Flight Safety Information - February 03, 2026 No. 024 In This Issue : Incident: India B788 at London and Bangalore on Feb 1st 2026, flew with defective fuel control switch : Incident: Cathay A21N at Kaohsiung on Feb 1st 2026, suspected engine oil leak : Incident: United B763 at Amsterdam on Jan 30th 2026, generator failure : Incident: Avianca A20N near Bogota on Jan 31st 2025, engine trouble : Incident: UPS B748 at Cologne on Feb 1st 2026, bird strike : American Airlines Flight Attendant Sues Airbus for $30M After She Was Allegedly Exposed to Toxic Fumes : POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science : Calendar of Events Incident: India B788 at London and Bangalore on Feb 1st 2026, flew with defective fuel control switch An Air India Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ANX performing flight AI-132 from London Heathrow,EN (UK) to Bangalore (India), was preparing for departure when the crew started the engines. After moving the fuel control levers to the RUN position (where the levers stayed initially) the crew rechecked the switches by touching them, the left hand lever jumped to the CUTOFF position. Again, the crew moved the lever into the RUN position, and subsequently touched it for recheck and again it jumped into CUTOFF. A third attempt was made, this time the lever remained in the RUN position. The aircraft departed Heathrow with a delay of about 35 minutes and landed in Bangalore without further incident. After landing in Bangalore on Feb 2nd 2026 it was established, that the left fuel control switch moved without any lock. Air India reported: "We are aware that one of our pilots has reported a possible defect on the fuel control switch of a Boeing 787-8 aircraft. After receiving this initial information, we have grounded the said aircraft and are involving the OEM to get the pilot’s concerns checked on a priority basis. The matter has been communicated to the aviation regulator, DGCA. Air India had checked the fuel control switches on all Boeing 787 aircraft in its fleet after a directive from the DGCA, and had found no issues. At Air India, the safety of our passengers and crew remains top priority." The Safety Matters Foundation released a press release stating: "The Foundation notes that this incident comes against the backdrop of the ongoing investigation into the tragic loss of Air India Flight AI171 on 12 June 2025, which also involved a Boeing 787. While no connection is implied, the repeated emergence of issues with a critical flight control system on the same aircraft type demands the highest level of scrutiny." The foundation stated when asked why the aircraft departed nonetheless: "The issue is, there is no guidance." https://avherald.com/h?article=5342238e&opt=0 Incident: Cathay A21N at Kaohsiung on Feb 1st 2026, suspected engine oil leak A Cathay Pacific Airbus A321-200N, registration B-HPP performing flight CX-449 from Kaohsiung (Taiwan) to Hong Kong (China), was climbing out of Kaohsiung when the crew suspected an engine (LEAP) oil leak, stopped the climb at about FL250 and decided to return to Kaohsiung, where the aircraft landed safely on runway 09 about 40 minutes after departure. The airline reported a technical issue. The passengers were rebooked onto other flights. The aircraft is still on the ground in Kaohsiung about 42 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5342431c&opt=0 Incident: United B763 at Amsterdam on Jan 30th 2026, generator failure A United Boeing 767-300, registration N675UA performing flight UA-908 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was climbing out of Amsterdam's runway 18C when the crew stopped the climb at FL130 reporting a generator (engine PW4060) issue. The crew subsequently advised they needed to return to Amsterdam, a generator had dropped offline. The aircraft landed safely back on Amsterdam's runway 18R about 45 minutes after departure. The flight was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in Amsterdam on Feb 2nd 2026. https://avherald.com/h?article=53422f39&opt=0 Incident: Avianca A20N near Bogota on Jan 31st 2025, engine trouble An Avianca Airbus A320-200N, registration N942AV performing flight AV-161 from Bogota (Colombia) to Sao Paulo Guarulhos,SP (Brazil), had just levelled off at FL350 out of Bogota when the crew decided to return to Bogota and initiated a descent. Subsequently the crew declared emergency and landed safely on Bogota's runway 14R about 50 minutes after leaving FL350. Colombia's DGCA reported a possible anomaly in one of the engines (LEAP) requiring immediate response by crew and ATC. The airline reported a routine maintenance check on a propulsion system. https://avherald.com/h?article=53422b7f&opt=0 Incident: UPS B748 at Cologne on Feb 1st 2026, bird strike A UPS United Parcel Service Boeing 747-8 freighter, registration N625UP performing flight 5X-4 from Cologne (Germany) to Hong Kong (China), was climbing out of Cologne's runway 13L when engine #2 (inboard left hand, GEnx) ingested a number of birds. The crew stopped the climb at 5000 feet, shut the engine down and returned to Cologne for a safe landing on runway 13L about 20 minutes after departure. The aircraft is still on the ground in Cologne about 22 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=534228e1&opt=0 American Airlines Flight Attendant Sues Airbus for $30M After She Was Allegedly Exposed to Toxic Fumes A neurologist allegedly told the crew member the exposure was like a “football player being hit in the head, but with chemicals.” A former American Airlines flight attendant is suing Airbus, claiming exposure to toxic fumes have left her severely ill and unable to work Tamar Ferrel is requesting damages from the aircraft manufacturer in an amount no less than $30 million The lawsuit comes months after the Wall Street Journal's September 2025 report that toxic fumes are leaking into airplanes at an alarming rate The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer is facing a lawsuit after an American Airlines flight attendant claims she became severely ill while working inside one of the company’s planes. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Phoenix-based flight attendant Tamar Ferrel filed a complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, against Airbus accusing the company of negligence. The complaint specifically mentions an incident that allegedly occurred on Jan. 14, 2024, on the ground at the Phoenix Airport. According to the complaint, Ferrel was working on an American Airlines Airbus A319 around 8:15 a.m. local time when the senior attendant requested the captain turn on the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU). When the APU was turned on, Ferrel claims she was immediately hit with a “dirty sock smell that permeated the cabin.” Ferrel then walked to the back of the galley “where another flight attendant was coughing and gagging despite wearing two gas masks,” per the complaint. The captain then reportedly ordered an evacuation of the aircraft. Ferrel’s “head began pounding, she commenced coughing and she began experiencing a mental fog,” the document says. However, she claims she was not able to leave the plane for 45 to 60 minutes, waiting for the passengers to deplane. The complaint claims Ferrel, along with the two pilots and the rest of the flight attendants, were subsequently taken to an emergency care facility. Ferrel says she was told she could return to work. She allegedly attempted to return to work two days later for a flight to Mexico, but she did not feel well, shook and felt mentally foggy. When she got home, “she felt like she was drunk, experiencing headaches as she had never before experienced," Ferrel claims. After multiple attempts to return to work, Ferrel says she eventually submitted an ASAP to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) — alerting the agency and her company that a safety issue had occurred. American Airlines did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. An American Airlines Airbus A319 plane Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty An American Airlines Airbus A319 plane Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Ferrell says she later visited Dr. Robert Kaniecki, a well-known neurologist, who compared her exposure on Jan. 14, 2024, to that of a “football player being hit in the head, but with chemicals.” The complaint claims Ferrel has been unable to work since the alleged incident and that she now suffers from “short-term” and “long-term health effects.” The lawsuit cites three separate claims of negligence, including negligent design and negligent failure to warn. Ferrel and her legal team are requesting damages in an amount no less than $30 million. Ferrel’s attorney, Casey Olbrantz, deferred PEOPLE's request for comment to co-counsel, Steward Weltman, who did not immediately respond. The lawsuit follows a recent report from the Wall Street Journal that claims toxic fumes are leaking into airplanes at an alarming rate. The analysis used more than one million FAA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration reports, thousands of documents and more than 100 interviews. Most modern-day aircrafts use a design element called “bleed air,” which pulls air through the engine of the plane. However, as seals in the engines, designed to stop leaks, wear and degrade, oil seeps in and vaporizes in the heat, releasing toxic compounds, according to the report. Ferrel’s lawsuit claims Airbus’ design and placement of their APUs in the rear cone of its aircrafts “makes its planes more susceptible to contaminated air events than other commercial aircraft.” Reports of "wet dog," "Cheetos," and "nail polish"-smelling odors have led to emergency landings and sickened passengers and crew, according to the WSJ's findings. While they report that exposure to most of the emitted fumes — which consist of unknown quantities of neurotoxins, carbon monoxide, and other chemicals — isn't toxic, long-term exposure can lead to more serious issues. The report went on to allege that aircraft manufacturers and airlines have downplayed health risks, lobbied against the adoption of certain safety measures and made harmful cost-cutting measures. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. An Airbus spokesperson did not return PEOPLE’s request for comment regarding Ferrel’s lawsuit, but at the time of the WSJ report, a representative said the company’s aircrafts “are designed and manufactured according to all relevant and applicable airworthiness requirements.” They added: "We are committed to continuously enhancing our products, working closely with operators and regulators to ensure the best possible cabin environment for passengers and crew." https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/american-airlines-flight-attendant-sues-203713574.html POSITION AVAILABLE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science Job Description Discover Your Future with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University! Embry-Riddle: A Global Leader in Aviation and Aerospace With vibrant campuses in Daytona Beach, FL and Prescott, AZ, plus a Worldwide network across approximately 120 locations, Embry-Riddle stands as the world’s largest aviation and aerospace university. For over 95 years, we've been pioneering education in STEM fields, serving over 11,600 residential students and 19,200 globally in the 2023-24 academic year with cutting-edge programs in Applied Science, Aviation, Business, Technology, Engineering, Safety, Security, and Space. Perks Await You at Embry-Riddle! • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 9+ paid holidays, including the day after Thanksgiving and the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. • Health Benefits: Experience comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs that include preventive care and fitness memberships. Our flexible spending and health savings accounts simplify managing healthcare costs. Join a workplace that prioritizes your health—because your journey to wellness should be rewarding! Buckle up for a healthier, happier you! • Tuition Coverage: Get 100% tuition coverage for yourself for one undergraduate and one graduate degree, and discounted rates for your spouse and dependent children up to age 26. • Retirement Contributions: ERAU contributes 6% of your base salary to your retirement plan and offers a 4% matching contribution – with no vesting period. • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University recognizes the value of diversity and is dedicated to fostering a positive climate in which all students, faculty, and staff are encouraged in their professional, social, and intellectual pursuits. Embry-Riddle is committed to providing equal employment opportunity and affirmative action for qualified individuals. The University does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Opportunity: Join the Aviation and Aerospace vanguard! Step into a dynamic role with Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where innovation meets opportunity. Be part of a leading institution that’s at the forefront of aviation, aerospace, and STEM education. We offer an exciting environment, cutting-edge projects, and the chance to influence tomorrow. Ready to make a difference? Take flight with Embry-Riddle and explore this diverse career opportunity today. The College of Aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona invites applications for a non-tenure track position in the Aeronautical Science Department starting in August 2025 at the Assistant/Associate Professor level in support of our Aeronautical Science degree. Aeronautical Science teaching assignments may include, but not be limited to, jet transport systems, turbine engine operations, electronic flight management systems, flight technique analysis, airline operations and domestic & international navigation. The candidate must have experience in airline or corporate flight operations or appropriate military experience. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to teach and develop courses across all levels of undergraduate aviation education. Successful faculty candidates will have a strong commitment to undergraduate education both in the classroom and through experiential learning opportunities. The Aeronautical Science program at ERAU Prescott is AABI accredited and nationally recognized for its aviation programs. The department has 19 full time faculty in the areas of jet transport systems, airline operations, turbine engine operations, electronic flight management systems, flight technique analysis, airline operations, domestic & international navigation, capstone research classes and flight education. Aeronautical Science is the largest degree program on campus with over 1000 undergraduate students. The department has a strong focus on hands-on educational methods and emphasizes practical skills students will need after graduation. The Aeronautical Science faculty are committed to providing an inclusive and collegial work environment. Qualifications • Candidate must hold a Master’s Degree, preferably in an aviation-related field but candidates with significant industry experience and a master’s degree are strongly encouraged to apply. • Demonstrated ability to teach, preferably in collegiate or Part 121/141 training programs. • Demonstrated ability to mentor students or colleagues through the research and writing process. • Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated potential for scholarly activity. Application material should include a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, teaching philosophy, and contact information for three professional references. Materials may be submitted in electronic form through careers.erau.edu. Screening of applications will start upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries may be submitted via email to the Aeronautical Science Department Chair, Stacey McIntire MCINTIS1@erau.edu CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . VERTICON 2026 - Atlanta March 9-12 . CANSO Global Safety Conference 2026 - 29 March – 1 April 2026 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) . 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 . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . 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