Flight Safety Information  - August 17, 2026    No. 160
 

In This Issue

: Incident: Ryanair B38M near Alicante on Aug 15th 2026, indication of engine issue

: Incident: Alaska B39M near Chicago on Aug 16th 2026, engine shut down in flight

: Accident: Vietnam B789 at Munich on Aug 15th 2026, late rotation, tailstrike, runway overrun, tyre damage

: Incident: Swiss A333 near Boston on Aug 14th 2026, hydraulic problems

: Incident: Hainan A333 near Krasnoyarsk on Aug 15th 2026, mechanical fault

: Incident: American B738 and American B738 at Phoenix on Aug 13th 2026, two aircraft same callsign one on departure one on arrival

: Incident: Virgin Australia B738 and Qantas B738 at Sydney on Aug 9th 2026, VA cleared for takeoff and QF cleared for crossing

: Ryanair passengers strip down, vomit and faint after being trapped on sweltering plane

: Delta flight diverted twice after lavatory leak floods cabin, leaves passengers stranded for hours

: LATAM jet aborts takeoff as American, Delta cross runway

: Malaysian Airlines pilots clear drug checks, cabin crew to be tested next, company says

: 2 more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket flight fiasco

: AFA on Capitol Hill: Cabin Air Safety Act

: ATSB investigation finds maintenance light was left in Qantas A380 jet wing

: A United pilot ordered pizza for the passengers on a delayed flight in the latest example of kindness in the air

: The world’s largest electric plane takes flight

: Calendar of Events


 



 


Incident: Ryanair B38M near Alicante on Aug 15th 2026, indication of engine issue

A Ryanair Boeing 737-8 MAX, registration EI-HGS performing flight FR-4019 from Alicante,SP (Spain) to Copenhagen (Denmark), was enroute at FL300 about 120nm northeast of Alicante when the crew reported an indication of a possible technical issue related to an engine (LEAP) and decided to return to Alicante, initially maintaining FL300. The aircraft landed safely on Alicante's runway 10 about 40 minutes later.

A replacement Malta Air Boeing 737-8 MAX registration 9H-VUU reached Copenhagen with a delay of about 2:45 hours.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Alicante about 29 hours after landing back.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53dbadfb&opt=0

 


 


 


Incident: Alaska B39M near Chicago on Aug 16th 2026, engine shut down in flight

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9 MAX, registration N978AK performing flight AS-274 from Cleveland,OH to Seattle,WA (USA), was enroute at FL340 about 40nm southeast of Chicago, IL (USA) when the crew reported they had a low oil pressure for the right hand engine (LEAP) and were shutting the engine down. The aircraft diverted to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA) for a safe landing on runway 27C about 35 minutes later.

A replacement Boeing 737-900 registration N266AK departed Chicago about 3.5 hours after landing of N978AK and is estimated to reach Seattle with a delay of about 3.5 hours.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53dc167b&opt=0

 







Accident: Vietnam B789 at Munich on Aug 15th 2026, late rotation, tailstrike, runway overrun, tyre damage

A Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9, registration VN-A867 performing flight VN-34 from Munich (Germany) to Hanoi (Vietnam), was departing Munich's runway 26L when huge clouds of dust and dirt rose when the aircraft rotated very late and became airborne, the tail struck the ground. The aircraft climbed to FL100, the crew reported they had a tyre pressure indication and would need to dump fuel. About 90 minutes after departure the aircraft performed a low approach to runway 26R followed by another low approach to runway 26R, the aircraft subsequently landed on runway 26R, the left main gear trailing smoke and became disabled on the runway. Runway 26R is currently closed.

According to preliminary information the aircraft overran the end of the runway and damaged runway lights.

According to photographic evidence available to the AVH (but not permitted to be released to the public) the aircraft became airborne about 120 meters/400 feet past the runway end, already in the grass and at about the first row of approach lights.

On Aug 16th 2026 the AVH got to see video evidence (but is not permitted to release the video to the public), that suggests the right hand main gear brakes activated about 210 meters ahead of the runway end, the wheels blocked at and after crossing the runway end, the track ended when the aircraft became airborne. The video does not permit to see enough of the left hand side of the runway to judge, whether the left hand brakes came on or blocked, too.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53da99f6&opt=0

 







Incident: Swiss A333 near Boston on Aug 14th 2026, hydraulic problems

A Swiss International Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration HB-JHA performing flight LX-19 from Newark,NJ (USA) to Zurich (Switzerland), was enroute at FL390 about 170nm eastnortheast of Boston,MA (USA) when the aircraft turned around and diverted to Boston due to problems with one of the hydraulic systems. The aircraft landed safely on Boston's runway 04R about 70 minutes after turning around.

The aircraft is still on the ground in Boston about 11 hours later.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53daa625&opt=0

 







Incident: Hainan A333 near Krasnoyarsk on Aug 15th 2026, mechanical fault

A Hainan Airlines Airbus A330-300, registration B-304L performing flight HU-753 from Beijing (China) to Manchester,EN (UK) with 230 people on board, was enroute at FL340 about 190nm southeast of Krasnoyarsk (Russia) when the aircraft descended to FL200 and diverted to Krasnoyarsk for a safe landing on runway 29 about one hour later.

The airline reported a mechanical fault, a replacement aircraft is going to continue the flight.

Russian Authorities stated a technical malfunction.

A passenger reported the captain announced a malfunction as reason for the diversion.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53da79ec&opt=0

 






Incident: American B738 and American B738 at Phoenix on Aug 13th 2026, two aircraft same callsign one on departure one on arrival

An American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N925AN performing flight AA-2482 from Phoenix,AZ to Chicago O'Hare,IL (USA), was climbing out of Phoenix's runway 07L cleared to climb to 9000 feet.

An American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N946NN performing flight AA-2482 from Chicago O'Hare,IL to Phoenix,AZ (USA), was descending towards Phoenix cleared to descend to 10000 feet.

The two aircraft were on crossing trajectories when the departing AA-2482 reported on frequency climbing to 9000 feet. The controller cleared the aircraft to maintain 9000 feet. Then spotted the same callsign on the two aircraft and continued:

ATC: "American 2482, American 2482 on the arrival, American 2482 if you are on the arrival, I need you to maintain 10,000 feet!"
N946NN: "10,000 for American 2482 on arrival."
ATC: "And there is an American 2482, a 737, on the departure, is that correct?"
N925AN: "Correct, climbing to 9000."
ATC: "American 2482 on departure, I need you to maintain 9000, traffic at 1 o'clock in 10nm, is your company, same callsign, descending 11,800 for 10,000.
N925AN: "Incredible, we are looking, thank you, in sight actually, American 2482 on departure."

The aircraft crossed each other shortly after, the departing maintaining 9000 feet, the arriving still descending to 10,000 feet.

Subsequently both flights continued to their destinations without further incidents.

The controller said later: "I’ve been working air traffic for 25 years. I’ve never seen two aircraft pretty much merge with the same call sign. That’s pretty incredible." The arriving crew complimented the controller.

The FAA and the airline are investigating.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53da5ce0&opt=0







Incident: Virgin Australia B738 and Qantas B738 at Sydney on Aug 9th 2026, VA cleared for takeoff and QF cleared for crossing

A Virgin Australia Boeing 737-800, registration VH-IJQ performing flight VA-555 from Sydney,NS to Perth,WA (Australia), was cleared for takeoff from Sydney's runway 34L and began to increase thrust for takeoff when the crew noticed a Qantas Boeing 737 begin crossing the runway ahead of them at taxiway L. The crew reduced thrust and stopped on the runway, at the same time tower radioed the cancellation of the takeoff clearance.

A Qantas Boeing 737-800, registration VH-XZH performing flight QF-728 from Sydney,NS to Ayers Rock,NT (Australia), was crossing runway 34L.

Australia's ATSB reported the Qantas crew reported to have received clearance to cross runway 34L. A short investigation has been opened. After the Qantas B738 had crossed the runway, the VA B738 received takeoff clearance again and departed.

https://avherald.com/h?article=53d944a5&opt=0

 






Ryanair passengers strip down, vomit and faint after being trapped on sweltering plane

The in-flight hazards no one warns you about
FAA data and peer-reviewed research reveal some of the risks airline passengers often overlook when flying, and it's worth considering these dangers carefully before your next trip

A woman sits on a plane and looks out the window with a pensive look on her face. (YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV)
Please note: This article draws on FAA safety data, peer-reviewed research, and statements from federal agencies including the FBI and FCC. It is intended to inform, not alarm. Always follow flight crew instructions and FAA safety guidelines when flying.

As a travel journalist who covers many aspects of flying, I got curious about airplane safety when a man sitting across from me on a recent flight dropped his phone. The flight attendant told him to leave it there for safety reasons, then she and other flight attendants quickly retrieved it for him. I got curious about the situation, did a lot of research, and was startled by all I discovered about safety risks on airplanes. I've reviewed FAA data and dug into peer-reviewed studies to uncover risks that aren't always spelled out for passengers. In fact, some of the most ordinary things we do on a flight can be risky. Here's what you need to know before your next trip.

Overhead bin injuries send thousands of passengers to the ER every year

After putting your bag in an overhead bin, it's easy to take for granted that your fellow passengers will be as careful as you are when lifting luggage into the bin. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Overhead bins lead to many serious passenger injuries every year.

According to research cited by the Flight Safety Foundation, carry-on items falling from overhead storage bins struck about a third of surveyed flight attendants at least once each year. The Flight Safety Foundation also shared that an estimated 4,500 passengers are injured every year by falling luggage on U.S. airlines. These injuries range from bruises to things more serious like concussions and spinal trauma. 

Heavy bags shift during turbulence, and they can fall as soon as a bin is opened after landing. The Flight Safety Foundation recommends storing heavier items under the seat in front of you whenever possible. Also, always stand to the side when you or another passenger open an overhead bin, taking care to never stand directly below it.

FBI warns: Airplane USB ports can steal your data while you charge

That convenient USB port you'll find at or near your airplane seat may not be as harmless as it seems. Both the FBI and the FCC have issued formal warnings to travelers about public USB ports, including those on planes, being exploited in what's known as a "juice jacking" attack. In juice jacking, a tampered port silently installs malware. It might also extract passwords, contact lists, and personal files while your device charges. 

"Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices," the FBI's Denver office cautioned. Beyond the cybersecurity risk, aviation electrical systems are built for aircraft equipment, not consumer electronics. Voltage fluctuations mid-flight can potentially damage your phone's battery or internal components. Safety experts recommend using your own portable charger or the seat's AC outlet with your own wall adapter instead.

The airplane seat pocket harbors dangerous bacteria for up to a week

Flight attendants have been vocal on social media about what they find in seat pockets between flights. Among the gross things they found are used tissues, dirty diapers, gum, and food wrappers. Beyond the obvious hygiene issue, research from Auburn University, funded by the FAA, found that MRSA, a type of staph bacteria, can survive on seat pocket cloth for up to a full week.

"Our data show that both of these bacteria can survive for days on these surfaces, particularly the porous material such as armrests and seat pockets," lead researcher Kiril Vaglenov of Auburn University said in a statement. "Air travelers should be aware of the risk of catching or spreading a disease to other passengers and practice good personal hygiene." 

Because of this safety issue, Vaglenov recommends treating the seat pocket as a no-go zone unless you have an emergency and need information from the papers stored there. Instead, use your own bag for storage.

Why reclining your airplane seat could be dangerous in an emergency

Reclining your seat on a plane can feel relaxing and may seem necessary on a red-eye flight. However, the Federal Aviation Administration has raised serious concerns about fully reclined seats during the most critical phases of a flight. In the event of an emergency evacuation, a reclined seat can significantly slow the exit of the passenger behind you, which is precisely why the FAA requires seats to be upright during takeoffs and landings.

In a crash scenario, seat position also directly affects how your body absorbs impact. As AFAR explained, a reclined seat that jerks forward or backward with force during an incident can injure both the passenger in that seat and anyone sitting behind them. It also slows evacuation and how quickly a flight can be evacuated. Always follow crew instructions about seat position, especially during takeoff and landing.

Many airlines provide blankets and pillows to passengers on some flights. However, you may want to think twice about accepting them. On many shorter and mid-range flights, blankets might be refolded rather than fully laundered between uses. Research cited by CBS News has found that shared pillows and blankets on planes can harbor bacteria and other pathogens.

Auburn University's research further found that porous fabric surfaces, the same material used in many airline blankets and pillows, are among the most hospitable environments for bacteria to survive. If you're a frequent flyer, consider packing a washable travel pillow and blanket of your own, especially during cold and flu season.

Why dropping your phone between airplane seats can cause a fire
It's not unusual for a passenger to drop their phone on a plane like I witnessed on a recent flight. It could lead to a dangerous situation if the passenger then adjusts their seat while trying to reach for it. That's because, when a phone becomes lodged in an airplane seat's mechanical components and the seat is adjusted, it can be crushed. The phone's crushed lithium-ion battery can then trigger what's known as thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction in which the battery rapidly overheats, releases flammable gases, and can ignite.

As CNN reported, Jeff Marootian, president and CEO of safety organization UL Standards and Engagement, said lithium battery fires are now occurring as often as twice a week on planes or in airports. "A lithium battery fire on the ground is dangerous enough," Marootian told CNN. "At 30,000 feet it can be a catastrophe." 

In March 2025, a flight from France turned around when a customer misplaced their cellphone, according to The Washington Post. Once the phone was located, the flight took off again to its destination in the Caribbean. Many airlines have become more cautious about the dangers of crushed phone batteries after several incidents of fires on planes while in the air. If your phone drops between seats, alert a flight attendant immediately and don't adjust your seat. Flight attendants are trained to retrieve devices safely without triggering a fire risk.

What every passenger needs to remember
Before your next flight, keep in mind that preparation is key. It's a good idea to pack your own disinfecting wipes to clean the tray table and better protect yourself from germs on the plane. Also consider packing a portable charger so you won't need to use the USB port. Also carrying a lightweight travel blanket can help you stay warm on longer routes without using the provided blanket. Always hang on to your phone and keep it secure during takeoff and landing. Next, always make a mental note of where the exit is so you are prepared for any situation. Developing small but safe habits like this can make a meaningful difference if something goes wrong at 35,000 feet.

Flying remains one of the safest forms of transportation in the world. Just keep in mind that it's best to stay aware and let your flight attendant know if you notice anything that might compromise safety for yourself or others. A little awareness of these everyday risks goes a long way toward making your next flight safer for everyone on board.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/ryanair-passengers-strip-down-vomit-091800534.html

 






Delta flight diverted twice after lavatory leak floods cabin, leaves passengers stranded for hours

Delta Air Lines Flight 81 from Paris to Seattle made an unscheduled stop in London due to a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory.

A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Paris to Seattle made an unexpected stop in London after the crew reported a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory, the airline said.

Delta Flight 81 departed Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport Aug. 13 bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport when the issue prompted the flight crew to divert to London Heathrow Airport.

The Airbus A330-900 was carrying 209 passengers and 13 crew members at the time, according to information provided by Delta.

As the aircraft approached Heathrow, the flight crew declared an emergency with air traffic control because the plane would be making an overweight landing, the airline said.

A Delta Air Lines aircraft taxis at London Heathrow Airport in London Oct. 7, 2016. Delta Flight 81 diverted to Heathrow after its crew reported a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory.
Despite the emergency declaration, the aircraft landed normally and safely at Heathrow.

Delta maintenance personnel then serviced the Airbus in London in an effort to address the lavatory-related mechanical issue.

"We apologize to our customers for their experience and delay on Delta Flight 81 from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Seattle, which diverted to London Heathrow after the crew reported a mechanical issue involving an onboard lavatory," a Delta spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"This is not the experience we strive to provide, and we're focused on getting our customers to their destinations as quickly and safely as possible."

Live Bullet Found Aboard United Flight Forces Passengers Off Plane For Security Sweep At Denver Airport

Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-900 aircraft at Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport in Italy
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-900, registration N812NW, is pictured at Leonardo da Vinci – Fiumicino Airport in Italy July 8, 2025. Delta Flight 81 was operated by an Airbus A330-900 carrying 209 passengers and 13 crew members when it diverted to London.

Once maintenance work was completed, the aircraft departed Heathrow, but the disruption meant passengers still faced an additional detour before reaching their intended destination on the West Coast.

Instead of continuing directly from London to Seattle, the flight headed to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport because of the crew's available duty time, according to Delta.

Passengers cleared U.S. Customs at JFK before continuing their journey to Seattle.

The unusual itinerary ultimately took the 209 passengers from Paris to London, then across the Atlantic to New York before they could continue on to Seattle.

Travelers wait to board an aircraft at London Heathrow Airport in London
Passengers prepare to board a flight at London Heathrow Airport June 27, 2026. Delta Flight 81 made an unscheduled stop at Heathrow while traveling from Paris to Seattle after its crew reported a mechanical issue.

Delta did not provide additional details about the specific mechanical problem involving the lavatory or what maintenance was required to address it.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/delta-flight-diverted-twice-lavatory-232645966.html

 





LATAM jet aborts takeoff as American, Delta cross runway

A LATAM Airbus A320 began takeoff at São Paulo without clearance, forcing an abort as two US jets crossed the runway. Low visibility from fog compounded the risk. The flight eventually departed 46 minutes late after ATC intervention.

LATAM flight LA8019, bound for Mendoza, initiated takeoff from runway 10L at 8:24 AM despite ATC revoking clearance to allow an American 787 and Delta A330 to taxi across. The jet reached 70 knots before stopping. The crew had acknowledged the cancelation but proceeded anyway, prompting a reprimand from controllers. The incident occurred amid dense fog, raising safety concerns.

Brazil’s CENIPA is now reviewing flight data to determine cause and responsibility. The aircraft taxied back, rejoined the departure queue, and took off at 8:46 AM. Though delayed, it recovered time en route, landing in Mendoza 32 minutes past schedule. The aircraft returned to São Paulo later that day on time.

Why it matters
Travelers face potential delays or cancellations when takeoff clearances are mismanaged. Foggy conditions increase collision risk, and investigations may lead to revised ATC protocols affecting future flight operations at busy airports.

https://www.insideflyer.com/posts/latam-jet-aborts-takeoff-as-american-delta-cross-runway/

 






Malaysian Airlines pilots clear drug checks, cabin crew to be tested next, company says

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Reuters) - All pilots working for flag carrier Malaysia Airlines tested negative for drugs after a mandatory screening process ordered after a pilot was arrested in Indonesia on trafficking charges, owner Malaysia Aviation Group said on ‌Monday, adding that its cabin crew will be tested next.

A Malaysia Airlines pilot was detained on July 28 after authorities found 26 kilograms of the mind-altering drug MDMA in his luggage upon his arrival in Jakarta from Kuala Lumpur. Urine tests also showed the Malaysian Airlines pilot had ⁠been under the influence of cocaine and methamphetamines, the customs office said.
MAG said in a statement that as the screening results for all its pilots returned negative, it will proceed to the next phase of the programme, which will screen about 2,840 Malaysia Airlines cabin crew starting from August 18 and expected to end by September 3.

MAG operates Malaysia Airlines, as well as short-haul carrier Firefly, and Haj pilgrimage airline Amal.

"The completion of this first phase is an important milestone in the ‌measures ⁠we committed to implementing, but work does not stop here," MAG's president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said.

"We are moving ahead with screening across other operational groups to ensure the same rigorous standards are applied consistently across our ⁠airlines. Safety remains at the core of every decision we make, and we will continue taking the necessary steps to strengthen our safeguards, uphold operational standards and maintain ⁠the confidence of our passengers and stakeholders," he said.

MAG also said that more than half of Firefly's 158 pilots and 163 cabin crew have been ⁠screened, with all results returning negative to date.

It added that Firefly is also on track to complete screening for all its remaining pilots and cabin crew by August 25.

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysian-airlines-pilots-clear-drug-checks-cabin-crew-be-tested-next-company-2026-08-17/

 






AFA on Capitol Hill: Cabin Air Safety Act

This week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth in the Senate, and Rep. John Garamendi in the House of Representatives, introduced the Cabin Air Safety Act. This legislation would build on cabin air safety provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which our union worked hard to secure.

The Cabin Air Safety Act would expand FAA reporting and investigation requirements, require real-time onboard air quality monitoring equipment, improve crew training, and enhance the collection and public reporting of data on engine oil and hydraulic fluid smoke or fume events. These much-needed improvements will help flight crew, passengers, and regulators better define the prevalence of toxic fumes in the cabin, a crucial step forward in ensuring clean air for all.

From AFA President Sara Nelson:

“Most Americans go to work with the expectation of breathing clean air, but until we achieve better standards for cabin air quality, Flight Attendants don’t have this guarantee… Crews and passengers are breathing toxins and it has got to stop. The first step in the solution is training and thorough identification of the problem as defined by this bill. Often crew and passengers have no idea why they feel ill and no guidance on how to get treated. This bill gives us the tools to prevent Flight Attendants, pilots or passengers from suffering the effects of breathing toxic fumes in the cabin.”

We encourage Senators to cosponsor this bill as soon as possible so we can work with our partners on Capitol Hill to end toxic fumes in the cabin.

https://afacwa.org/afa-on-capitol-hill-cabin-air-safety-act/

 






2 more Air India pilots fail drug test after Phuket flight fiasco

Two Air India Group pilots failed initial drug tests, prompting further investigation.

Key Points
Two Air India Group pilots received "non-negative" initial drug test results.
Samples have been sent for confirmatory testing to determine substance use.
Mandatory psychoactive substance testing for pilots began on August 13.
The new testing regime was initiated after an Air India pilot tested positive for marijuana following a flight incident.

The incident involved an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi losing altitude, injuring 24 people.
Two pilots of the Air India Group have failed the initial drug test as their results came "non-negative" and their samples have been sent for confirmatory tests, according to a source.

On August 13, Air India and Air India Express started mandatory psychoactive substance testing of all their pilots, expanding checks beyond regulatory requirements.

These tests were made mandatory following the August 4 incident, when the captain of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight, that suddenly lost altitude, tested positive for marijuana.

Mandatory Testing And Recent Incidents
The source on Monday said psychoactive substance tests have been completed for around 400 pilots of the Air India Group so far. Of them, the initial screening test results have come "non-negative" for two pilots, the source said.

Specific details could not be immediately ascertained. There was no official comment from Air India. The two Tata Group-owned airlines have more than 5,000 pilots.

The comprehensive screening covers substances and medications prohibited under prevailing aviation regulations.

On August 4 Air India flight AI2379, an Airbus A320neo flying from Phuket to Delhi, suddenly lost about 300 feet (91 metres) in altitude during cruise amid turbulence.

The aircraft was carrying 145 people, including 137 passengers and eight crew members. At least 24 people were injured in the incident. The flight's pilot-in-command tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test.

The pilot had initially tested "non-negative" for a psychoactive substance, with the confirmatory test subsequently identifying marijuana, sources had said.

https://www.rediff.com/news/report/2-more-air-india-pilots-fail-drug-test-after-phuket-flight-fiasco/20260817.htm

 







ATSB investigation finds maintenance light was left in Qantas A380 jet wing

The light was inadvertently left inside a jet after maintenance. (ABC News: Alison Xiao)

In short:
A work light was left inside the wing of a Qantas A380, which flew multiple international trips before it was found.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it was due to a breakdown in processes at Qantas.

What's next?
Qantas has established a working group and changed its tool-control procedures.

A Qantas A380 was cleared to fly passengers return from Sydney to Dallas with a large maintenance light accidentally left inside its wing.

It follows a 2023 incident in which a large tool was left inside a Qantas A380 engine and was not recovered until multiple international trips had been completed.

An Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation found the 33 centimetre light was left behind after maintenance on the aircraft's air conditioning system in Sydney on January 7.

The aircraft then flew to Dallas-Fort Worth and back before maintenance staff realised the light was missing and recovered it from the wing two days later.

The ATSB's final report into the incident found that although the light did not cause any damage to the wing, foreign objects posed a "significant risk to the safe operation of an aircraft".

Work light found inside the wing of a Qantas A380 jet.
The light was found in the wing of the plane during work on the aircraft's air conditioning system. (Supplied: ATSB)

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell said the incident was due to a breakdown in tool accountability processes.

"Even well-established processes can be vulnerable when they rely solely on consistent human performance, particularly during maintenance tasks which are often conducted in challenging environments and under operational pressures," he said.

Man with bald head, dark facial hair, dark shirt, behind ATSB signage
Angus Mitchell says the light was not found during a "foreign object clearance" inspection. (Supplied: ATSB)

"Tool control systems and procedures must account for this variability with safeguards to detect and recover from errors."

The report said Qantas issued a safety directive to address changes to its tooling control processes and procedures and had also formed a "tooling working group".

Qantas said the light had no impact on the operation of the aircraft and it had voluntarily reported the incident to the ATSB.

"Since the event, we have strengthened our tool-control procedures, including introducing a mandatory pre-clearance check to confirm all tooling is accounted for following maintenance," a spokesperson said.

Second tool left inside Qantas A380
It is the second incident involving a tool being left in one of the airline's super jumbos.

In December 2023, a Qantas A380 flew multiple international trips before a 1.25 metre nylon turning tool was discovered in one of the plane's engines. 

Qantas plane grounded in Johannesburg
the tail of a Qantas Boeing 767 

Hundreds of Qantas passengers arrive home after being stranded in Johannesburg for three days due to the A380 scheduled to fly them to Sydney being grounded with mechanical issues.

An ATSB report found maintenance staff "lost" the "turning tool" in an A380's outboard engine, and it was only discovered after it had been cleared for service, flying multiple trips between Australia and the US.

Last week, Qantas passengers in South Africa were left stranded in Johannesberg for three days after a problem with the nose wheel of an A380 saw their flight to Sydney cancelled.

Qantas sent another flight to bring the stranded passengers home.

CQUniversity aviation expert and associate professor Steven Leib said any unaccounted-for objects found inside an aircraft were "a real safety concern".

"It may not seem like a big deal, leaving a light or leaving a tool, but these are things that could move around during flight, which could jeopardise the safety of the flight," Dr Leib said.

However, he said the two incidents were not enough to suggest Qantas had a systemic problem.

"The discovery of the lost object was made by the accountability system," he said.

"They were able to trace when it was last used, when it was meant to have been returned and what work was being carried out."

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/atsb-qantas-maintenance-tool-found-in-wing/107047286

 







A United pilot ordered pizza for the passengers on a delayed flight in the latest example of kindness in the air

Passengers were stuck on a delayed United flight. Then the pilot surprised everyone

A pilot came through for his passengers v (X/@sammywhitesox)
Flight delays are no fun. However, in these circumstances, the right pilot can make all the difference. Just ask the passengers of a United Express regional flight from Watertown, South Dakota, to Denver. 

According to View From The Wing, Several of the travelers were headed to the Mile High City for a Noah Kahan concert. Unfortunately, they missed at least part of the concert due to a flight delay. On the plus side, their pilot came through with a surprising act of generosity. 

A two-hour delay 

The flight got off to a rocky start since the inbound plane was delayed by about an hour. There was a second delay once the plane landed, and it eventually departed almost 2 ½ hours late. 

For the concertgoers, the delays meant landing after the show had started. Although it's easy to accuse them of cutting it too close, View From The Wing pointed out that the airport only offers one daily flight to Denver. Although they could have flown out the day before, this would have increased costs for overnight lodging, out-of-town meals, etc. It's easy to understand why the passengers took the gamble. Unfortunately, it just didn't pay off. 

It wasn't exactly the ideal situation; however, the pilot did his best to make it a little brighter. 

A selfless gesture 
Due to many many flight delays we missed the @NoahKahan concert last night. If you know anything about small town airports, this picture will make sense 😂

Shout out to our amazing @united pilot and crew who stayed positive the whole day! pic.twitter.com/wEhJwJAWmQ

— Sam (@sammywhitesox) August 9, 2026

X user @sammywhitesox was on the delayed flight to Denver. She posted that although she missed the flight, there was a silver lining: 

"Due to many many flight delays we missed the @NoahKahan concert last night. If you know anything about small town airports, this picture will make sense.

Shout out to our amazing @united pilot and crew who stayed positive the whole day!" 

Her post included a picture of a man stepping on board with his armful of pizza boxes. 

This isn't the first time it's happened

Last year, a flight was diverted to a small airport in Longview, Texas. The airport was so small that there were just two vending machines and no restaurants. When it became clear the delay would last for hours, an enterprising passenger stepped up and arranged for pizza from a restaurant outside the airport to be delivered to the entire plane.

It took a village to get the pizzas through security, but the pilot, flight crew, and airport staff worked together to make it happen.

The bottom line
Flight delays are tough, especially if you're on a tight schedule. A little bit of kindness goes a long way. Kudos to the pilots, passengers, and flight crew looking out for their fellow travelers.

https://www.yahoo.com/creators/lifestyle/story/a-united-pilot-ordered-pizza-for-the-passengers-on-a-delayed-flight-in-the-latest-example-of-kindness-in-the-air-195849238.html

 







The world’s largest electric plane takes flight

The world's largest, fully battery-powered jet officially completed its maiden flight. The successful test run marks a noteworthy step forward for long-awaited electric aircraft and battery technology broadly, but don't expect to book a fully battery-powered flight anytime soon. 

Manufactured by Los Angeles-based Heart Aerospace, the plane is called the X1. It has a 106-foot wingspan, measures 76 feet from nose to tail, and weighs more than 25,000 pounds, roughly the weight of an empty school bus. The 30-seat plane took off earlier this week from a regional airport in upstate New York, and flew for 27 minutes on battery power alone, reaching an altitude of 1,100 feet. It didn't carry passengers, just a single pilot.

This week's flight was an early test run for Heart's broader commercial ambition: a hybrid-electric plane called the ES-30, which the company ambitiously hopes to bring into service by 2031. That model has already garnered interest from major airlines including United, Air Canada, and JSX, drawn in by the promise of lower maintenance costs and insulation from volatile jet fuel prices.

"With the first flight of X1, Heart Aerospace has demonstrated electric flight at the scale of a commercial airliner," Heart Founder and CEO Anders Forslund said in a statement. 

Heart Aerospace was founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, but officially relocated to Los Angeles in April 2025 as part of its effort to get its regional hybrid-electric plane off the ground. It's one of several aviation companies capitalizing on rapid innovation in battery tech in recent years to try to reshape air travel, or a small, regional segment of it at least. The potential benefits are two-fold. On one hand, battery-powered planes, especially those drawing electricity from renewable sources, offer a cleaner alternative to environmentally harmful jet fuel. Aviation broadly accounts for an estimated 2.5 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. Worse still, planes produce other harmful heat-trapping emissions like nitrogen oxides. The aviation industry set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, but even with innovations in sustainability and cleaner fuel, that target seems almost certain to fail.

Emerging electric aviation could make a dent in those emissions, but it certainly won't transform the industry in the near future. The bigger sell for airlines comes from promised cost savings. Anyone who's flown in the past six months likely knows that the cost of jet fuel is heavily subject to world events. Jet fuel prices averaged $3.50 per gallon a week prior to the test flight. That's up 63 percent from last year. Beyond just fuel, though, electric motors also have fewer moving parts, which, in theory at least, means they should require less costly maintenance and repair. Automakers have made similar arguments when advocating for electric vehicles.

Heart claims that a combination of less fuel and maintenance combined should make their eventual ES-30 40 percent cheaper to operate than conventional regional aircraft of similar sizes. Going further, the company claims that all electric X1 test flights used just $5 of electricity. That sounds impressive at first, but it's worth noting what that eye-grabbing figure leaves out. That single-figure dollar only measures the raw energy costs and not other operating costs like crew, airport fees, maintenance fees, long-term battery degradation, and other expenses. How much airlines actually save if they switch the hybrid eclectic plane, and whether any of those savings get passed on to travelers, remains somewhat unclear. 

"Electric commercial aircraft have the potential to fundamentally reshape airline economics and, ultimately, lower the cost of air travel for passengers," Forslund added

Heart claims that savings on fuel and maintenance combined should make its eventual ES-30 40 percent cheaper to operate than conventional regional aircraft of similar size. Going further, the company claimed Wednesday that the all-electric X1 test flight used just $5 worth of electricity. That sounds impressive at first, but it's worth noting what that undeniably eye-grabbing figure leaves out. The five-dollar stat only measures raw energy consumption, and doesn't account for other major operating expenses like crew, airport fees, maintenance, long-term battery degradation, and insurance. How much airlines would actually save by switching to the hybrid-electric plane, and whether any of those savings would be passed on to travelers, remains unclear. 

Fully electric air travel lack range
Heart isn't the only company trying to electrify the sky. Rolls-Royce has built a small, fully electric race plane that can reach a zippy top speed of 387 miles per hour. Harbour Air, meanwhile, has developed a fully electric, six seater sea plane. Much-hyped vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation are also bringing small, helicopter-like electric planes to market, aiming to ferry travelers from city centers to airports over shorter distances. 

That's all well and good, but extending electric aircraft range to the point where it can reliably replace a regional commercial carrier remains difficult. Several companies, such as Washington state-based Eviation Aircraft, are competing in the space, but they are ultimately limited by the inherent trade-offs of battery tech. Basically, the larger the plane gets, the larger the battery it needs to fly. But batteries are consistently heavy, and eventually they get so large that the plane simply can't carry them alongside passengers and cargo. Worse still, batteries are dead weight: unlike conventional gas-powered planes, which get lighter as they burn through jet fuel during a flight, electric planes maintain essentially the exact same weight from takeoff to landing.

That's where Heart's hybrid approach kicks in. When running entirely on battery power (as the X1 did this week), the plane has a top range of around 125 miles. That's simply not enough to reliably replace most regional air travel, while maintaining required reserves for emergencies. However, with the addition of a combustion engine range-extender, that maximum range extends closer to 500 miles. That's more than enough to cover short regional hops, like routes along the heavily trafficked Northeast Corridor.

In other words, as noteworthy as it is to see an electric plane of the X1's size successfully take flight, the true next step in terms of what travelers might actually feasibly board is hybrid-electric. For now, at least. Battery technology continues to improve, giving optimists hope that a hybrid approach (much like with cars before it) could buy time and provide a smooth transition while technology catches up to make fully electric solutions viable.

https://www.yahoo.com/tech/transportation/articles/world-largest-electric-plane-takes-170000218.html

 






CALENDAR OF EVENTS


. ALPA's 70th Air Safety Forum -September 14-17, 2026; Washington, DC

. ICAO/EASA Third Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety — September 29–30, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana., https://www.icao.int/events

: NATA Ground Handling Safety Symposium - September 15-16, 2026 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX  www.nata.aero/ghss 

: Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026

. ISASI - BOSTON 2026 - September 28, 2026 – October 2, 2026

. Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt- 29-30SEP2026 - Frankfurt, Germany

. Defence Aviation Safety Conference 2026 — October 5–6, 2026, United Kingdom.

. European Aviation Training Summit 3 – 5 November 2026 • Estoril Congress Centre, Cascais, Portugal

. 79TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT MONTREAL | NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026. 

. Airlines 2026 conference - November 11, 2026 (London)

. 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE)  Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV

. Bombardier Safety Standdown (November 10–12, 2026 in Wichita, KS)

. 2027 ACSF Safety Symposium - April 6-8, 2027 - ERAU Daytona Beach, FL 


Curt Lewis