Airlines
A near-collision between 2 planes in Austin prompts an FAA investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a Southwest Airlines plane was given the go-ahead to depart from the same runway at an airport in Austin, Texas, forcing a FedEx cargo plane to alter its course during an attempted landing.
On Saturday morning, the FedEx plane was given the go-ahead to land while still a distance away from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the FAA reported. The Southwest flight was given the all clear to depart by an air traffic controller just before the FedEx plane was scheduled to land.
The incident happened when Austin-Bergstrom International Airport air traffic controllers authorised a FedEx cargo plane to land on the same runway that a Southwest passenger plane was authorised to take off on. Once the error was discovered, the FedEx jet aborted its landing and climbed back to its original height.
According to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration, “the pilot of the FedEx jet abandoned the landing and commenced a climb out.” A FedEx spokeswoman later told the reporters that their plane also made a safe landing after the incident, and the Southwest plane was able to take off without problem.
Southwest Airlines pilot hangs from window to retrieve passenger’s phone(Opens in a new browser tab)
The incident was described as a “potential runway incursion and overflight” in a tweet by the National Transportation Safety Board. Flightradar24’s flight data reveals the two aircraft approaching one another on the runway.
The NTSB is investigating an incident involving a Southwest 737 and FedEx 767 that occurred today in Austin. Initial ADS-B data show the landing 767 overflying the departing 737. We are processing granular data now. https://t.co/twHCydm5ixhttps://t.co/wZ3Z0xKJem pic.twitter.com/nkKVjshXmf
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) February 5, 2023
In a statement, FedEx claimed that their cargo plane from Memphis safely touched down at the airport “after encountering an occurrence.” According to FlightAware data, the Southwest Airlines flight departed Austin 15 minutes later than expected but made an early arrival in Cancun, Mexico.
Airlines
An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep
In a startling incident, an Airbus A320 operated by an Indonesian airline, Batik Air, flew for a harrowing 28 minutes with both pilots asleep at the controls.
The alarming event unfolded on Batik Air Flight 6723, carrying 153 passengers, en route to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The saga began when the first officer allowed the captain to take a nap, only to fatigue himself, attributing his drowsiness to caring for his one-month-old twins. As the pilots dozed off, the aircraft veered off-course, prompting concerns from air traffic control (ATC) who lost contact with the flight 90 minutes into its journey.
Despite the pilots being unresponsive for nearly half an hour, ATC managed to track the aircraft using radar as it covered a staggering 210 nautical miles, equivalent to the distance between New York and Washington, D.C. The captain eventually woke up, realizing the perilous situation and rousing his co-pilot.
After correcting the flight path, the captain attributed the radio silence to a “communication problem,” and the plane eventually touched down safely in Jakarta. However, the incident sparked widespread concern and investigation by Indonesia’s transport ministry.
A preliminary report revealed that the second-in-command had not rested adequately before the flight, shedding light on the potential dangers of pilot fatigue. While the identities of the pilots remained undisclosed, the incident underscored the critical importance of ensuring crew members are well-rested and fit for duty.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the swift actions of the awakened captain averted disaster, emphasizing the necessity for robust safety protocols and measures within the aviation industry.
Airlines
Ex-Cathay Pacific A330-300 Destroyed by Fire during Long-Term Storage at Spain
In a dramatic turn of events, an ex-Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 met a fiery end at Ciudad Real Airport in Spain. The aircraft, with a distinguished service history spanning 28 years, was resting in long-term storage at the airport when disaster struck.
Reports emerged detailing the unfortunate incident, painting a picture of destruction and chaos. The once majestic A330, bearing the serial number MSN113, became engulfed in flames while undergoing dismantling procedures. What began as a routine process turned into a nightmare as a fire erupted in the aircraft’s tail section, quickly spreading to consume the entire fuselage.
Emergency responders, including the Civil Guard, medical teams, and law enforcement personnel, swiftly descended upon the scene to contain the inferno. Despite the intensity of the blaze, their coordinated efforts prevented any injuries among both the public and the brave individuals working to quell the flames.
By mid-afternoon, the Ciudad Real fire service declared victory over the fire, announcing its successful extinguishment. However, the aftermath left behind a trail of questions and concerns. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with initial findings shrouded in mystery.
The head of the airport expressed astonishment at the unprecedented event, highlighting it as the first instance where airport infrastructure had to grapple with such a significant fire-related challenge. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community awaits answers, hoping to shed light on the circumstances leading to the demise of the retired Airbus A330.
Airlines
Air India’s last VVIP Boeing 747 now found a new home in USA
In a symbolic transition marking the end of a storied chapter in aviation history, Air India bid farewell to its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jetliners, once revered for ferrying dignitaries including prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents.
The sale of these iconic aircraft to AerSale, a company based in the United States, signals the closure of a remarkable era for the airline.
The decision to part ways with the Boeing 747s was driven by practical considerations. Tata Group, the new custodian of airindia flights, deemed these majestic planes uneconomical to operate in today’s aviation landscape. As such, out of the four sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to harness their valuable parts.
The transaction, orchestrated by Mumbai-based Vman Aviation Services, underscores the strategic shift in Air India’s fleet management strategy under its new ownership. Tata Group’s decision to divest from the 747s reflects a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and aligning with contemporary industry standards.
Skytech-AIC, a UK-based remarketing firm engaged by Tata Group, facilitated the sale of these iconic aircraft, marking the conclusion of their illustrious service with Air India. The airline’s last flight featuring the Boeing 747 took to the skies between Delhi and Mumbai in March 2021, encapsulating decades of distinguished service and indelible memories.
The allure of used aircraft parts continues to resonate across the aviation sector, offering operators a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality or performance. The transfer of these aircraft to AerSale not only ensures their continued utility but also underscores the enduring legacy of Air India’s fleet.