A Sudan Airways jet has exploded whilst attempting to land at Khartoum Airport and veered off the runway.
It’s feared more than 100 people are dead. Aviation officials have said 203 passengers and 11 crew were onboard the aircraft and 103 and 10 crew members have survived.
The Airbus A310 had taken off from Damascus and was trying to land in a thunderstorm. It appeared to have landed safely before then swerving off the runway and exploding into a massive fireball.
"There are missing passengers who could be still inside the plane, or left the aircraft but did not inform officials they were passengers," a police spokesman said.
One survivor stated: “The landing was "rough", the right wing was on fire. Smoke poured into the cockpit and passengers began opening emergency exit doors as the flames quickly swept into the plane.”
The cause of the accident is still unclear. John Ukec Lueth Ukec the Sudanese ambassador to Washington has put the cause of the accident down to bad weather.
"There was a lot of water on the runway and they still tried to land," he claimed. "It will be investigated and we will find out what went wrong, whether it is a technical issue or human error."
Sudan’s police chief later added:
"Bad weather caused the plane to crash-land, split into two and catch fire. We believe that most of the passengers were able to make it out and escape with their lives."
However, the director of Khartoum Airport has said a technical fault with the aircraft caused the accident. He said that the aircraft landed safely and was being instructed from the control tower about taxiing. "At that moment, one of the engines exploded and the plane caught fire. It is a technical reason," said Mr Ibrahim
This incident has added to Sudan’s poor aviation safety record. In May 24 people died in a crash in remote part of the country where members of the region’s government were killed.
A Sudan Airways Boeing 737 crashed after take off from Port Sudan killing everyone onboard in July 2003.
Showing posts with label Aircraft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Aircraft. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Sunday, 25 May 2008
Jumbo 747 splits in two during take off
A Jumbo 747 has crashed and split in two at the end of the runway in Brussels Airport.
The aircraft was a cargo plane due to fly to Bahrain and was attempting to take off when it crashed.
The five crew members onboard the plane have all been slightly injured and are in hospital. A spokesman at the airport said:
"The plane is very seriously damaged. The aircraft cracked in two after it crashed at the end of runway 220, which lies very close to a rail line and houses. Rail services to and from the airport were suspended as a safety precaution, however the crash did not affect other flights at the airport."
Firefighters at the scene sprayed the wings of the jet with special fire retardant foam as a precaution.
It's not known at present what cargo was onboard the aircraft or what was the cause of the accident.
The pilot has told authorities that a big noise sounded as he tried to take off.
The aircraft was a cargo plane due to fly to Bahrain and was attempting to take off when it crashed.
The five crew members onboard the plane have all been slightly injured and are in hospital. A spokesman at the airport said:
"The plane is very seriously damaged. The aircraft cracked in two after it crashed at the end of runway 220, which lies very close to a rail line and houses. Rail services to and from the airport were suspended as a safety precaution, however the crash did not affect other flights at the airport."
Firefighters at the scene sprayed the wings of the jet with special fire retardant foam as a precaution.
It's not known at present what cargo was onboard the aircraft or what was the cause of the accident.
The pilot has told authorities that a big noise sounded as he tried to take off.
Tuesday, 20 May 2008
Attempt to ban early morning flights arriving at Heathrow
The governement are being taken to court in an attempt to ban flights landing at Heathrow before 6am.
Three years ago it was discovered that the Department of Transport were accused of failing to act when in fact planes had been placed in the incorrect noise category.
Around sixteen 747 long haul flights arrive at Heathrow between 4.30 and 6.00am.
Coucils taking the court action are accusing the airport of taking advantage of a legal loophole allowing Boeing 747 to land at night but bans other aircraft from doing so.
Lawyers are claiming that residents aren't protected from noise at night and closing this loophole would force airlines to use quieter jets or scrap early arrivals altogether.
Edward Lister Wandsworth Council leader said:
"We are aiming to achieve some much-needed relief for residents in the 4.30-6am period. Those aircraft types which break the rules should be grounded. There are currently no controls at this time of day. If we win, it could mean the Government having to set limits for the first time at a time of day when many people are still asleep."
The case continues.
Three years ago it was discovered that the Department of Transport were accused of failing to act when in fact planes had been placed in the incorrect noise category.
Around sixteen 747 long haul flights arrive at Heathrow between 4.30 and 6.00am.
Coucils taking the court action are accusing the airport of taking advantage of a legal loophole allowing Boeing 747 to land at night but bans other aircraft from doing so.
Lawyers are claiming that residents aren't protected from noise at night and closing this loophole would force airlines to use quieter jets or scrap early arrivals altogether.
Edward Lister Wandsworth Council leader said:
"We are aiming to achieve some much-needed relief for residents in the 4.30-6am period. Those aircraft types which break the rules should be grounded. There are currently no controls at this time of day. If we win, it could mean the Government having to set limits for the first time at a time of day when many people are still asleep."
The case continues.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Five killed in light aircraft crash
A Beechcraft B9L aircraft has crashed near the Czech Republic killing all five people onboard.
The accident happened near Kiev's second airport Zhulyany on Sunday. Nobody on the ground was hurt.
Experts are saying the aircraft caught fire on impact whilst employees are saying it exploded in flight. All five who died are believed to be Czech citizens.
Debris from the wings, engines and the inside cabin are believed to be scattered near a barn in the middle of a field.
"Five people died," the emergency ministry spokesman said.
"There were five people on board - two pilots and three passengers. This was a small plane which was flying to Ukraine and three kilometres from Zhulyany it dropped off the radar screens," he said.
The accident happened near Kiev's second airport Zhulyany on Sunday. Nobody on the ground was hurt.
Experts are saying the aircraft caught fire on impact whilst employees are saying it exploded in flight. All five who died are believed to be Czech citizens.
Debris from the wings, engines and the inside cabin are believed to be scattered near a barn in the middle of a field.
"Five people died," the emergency ministry spokesman said.
"There were five people on board - two pilots and three passengers. This was a small plane which was flying to Ukraine and three kilometres from Zhulyany it dropped off the radar screens," he said.
Saturday, 8 December 2007
Two Continental Airlines jets involved in near miss
Two jets at Newark Airport have narrowly missed a collision.
A passenger jet landing was within 300ft of another jet taxiing along the runway.
The two aircraft involved were both Continental Airlines jets.
Air traffic control had instructed the taxiing jet to hold at the end of the runway yet the aircraft continued moving. Investigators are looking at radar and radio transmissions to establish what happened between communications.
A passenger jet landing was within 300ft of another jet taxiing along the runway.
The two aircraft involved were both Continental Airlines jets.
Air traffic control had instructed the taxiing jet to hold at the end of the runway yet the aircraft continued moving. Investigators are looking at radar and radio transmissions to establish what happened between communications.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
British Airways new home at Heathrow Airport
British Airways will unveil the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport in March which will be the home for BA handling passengers flying in from the Middle East.
"We've moving into a new home at Heathrow and we are confident that is enough for us to remain at the forefront," Paul Starrs, country manager for BA in Dubai, told Gulf News recently.
BA announced in October that the airline is undergoing a $200 million premium class facelift which will include lie-flat seats along with other features.
The airline have also said they will be pumping in $8.2 billion to add 12 A380s and 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its existing fleet. This will be the airline's largest aircraft order in nine years.
Friday, 9 November 2007
Aircraft makes emergency landing after engine comes off
A Boeing 737 had to make an emergency landing at Cape Town International Airport when it lost an engine during take off.
The plane was carrying over 100 people and had to circle the runway to lose fuel and to wait for the runway to be cleared of debris before landing.
It's thought the aircraft's right engine separated from the wing, a passenger said:
"I heard this huge bang, and he said, 'That's our engine that's just fallen off.' I couldn't believe it. He had to repeat it to me," she told SAPA.
"The plane started to shake a bit, but what was amazing was the staff and passengers: everybody was so calm. There was no hysteria, no nothing, it was amazing. The guy next to me seemed to know something about planes. He said, 'Don't worry: the plane will go with one engine.' So I thought, 'that's OK.'"
When the plane came to a standstill the pilot entered the cabin and everyone cheered.
The incident is still being investigated.
The plane was carrying over 100 people and had to circle the runway to lose fuel and to wait for the runway to be cleared of debris before landing.
It's thought the aircraft's right engine separated from the wing, a passenger said:
"I heard this huge bang, and he said, 'That's our engine that's just fallen off.' I couldn't believe it. He had to repeat it to me," she told SAPA.
"The plane started to shake a bit, but what was amazing was the staff and passengers: everybody was so calm. There was no hysteria, no nothing, it was amazing. The guy next to me seemed to know something about planes. He said, 'Don't worry: the plane will go with one engine.' So I thought, 'that's OK.'"
When the plane came to a standstill the pilot entered the cabin and everyone cheered.
The incident is still being investigated.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Green Tea to be served on American Airlines flights
A health drinks company Fuze Beverage have announced that American Airlines will start selling Fuze Green Tea onboard their flights.
The CMO of Fuze Beverage Bill Meissner said:
"As consumers search for healthier beverage choices, many companies in the hospitality business are looking to provide better-for-you options. What better outlet for passengers to benefit from the ingredients of Fuze Green Tea than onboard a flight. Our Healthy Green Tea provides refreshment and rejuvenation with every sip."
The drink will be available on flights departing from Dallas Fort Worth to Chicago and LA, and also on flights departing San Francisco to JFK. This will commence from November 12th until November 18th.
The CMO of Fuze Beverage Bill Meissner said:
"As consumers search for healthier beverage choices, many companies in the hospitality business are looking to provide better-for-you options. What better outlet for passengers to benefit from the ingredients of Fuze Green Tea than onboard a flight. Our Healthy Green Tea provides refreshment and rejuvenation with every sip."
The drink will be available on flights departing from Dallas Fort Worth to Chicago and LA, and also on flights departing San Francisco to JFK. This will commence from November 12th until November 18th.
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Are more pilots falling asleep during flights?
With the cockpit today being entirely automated it's a wonder pilots are needed at all. However it's something else when the pilots are getting so bored that they're fallnig asleep.
Onboard a flight from Baltimore to Denver in 2004 this is what happened! The pilot and co-pilot had drifted off and only woke up when air traffic control were practically shouting at them as the plane was cruising at twice the required speed on approach. They did however manage to land the plane without mishap. Nobody onboard the flight was none the wiser and the only reason this matter has come to light is because the pilot submitted an anoymous report.
This isn't the first time this has happened as discovered from a Dallas news station, another pilot fell asleep during take off.
"When air traffic control said something on the radio we both woke up," recalled the pilot, "and I was like, oh my gosh, we're already up here."
Does something need to be done to keep all cockpit crew awake?
Onboard a flight from Baltimore to Denver in 2004 this is what happened! The pilot and co-pilot had drifted off and only woke up when air traffic control were practically shouting at them as the plane was cruising at twice the required speed on approach. They did however manage to land the plane without mishap. Nobody onboard the flight was none the wiser and the only reason this matter has come to light is because the pilot submitted an anoymous report.
This isn't the first time this has happened as discovered from a Dallas news station, another pilot fell asleep during take off.
"When air traffic control said something on the radio we both woke up," recalled the pilot, "and I was like, oh my gosh, we're already up here."
Does something need to be done to keep all cockpit crew awake?
Friday, 26 October 2007
Philippine Airliner overshoots runway
Another incident where an aircraft overshot the runway occurred in Butuan City.
The Philippines Airline Airbus 320 was landing whilst on a flight from Manila to Butuan City when the aircraft overshot injuring several passengers and crew.
Both the pilot and co-pilot have hurt their necks but no serious injuries have been reported.
The aircraft was loaded with 148 passengers and crew. The airport has been closed until Saturday pending inspections.
The Philippines Airline Airbus 320 was landing whilst on a flight from Manila to Butuan City when the aircraft overshot injuring several passengers and crew.
Both the pilot and co-pilot have hurt their necks but no serious injuries have been reported.
The aircraft was loaded with 148 passengers and crew. The airport has been closed until Saturday pending inspections.
Malaysia Airlines to buy more aircraft
MAS are to buy at least 10 ATR72-500 turboprop aircraft.
The aircraft are intended for MAS unit Firefly which serves rural Malaysia.
The price of the aircraft are 18.3 million US dollars.
The aircraft are intended for MAS unit Firefly which serves rural Malaysia.
The price of the aircraft are 18.3 million US dollars.
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
Planes collide on runway at Heathrow
A British Airways 747 and a Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A340 were involved in a collision whilst taxiing at Heathrow.
There were no injuries and BA confirmed there was indeed a collision and that investigations were underway.
A BAA spokesman said "Heathrow airport can confirm that two aircraft were involved in an incident earlier this evening on the ground. There are no reported injuries."
A spokeswoman for Sri Lankan Airlines said "It is reported that the wing tips of the two aircraft brushed against each other while taxiing. No injuries were reported. All passengers have been transferred to city hotels until alternate travel arrangements are made during the course of the day."
A passenger onboard the Sri Lankan has said that they hit the BA jet from behind: "We turned our wing, almost hit what looked like the tail end of the British Airways flight, and we ended up chopping off a bit of wing. It cut through it like butter," said Danish journalist Annasofie Flamand.
"It's pretty incredible to see something like that in a place like Heathrow airport. Thank God it was on the ground and not in the air."
The aircraft was then being inspected to assess the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, passengers were given the option of a refund or to stay the night in a hotel and leave on the next available flight.
There were no injuries and BA confirmed there was indeed a collision and that investigations were underway.
A BAA spokesman said "Heathrow airport can confirm that two aircraft were involved in an incident earlier this evening on the ground. There are no reported injuries."
A spokeswoman for Sri Lankan Airlines said "It is reported that the wing tips of the two aircraft brushed against each other while taxiing. No injuries were reported. All passengers have been transferred to city hotels until alternate travel arrangements are made during the course of the day."
A passenger onboard the Sri Lankan has said that they hit the BA jet from behind: "We turned our wing, almost hit what looked like the tail end of the British Airways flight, and we ended up chopping off a bit of wing. It cut through it like butter," said Danish journalist Annasofie Flamand.
"It's pretty incredible to see something like that in a place like Heathrow airport. Thank God it was on the ground and not in the air."
The aircraft was then being inspected to assess the extent of the damage.
Meanwhile, passengers were given the option of a refund or to stay the night in a hotel and leave on the next available flight.
Singapore Airlines finally get their A380
The eagerly awaited Airbus A380 has finally been delivered to Singaopre Airlines 18 months behind schedule.
Thomas Enders the chief executive described the delivery of the world's largest passenger jet as "the latest milestone in a long journey".
Five hundred people gathered at Toulouse to watch the exchange of the aircraft and it will be flown to Singapore on Wednesday.
The aircraft will experience its first flight from Singapore to Sydney on 25th October.
"I realise how unsettling recent times, particularly the last 18 months, have been, but that only serves to make this achievement all the more impressive," Mr Enders told Airbus employees at the ceremony.
Airbus have said they don't predict anymore delays with the delivery of the aircraft on other orders and should exchange hands as planned in 2008.
"It is something to celebrate when you launch a new airplane and get it turned over to a client," said John Nance, a US aviation analyst.
"But this has been a very difficult delivery and the troubles will resonate for some time. I am sure she will fly well and it is a magnificent achievement but I think it is a white elephant."
Thomas Enders the chief executive described the delivery of the world's largest passenger jet as "the latest milestone in a long journey".
Five hundred people gathered at Toulouse to watch the exchange of the aircraft and it will be flown to Singapore on Wednesday.
The aircraft will experience its first flight from Singapore to Sydney on 25th October.
"I realise how unsettling recent times, particularly the last 18 months, have been, but that only serves to make this achievement all the more impressive," Mr Enders told Airbus employees at the ceremony.
Airbus have said they don't predict anymore delays with the delivery of the aircraft on other orders and should exchange hands as planned in 2008.
"It is something to celebrate when you launch a new airplane and get it turned over to a client," said John Nance, a US aviation analyst.
"But this has been a very difficult delivery and the troubles will resonate for some time. I am sure she will fly well and it is a magnificent achievement but I think it is a white elephant."
Saturday, 13 October 2007
Aircraft too heavy on Virgin Blue flight to Cairns, passengers asked to disembark!
I've always been amazed at how a plane manages to get into the air with all the weight it carries, but it's come to something else when passengers are asked to get off because the plane is too heavy!!
This is what happened on a Virgin Blue flight flying from Melbourne to Cairns as crew asked for any volunteers that would be willing to disembark because the 737 wouldn't have enough fuel for the flight.
Up stepped three gallant men who offered to get off the aircraft. The flight was able to get underway once their luggage was removed.
A Virgin Blue spokeswoman said that flights had been diverted around Australia due to bad weather in Melburne. She later said that the 737 being used for the Cairns route had a lower weight capacity than the aircraft originally scheduled.
The three passengers who left the plane were compensated with travel vouchers.
This is what happened on a Virgin Blue flight flying from Melbourne to Cairns as crew asked for any volunteers that would be willing to disembark because the 737 wouldn't have enough fuel for the flight.
Up stepped three gallant men who offered to get off the aircraft. The flight was able to get underway once their luggage was removed.
A Virgin Blue spokeswoman said that flights had been diverted around Australia due to bad weather in Melburne. She later said that the 737 being used for the Cairns route had a lower weight capacity than the aircraft originally scheduled.
The three passengers who left the plane were compensated with travel vouchers.
Friday, 12 October 2007
Eygptian Airline catches fire whilst landing
An Eygptian owned aircraft caught fire whilst making an emergency landing at Istanbul's International airport.
Luckily the fire was put out quickly and there were no fatalities.
It's thought the plane suffered a technical problem and the landing gear wasn't functioning.
The fire was caused by the plane landing on its main body with 156 passengers onboard and seven crew. The aircraft was on its way to Warsaw.
Luckily the fire was put out quickly and there were no fatalities.
It's thought the plane suffered a technical problem and the landing gear wasn't functioning.
The fire was caused by the plane landing on its main body with 156 passengers onboard and seven crew. The aircraft was on its way to Warsaw.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
First delivery of A380 to Singapore Airlines set to take place next week.
The Airbus A380 was taking part in a test flight and landed in the capital of the Philippines on Thursday.
The aircraft flew from Melbourne to Manila International Airport and managed to land without any problems despite its size.
The flight was part of the many tests to show it could "fit in today's airport infrastructure," without having to adjust anything.
Airbus A380 is now the world's largest passenger jet and has the capacity to carry up to 850 people.
The first delivery to Singapore Airlines is set to take place next week.
Boeing delay order of Dreamliner to Qantas Airlines
Qantas are currently looking to seek compensation for the delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft being delayed. The airline have said that this won't affect its operations or put a dent in its earnings.
Boeing have assured Qantas that the 15 Dreamliners which were due to be delivered between August 2008 and December 2009 would all be received by the 2009 date.
“Boeing said the August 2008 aircraft would slip, but not by six months,'' said Chief Executive Geoff Dixon, ”Once that aircraft arrives, the remaining 14 aircraft deliveries will be staggered until December 2009.''
Qantas have put in 65 definate orders for the aircraft, 20 options and 30 purchase rights.
”Once Boeing confirms a revised delivery schedule we will assess the need for any other measures such as delaying the retirement of aircraft,'' he later said
”Compensation issues will be the subject of commercial negotiations between the Qantas and Boeing companies.''
Boeing have assured Qantas that the 15 Dreamliners which were due to be delivered between August 2008 and December 2009 would all be received by the 2009 date.
“Boeing said the August 2008 aircraft would slip, but not by six months,'' said Chief Executive Geoff Dixon, ”Once that aircraft arrives, the remaining 14 aircraft deliveries will be staggered until December 2009.''
Qantas have put in 65 definate orders for the aircraft, 20 options and 30 purchase rights.
”Once Boeing confirms a revised delivery schedule we will assess the need for any other measures such as delaying the retirement of aircraft,'' he later said
”Compensation issues will be the subject of commercial negotiations between the Qantas and Boeing companies.''
Monday, 8 October 2007
Airline pilot allows Robbie Savage into cockpit.
An experienced airline pilot has been suspended from duty for what has been described as a breach of the terroism act.
Captain Mason has flown RAF aircraft in the past and then decided to carry holiday makers to their destination. But in a bid to help a nervous passenger overcome their fear of flying the captain allowed the man into the cockpit.
Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage is scared of flying so the captain allowed Robbie into the cockpit in a bid to overcom this fear. Unfortunately the authorities haven't taken this lightly and investigations continue.
Captain Mason has flown RAF aircraft in the past and then decided to carry holiday makers to their destination. But in a bid to help a nervous passenger overcome their fear of flying the captain allowed the man into the cockpit.
Blackburn midfielder Robbie Savage is scared of flying so the captain allowed Robbie into the cockpit in a bid to overcom this fear. Unfortunately the authorities haven't taken this lightly and investigations continue.
Saturday, 29 September 2007
Budget airline announes all its aircraft are safe
Despite five accidents involving Q400 aircraft this year, budget airline Flybe has reassured passengers that their aircraft are prefectly safe.
Flybe currently operates Q400's from Dublin, Galway & Belfast to various destinations in the UK and Channel Islands.
The move comes following mishaps on 2 different Scandanavian Q400's whilst landing. A Lufthansa Q400 also had problems when its landing gear experienced problems.
Bombardier then called for all Q400's that have built up over 10,000 take off and landings should be grounded and inspected.
Flybe currently has 33 Q400's but told a radio investigative unit that all said aircraft have recently completed inspections successfully.
Niall Duffy Flybe spokesman said it wasn't necessary to remove them from the fleet as they had all been inspected using all checks requested by Bombardier.
Monday, 24 September 2007
Plane crash victim to be buried today
One of the victims of the Thai air disaster is to be buried today by family in Londonderry.
The remains of the 22 year old were sent back home on Friday to the Drumard Park home in the Hazelbank area.
The aircraft crashed on landing when it came down in bad weather killing 88 people.
Patricia Logue Aaron's Aunt said:
"We the parents and brothers of Aaron Toland would like to express heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends who have given us great comfort and support as we mourn the loss of our beloved son and brother Aaron. Nothing could prepare us to lose Aaron in this terrible tragic manner so far away from us, his family.
"We are heartened that he is back home with us. Our only desire now is to mourn our son and brother. We appreciate that the circumstances of Aaron's death and those of 88 other people in Thailand made it world news. However, we are a family in mourning and ask that the media would respect our privacy."
Doctors have said that his friend Chris Cooley is still in hospital in Phuket but is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators have said that the possible cause of the crash is wind shear, where the wind makes a sudden change in direction or speed.
The remains of the 22 year old were sent back home on Friday to the Drumard Park home in the Hazelbank area.
The aircraft crashed on landing when it came down in bad weather killing 88 people.
Patricia Logue Aaron's Aunt said:
"We the parents and brothers of Aaron Toland would like to express heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends who have given us great comfort and support as we mourn the loss of our beloved son and brother Aaron. Nothing could prepare us to lose Aaron in this terrible tragic manner so far away from us, his family.
"We are heartened that he is back home with us. Our only desire now is to mourn our son and brother. We appreciate that the circumstances of Aaron's death and those of 88 other people in Thailand made it world news. However, we are a family in mourning and ask that the media would respect our privacy."
Doctors have said that his friend Chris Cooley is still in hospital in Phuket but is expected to make a full recovery.
Investigators have said that the possible cause of the crash is wind shear, where the wind makes a sudden change in direction or speed.
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