since an overweight landing can cause damage to the aircraft and potentially lead to a runway overrun. While it can be performed, pilots generally prefer to dump fuel instead. However, what's unusual is that the pilots initially declined to dump fuel, and later requested extra time to hold without confirming that they were dumping fuel. Fuel dumping is generally performed at higher altitudes over unpopulated areas in order to prevent the hazardous fuel from harming individuals on the ground. Dumping fuel at higher altitudes also allows it to atomize and dissipate before reaching the ground. The circumstances of the emergency also do not suggest that the flight was in a time-sensitive, critical situation. However, Delta Air Lines stated in court that the FAA has cleared the pilots of wrongdoing, although the agency's report on the incident has not been made public. https://simpleflying.com/delta-air-lines-pay-nearly-80-million-settle-jet-fuel-dump-lawsuit/ Black box recovered from Libyan general's crashed plane Turkish authorities found the cockpit voice recorder and black box from a private jet that crashed Wednesday killing the head of Libya's armed forces and his four aides. The Falcon 50 aircraft requested an emergency landing because of electrical failure minutes after it took off from the Turkish capital Ankara, but contact was lost, Turkish officials said. The plane was returning to Tripoli. The wreckage was located by Turkish security personnel in the Haymana district near Ankara. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters at the crash site that the plane's voice recorder and the flight data recorder (black box) had been recovered. "The examination and evaluation processes of these devices have been initiated," he said. Lieutenant General Mohammed al-Haddad and four other aides were returning to Tripoli after holding talks in Ankara with Turkish military officials. There were eight people aboard the plane including three crew members. Libya's Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah expressed "deep sadness and great sorrow" over the death of the army chief. Yerlikaya said the bodies were still at the crash site that covers approximately three square kilometres (one square mile), adding that a 22-member Libyan delegation including five relatives of the deceased had arrived in Ankara. "We pray for God's mercy upon those who lost their lives in this tragic accident and extend our condolences to their families," he added. A total of 408 personnel from the government's disaster agency AFAD, police and health services are at the scene, the minister said, while the real-time imagery from the area is being relayed by drones. Turkish officials said the Ankara prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the incident. -'May take months'- Tolga Tuzun Inan of Istanbul-based Bahcesehir University said a single electrical failure would not leave an aircraft completely dark. "When multiple triggering factors combine with meteorological conditions, such a situation may occur," he told the private NTV broadcaster. He said data from the black box would reveal what happened, adding the analysis process may take several months. Haddad had been the army's chief of general staff since August 2020 and was appointed by then-prime minister Fayez al-Sarraj. Libya is split between a UN-recognised government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Dbeibah, and commander Khalifa Haftar's administration in the east. The North African country has been divided since a NATO-backed revolt toppled and killed longtime leader Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Turkey has close ties with the UN-backed government in Tripoli, to which it provides economic and military support. But Ankara has recently also reached out to the rival administration in the east, with the head of Turkey's intelligence agency, Ibrahim Kalin, meeting with Haftar in Benghazi in August. https://www.iosconews.com/news/nation/article_4f1cf7ed-0f6f-59a9-b8a0-a12895a98738.html Pakistan Airlines Finally Sold for Around $500 Million in New Privatization Deal Ahead of the privatisation, the government assumed responsibility for PIA’s liabilities, which stood at Rs 654 billion. Pakistan has completed the privatisation of its national airline, selling Pakistan International Airlines (PK) for Rs 135 billion ($482 Million) after a competitive bidding process in Islamabad (ISB). The sale marks one of the largest transactions in Pakistan’s history and signals a decisive shift in aviation policy after years of financial losses and state support. Pakistan Airlines Sold for Around $500 Million in Landmark Privatization Deal Pakistan Sold PIA to Arif Habib The privatisation ceremony took place in Islamabad, where three pre-qualified bidders submitted sealed offers in a live televised process to ensure transparency. The participants included a consortium led by Arif Habib, Lucky Cement, and private airline Airblue. Initial bids placed Arif Habib at Rs 115 billion, ahead of Lucky Cement at Rs 105.5 billion and Airblue at Rs 26.5 billion. After the bids were revealed, the government announced a reference price of Rs 100 billion, allowing the two highest bidders to enter an open auction phase. During the final round, Arif Habib and Lucky Cement raised their offers incrementally. The contest ended when Arif Habib presented an unchallenged bid of Rs 135 billion, securing control of the airline. Ownership Structure and Investment Commitments The government initially offered a 75 percent stake in the airline. Under the agreed terms, the winning bidder will have 90 days to acquire the remaining 25 percent shareholding. Of the proceeds from the sale of the initial stake, 92.5 percent will be reinvested directly into the airline to support operational recovery and growth. The remaining 7.5 percent will be transferred to the federal government. In addition, the new investor is required to commit Rs 80 billion in fresh investment over the next five years. This condition is designed to stabilise the airline and modernise its operations. Government Role and Financial Reset Ahead of the privatisation, the government assumed responsibility for PIA’s liabilities, which stood at Rs 654 billion. This move was aimed at making the airline financially viable for potential investors. Senior government officials described the transaction as fully transparent and highlighted its scale during a federal cabinet briefing. The privatisation commission was credited for managing a process that restored investor confidence after a failed attempt last year. From Global Pioneer to Turnaround Target Pakistan International Airlines was once regarded as a global leader in commercial aviation. Over time, persistent mismanagement and operational decline eroded its reputation and financial stability. The successful sale reflects a strategic decision to transfer control to the private sector, positioning the airline for restructuring after decades of state ownership. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/12/24/pakistan-airlines-finally-sold-for-around-500-million/ AerCap Delivers First of Ten New Airbus A321neo Aircraft to Thai Airways DUBLIN, Dec. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap" or the "Company") (NYSE: AER) today announced it has delivered the first of ten new Airbus A321neo aircraft to Thai Airways International Public Company Limited ("THAI"). The remaining nine aircraft are scheduled to deliver through 2028. "AerCap is proud to introduce the A321neo to our long-standing, valued partner, THAI Airways, reinforcing our commitment to their fleet modernization strategy," said Aengus Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of AerCap. "Our relationship with THAI began in the mid-1990s with the lease of Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 737-400s. Since then, we have supported their evolution through periods of transformation, and today we celebrate a revitalized, financially robust airline. We thank THAI for their trust and partnership and wish them continued success." Chai Eamsiri, THAI Chief Executive Officer stated, "The arrival of THAI's first Airbus A321neo marks a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the efficiency of our fleet. The first ten aircraft entering into service will be operated under lease agreements with AerCap. This partnership supports THAI's fleet modernization and helps strengthen our fleet and global competitiveness. Equipped with advanced, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible technologies, the A321neo delivers meaningful reductions in fuel consumption and carbon emissions. These improvements underscore THAI's unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible operations, while delivering greater value and reliability to our passengers." About AerCap AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 300 customers around the world with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and is based in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Memphis, Miami, Singapore, London, Dubai, Shanghai, Amsterdam and other locations around the world. About Thai Airways Established in 1960, THAI operates from Suvarnabhumi Airport with a network spanning 64 destinations in 30 countries worldwide, connecting Thailand with key regions across Asia, Europe, Australia, and domestic routes. At THAI, every journey is guided by more than just destinations—it is guided by responsibility. Rooted in THAI's values of care and respect, THAI is committed to protecting the world it connects. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aercap-delivers-first-of-ten-new-airbus-a321neo-aircraft-to-thai-airways-302648907.html Do aircraft engines need antifreeze in winter? Aircraft need antifreeze like cars do, surely? Well, not quite: the answer is rather more nuanced. Modern jet engines are designed to handle extreme cold, but understanding the interaction between fuel, oil and temperature is what’s really important. Fuel freezing points in cold weather Fuel is the big concern when it comes to cold-weather operations. Jet-A fuel, the standard for most turbine engines, has a freezing point of around -40°C, already low enough for typical winter conditions in most parts of the world. Many commercial operators use the “upgraded” Jet-A1, which includes additives to lower the freezing point to -47°C. This provides an extra margin of safety for high-altitude flight in polar or sub-zero environments. While the risk of fuel solidifying in the tank is minimal at these temperatures, crews still need to be vigilant when operating near these extreme limits. How the fuel oil heat exchanger protects engines A key feature in many turbine engines is the Fuel Oil Heat Exchanger (FOHE). This system works by making use of the temperature differential between hot engine oil and cold fuel. Basically, as cold fuel flows toward the combustion chamber, it passes through the FOHE where warmer engine oil heats it up. This not only keeps the fuel in a fluid state but also cools the oil in the process, maintaining optimal engine performance. The beauty of the FOHE is that it uses the engine’s existing thermal energy rather than relying on extra chemical additives like antifreeze. What are cold soak procedures? Cold soak procedures are the steps pilots and ground crews follow when an aircraft has been sitting in very cold temperatures for several hours or overnight. These steps allow the airplane’s fuel, oil, hydraulic fluids and metal structures to reach ambient temperatures. As mentioned, oil becomes very thick in sub-zero temperatures. This can cause high oil pressures when starting the engines, fuel can approach its freezing point or form wax crystals that might clog filters, hydraulic systems respond more slowly, and batteries or auxiliary power units may not perform as well. To mitigate this, crews check fuel and oil temperatures, preheat engines using heaters or external power units if available and perform slow, controlled engine starts while monitoring oil and hydraulic pressures until temperatures stabilise. Control surfaces are also carefully checked because they may be stiff in extreme cold, and engines are warmed gradually during taxi to avoid high thrust on cold components. Accurate documentation of temperatures, a thorough pre-flight winter checklist, and following manufacturer cold-soak limitations mean that engines and systems can operate safely. This helps prevent mechanical damage and maintain proper, safe fuel flow. Cold-weather engine ops in a nutshell While the idea of antifreeze for aircraft engines might seem intuitive, modern turbine engines are designed to handle winter extremes without it. Fuel freezing is much less of an issue thanks to Jet-A1 additives, while FOHE systems regulate fuel and oil temperatures efficiently. Cold oil pressures require careful attention, but with the right operational practices, engines can start reliably even in the coldest conditions – no additional antifreeze needed. https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/aircraft-need-antifreeze-winter FAA Alleges Unairworthy Learjet Ops at Aery Aviation Unauthorized banner- and target-towing ops prompt $15.7 million fine Aery Aviation is facing a $15.7 million fine from the FAA for allegedly conducting unsafe operations with unairworthy Learjets. In a December 22 FAA statement, the agency proposed the civil penalty against the Virginia-based company, alleging that it installed banner- and target-towing equipment on Learjets without the required maintenance or documentation. Aircraft with those modifications are required to be placed in a restricted category that prohibits flights over densely populated areas, in congested airways, or near airports, unless the FAA has granted a waiver. According to the FAA, Aery failed to obtain restricted-category airworthiness certificates and operated unairworthy aircraft on 431 flights between July 2021 and April 2022. The FAA further alleged that, during that time period, Aery unlawfully operated 945 flights “with target-tow and/or electronic-warfare equipment installed despite not having obtained a waiver from the FAA for that type of operation.” These operations were primarily conducted in Class D airspace around Virginia’s Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (KPHF), where Aery Aviation recently added a 60,000-sq-ft hangar and engineering technology center to support its maintenance and modification business. The 10-year-old company has developed more than 100 supplemental type certificates for civil and defense customers. Aery also operates Part 135 charter flights and air ambulance services with a fleet that includes the Bombardier Learjet 35, 40XR, and 45; Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet; and Beechcraft Premier. https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-12-22/faa-alleges-unairworthy-learjet-ops-aery-aviation CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX) . 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 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . ISASI - 2026 (September/October 2026) - Dubai, UAE . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis