PANORA

Home About Us Contact Us Blog News

US aviation authorities investigate after video shows baseball coach in cockpit

Published: 20 April 2024 at 00:19

Travel

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a video was posted on Instagram showing Colorado Rockies hitting coach Hensley Meulens in a United Airlines charter plane's cockpit while airborne. Passengers are generally banned from entering cockpit areas. United Airlines has suspended two pilots pending an investigation into the incident, which occurred on a flight from Denver to Toronto on 10th April. The FAA confirmed the ongoing investigation but did not provide further details.

DEEP DIVE


Investigation Launched After Unauthorized Person Allegedly Seen in Pilot's Seat During Colorado Rockies Flight


The Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines are investigating an incident where an unauthorized person was allegedly seen in the pilot's seat during a flight chartered by the Colorado Rockies baseball team. The incident took place on April 10 on a United Airlines flight from Denver to Toronto. United Airlines removed at least two pilots from duty in response to the incident, which is a violation of safety and operational policies. The FAA has opened an investigation into the matter, as regulations restrict flight deck access to specific individuals.

FAA Increases Oversight of United Airlines Following Recent Safety Issues


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing its oversight of United Airlines after a series of safety incidents, including a piece of the outer fuselage falling off, an engine fire, and a plane losing a tire during takeoff. United's vice president of corporate safety mentioned that the FAA will examine multiple areas of the airline's operations to ensure safety compliance. FAA oversight focuses on compliance with regulations, hazard identification, risk assessment, and safety management. The agency will pause certification activities and closely monitor United Airlines to address safety concerns.

Unruly Passenger Forces Swiss Airlines Flight to Make Emergency Landing After Attempting to Enter Cockpit


A Swiss Airlines flight from New Jersey to Switzerland was forced to turn back and make an emergency landing when an unruly passenger attempted to enter the cockpit. The passenger behaved abusively towards the crew, leading to one cabin crew member sustaining minor injuries. The flight, carrying 236 passengers and 13 crew members, returned to Newark Liberty International Airport. The passenger was arrested and charged with interference and assault. The FAA will investigate the incident.

FAA Investigates Southwest Airlines Incident at LaGuardia Airport


The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident involving Southwest Flight 147 at New York's LaGuardia Airport where the plane veered off course during landing, prompting air traffic control to instruct a go-around. The flight encountered turbulence and low visibility, leading to a diversion to Baltimore/Washington International Airport before safely landing in New York. The FAA is examining whether the plane flew over the air traffic control tower with minimal clearance. This incident is part of a series of investigations into near-collisions at US airports, highlighting issues such as funding, technology, and staffing in air traffic control towers.

Close Call Between JetBlue and Southwest Planes on Virginia Runway Prompts FAA Investigation


Two packed airplanes, a Florida-bound Southwest Airlines plane and a JetBlue flight to Boston, nearly collided on a Virginia runway due to an air traffic control error, stopping just 400 feet from each other. The incident led to no reported injuries, with JetBlue having to abort takeoff. The FAA is investigating the incident, which raises concerns about air traffic system reliability and controller fatigue. Recent improvements include requiring longer rest periods for controllers and implementing new airfield surveillance systems to enhance safety.

FAA Increases Oversight of United Airlines After Series of Safety Incidents


The Federal Aviation Administration is intensifying its oversight of United Airlines following a string of safety incidents on flights involving Boeing jets, including engines spewing flames and a plane losing a wheel. The FAA is considering temporary actions such as preventing United from adding new routes and pausing the introduction of new planes into service. United Airlines has not been notified of a final decision yet. The FAA aims to ensure compliance with safety regulations and mitigate risks. United's growth plans, impacted by Boeing delivery delays, may be affected by these oversight measures.

American Airlines pilots union raises safety concerns over maintenance practices


The Allied Pilots Association has reported a significant increase in safety and maintenance issues at American Airlines, pointing out incidents like tools left in wheel wells and items in the vicinity of parked planes. The union highlighted shorter test flights after major maintenance and fewer routine inspections. Management has responded positively to these concerns, aiming to improve safety protocols. American Airlines stated its commitment to safety through collaborative programs with the FAA and unions. The Federal Aviation Administration is also increasing oversight over United Airlines after safety incidents.

Debate sparked over pets on airplanes after dog's messy accident forces flight diversion


A recent incident on a United Airlines flight where a dog had a messy accident in the aisle, leading to the flight being diverted, has ignited a fierce debate on whether pets should be allowed in-cabin. The incident has raised concerns about the current policies regarding animals on flights, with many calling for stricter restrictions or a complete ban on pets in airplane cabins.

United Airlines pilot seen replacing window before takeoff raises concerns


A mother on board a United Airlines flight from Dallas to Denver shared a video of the pilot struggling to replace a window, sparking worries about safety. United Airlines confirmed the window piece was cosmetic. This incident comes amidst a series of safety concerns on Boeing aircraft, including a Southwest Airlines flight where the engine cowling fell off mid-flight. Other incidents involved missing parts on United Airlines Boeing planes and a door flying off a Boeing 737 MAX. The safety of these aircraft has been under scrutiny due to manufacturing errors and missing bolts.

Federal Officials Investigate Engine Fire on Southwest Airlines Plane in Texas


Federal officials are investigating an engine fire that led to the cancellation of takeoff for a Southwest Airlines flight in Lubbock, Texas. The incident involved a Boeing 737-800 with engines made by CFM International. The flight, bound for Las Vegas, had 154 passengers and 6 crew members onboard. A replacement plane was flown in from Dallas to continue the journey. The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting an investigation into the reported engine fire.

United Airlines flight diverted due to dog's defecation


A United Airlines flight from Houston to Seattle was diverted to Dallas after a dog relieved itself in the first-class aisle, leading to a multi-hour cleaning effort that proved unsuccessful, resulting in the first-class toilet being unusable. Passengers criticized owners bringing dogs on flights, advocating for stricter regulations. Similar incidents, including a traveler defecating on a flight in January, have caused disruptions. United Airlines allows dogs in carriers on domestic flights, with Reddit commenters sharing their own unpleasant experiences with animals on planes.

2017 United Express passenger removal (Wikipedia)


On April 9, 2017, at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, four paying customers were selected to be involuntarily deplaned from United Express Flight 3411 to make room for four deadheading employees. One of these passengers was David Dao, 69, a Vietnamese-American who was injured when he was forcefully removed from the flight by Chicago Department of Aviation security officers. Dao, a pulmonologist, refused to leave his seat when directed because he needed to see patients the following day. In the process of removing him, the security officers struck his face against an armrest, then dragged him - bloodied, bruised, and allegedly unconscious – by his arms down the aircraft aisle, past rows of onlooking passengers. The incident is widely characterized by critics – and later by United Airlines itself – as an example of mishandled customer service.United removed the passengers to reposition a crew who had been delayed in reaching Louisville to staff a flight the next day. Prior to the confrontation, United agents made a general offer to the plane's passengers – of travel vouchers, accommodations, and a later flight – in exchange for their seats, but none of them accepted. United then algorithmically selected four passengers for involuntary removal from the flight, one of whom was Dao. The three other passengers cooperated with instructions to exit the plane.Video of the incident recorded by passengers went viral on social media, resulting in anger over the use of force shown. Politicians expressed concern and called for an official investigation. Then US president Donald Trump criticized United Airlines, calling its treatment of Dao "horrible". Shares of United stock dipped as much as 2.5% in pre-market trading Monday following the Sunday incident, but closed the day up nearly 1%.United CEO Oscar Munoz issued a statement the following day that appeared to downplay the treatment of Dao, referring to the incident as "re-accommodating the customers". Munoz also sent an email to United staff commending the crew's actions for following established procedures and referring to Dao as "disruptive" and "belligerent". This was contradicted by passengers' accounts and video of the incident; for example, Jason Powell asserted that Dao was not belligerent, saying instead, "He was very polite, matter-of-fact."Munoz and United were sharply criticized for their initial statements. Two days after the incident, Munoz issued an additional statement, apologizing and promising that such an incident would never again occur on a United aircraft. He said, "No one should ever be mistreated this way." In a televised interview, Munoz was asked, "Do you think [Dao] was at fault in any way?" Munoz responded, "No. He can't be. He was a paying passenger sitting on our seat in our aircraft." Munoz's previously planned promotion to become United's chairman was delayed until May 2020 as a result of the incident. Dao reached an "amicable" settlement with United on April 27, 2017, though its terms were not publicly announced.

Boeing Faces Fresh Safety Concerns After Series of Incidents


Boeing is under scrutiny for a recent string of safety problems, including a Dreamliner aircraft diving mid-flight, a Boeing 777-300 turning around due to maintenance issues, and a whistleblower, John Barnett, found dead. Multiple airlines have reported troubles due to Boeing's challenges, with Southwest Airlines cutting capacity and United Airlines changing its order to Max 9s instead of Max 10s. The FAA audit revealed Boeing failed to comply with quality-control mandates, adding to the company's existing safety concerns stemming from previous fatal crashes and production issues.

FAA audit finds Boeing failing in multiple aspects and facing investigations


A federal audit of Boeing found over thirty failures in the company's operations, with a total of 97 points of noncompliance. Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found dead shortly after testifying against the company. The audit was prompted by an incident where a Boeing 737 Max 9 had its door panel blow off during an Alaska Airlines flight. The FAA gave Boeing 90 days to outline its action plan in response to the findings. Boeing is also facing scrutiny from the National Transportation Safety Board and a criminal investigation by the Justice Department.

Multiple United Airlines Flights Encounter Turbulence and Medical Emergencies


Several United Airlines flights, including those from Tel Aviv to the United States, experienced high winds, turbulence, and medical emergencies leading to diversions to airports like New Windsor, New York. Passengers complained of nausea, motion sickness, and chest pain, with some requiring hospitalization for evaluation. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incidents.

Boeing Faces Safety Concerns and Whistleblower Report


Boeing is under scrutiny as a whistleblower, Sam Salehpour, reported safety concerns over the manufacturing of 787 and 777 jets, accusing the company of taking shortcuts. Boeing denied the allegations, stating its planes were safe. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the claims, causing Boeing's shares to drop by almost 2%. This incident adds to Boeing's existing legal troubles, including a recent incident where an exit door broke off a 737 Max 9 plane. The company's CEO, David Calhoun, announced his upcoming resignation amidst the ongoing challenges.

Southwest Airlines Flight Veers Off Course Near LaGuardia Airport


A Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville to New York veered off course due to bad weather, coming within 67 feet of LaGuardia Airport's air traffic control tower. The plane flew as low as 300 feet before being instructed to climb to 2,000 feet, diverting to Baltimore for a safe landing. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident. This near miss is part of a larger pattern of close calls at US airports, highlighting issues like funding, technology, training conditions, and staffing in air traffic control towers.

FAA Investigates Close Call Involving JetBlue Flight at Washington Reagan National Airport


The FAA is investigating a close call involving a JetBlue flight bound for Boston, which was forced to abort takeoff at Washington Reagan National Airport when another aircraft tried to cross the runway simultaneously. No injuries were reported, and both JetBlue and Southwest are cooperating with federal officials in the investigation.

Boeing investigated over whistleblower allegations concerning 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets


Federal authorities are investigating Boeing following whistleblower Sam Salehpour's claims of manufacturing shortcuts and potential risks with the 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets. Salehpour's complaint, filed with the FAA, emphasizes quality issues that could shorten the planes' lifespan. The FAA stated it investigates all whistleblower reports and encourages industry-wide information sharing. A Senate subcommittee will address these concerns in a hearing. Boeing refuted Salehpour's 787 safety concerns, asserting its commitment to aircraft quality and safety measures.

Allied Pilots Association Reports Spike in Safety Issues at American Airlines


The Allied Pilots Association has noted a rise in safety and maintenance-related problems at American Airlines, including issues like tools left in wheel wells, collisions during towing, and pressure to keep aircraft in service for on-time performance. The union emphasized the importance of not rushing or being intimidated. American Airlines highlighted its strong safety program and collaboration with regulatory bodies and unions. This comes amidst increased attention on airline safety following incidents at United Airlines. APA aims for collaboration with management to address safety concerns effectively.

Boeing jets experience bathroom malfunctions causing water and sewage to flood cabins on multiple flights


Multiple Boeing jets, including Alaska Airlines flight 828 and United Airlines flight 59, faced bathroom malfunctions leading to water and sewage flooding the cabins, forcing returns to the airports. Passengers on these flights witnessed flight attendants attempting to clean up the mess with paper towels. Boeing has been plagued by a series of dangerous jet failures recently, including the death of a company whistleblower. Last month, an Alaska Airlines flight experienced a door plug blowing off mid-flight at 16,000ft, prompting an emergency landing. The CEO of Boeing departed due to these incidents.

United Airlines Flight 175 (Wikipedia)


United Airlines Flight 175 was a domestic passenger flight from Logan International Airport in Boston to Los Angeles International Airport in California that was hijacked by five al-Qaeda terrorists on the morning of September 11, 2001, as part of the September 11 attacks. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 767-200 carrying 65 passengers and crew, was deliberately crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, killing everyone aboard and causing the deaths of more than 600 people in the South Tower's upper levels in addition to an unknown number of civilians and emergency personnel on floors beneath the impact zone. Flight 175's hijacking not only led to it being the second-deadliest of the four suicide attacks carried out on the day in terms of plane and ground fatalities, but also secured its place as second-deadliest plane crash in aviation history, surpassed only by American Airlines Flight 11.Flight 175 departed from Logan at 08:14. Twenty-eight minutes into the flight, the hijackers injured several crew members, forced their way into the cockpit, and murdered both pilots while moving anyone who remained to the rear of the aircraft. Lead hijacker Marwan al-Shehhi, who had trained as a pilot for the purposes of the attacks, was able to usurp the flight controls once the captain and first officer were eliminated. Unlike the team on Flight 11, the terrorists aboard Flight 175 did not switch off the plane's transponder when they took over the cockpit. Thus, the aircraft was visible on New York Center's radar, which depicted the deviation from its assigned flight path before controllers took notice four minutes later at 08:51 EDT. Upon realizing, the ATC workers immediately made several unsuccessful attempts to contact the cockpit of the hijacked airliner, which twice nearly collided with other planes as it recklessly flew toward New York City. In the interim, three people were able to get through to their family members and colleagues on the ground, passing on information to do with the hijackers as well as casualties suffered by the flight crew.No more than 21 minutes after the hijacking began, al-Shehhi crashed the airplane into the South Tower's south face from floors 77 through 85 as part of an attack coordinated with the takeover of Flight 11, which had struck the upper floors of the World Trade Center's North Tower at 08:46. Media coverage of the disaster that began in the North Tower 17 minutes earlier meant Flight 175's impact at 09:03 was the only one of the four attacks to be televised live around the world. The damage done to the South Tower by the crash and subsequent fire caused its collapse 56 minutes later at 09:59, killing everyone who was still inside. During the recovery effort at the World Trade Center site, workers uncovered and identified remains from some Flight 175 victims, but many victims have not been identified.

United Airlines Flight 328 (Wikipedia)


On February 20, 2021, United Airlines Flight 328 (UA328/UAL328), a scheduled U.S. domestic passenger flight from Denver to Honolulu, suffered what was technically ruled a contained engine failure despite shedding large pieces of debris, approximately four minutes after takeoff from Denver International Airport (DEN). Parts departing from the engine cowling of the Boeing 777-222 aircraft resulted in a debris field at least 1 mile (1.6 km) long over suburban residential areas of Broomfield, Colorado. Falling debris was recorded by eyewitnesses using smartphone cameras and a dash cam. Debris fell through the roof of a private home and significantly damaged a parked vehicle.The engine failure resulted in an in-flight engine fire, extensive damage to the engine nacelle, and minor damage to the fuselage. Passengers also recorded video of the engine nacelle damage and in-flight fire and posted these to social media. The failed engine was a Pratt & Whitney (P&W) model PW4077 turbofan.The crew secured the failed engine, and the aircraft returned to Denver using the remaining working engine, landing without further incident 24 minutes after takeoff at 13:28 local time. There were no reported injuries to persons onboard or on the ground. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board immediately began investigating.Similar 777-200 series aircraft were quickly grounded by several national aviation authorities, including the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, which issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive requiring U.S. operators of airplanes equipped with similar Pratt & Whitney PW4000-112 series engines to inspect these engines' fan blades before further flight. Japan Air Lines, which had a similar incident in December 2020, retired all of its P&W-equipped Boeing 777-200s a year earlier than planned in March 2021. United Airlines, which also had a similar incident in 2018, grounded their Pratt & Whitney powered 777-200s from early to mid 2021 until July 2022 (with the exception of the accident aircraft.)

US Airline CEOs Request Meeting with Boeing Over Quality-Control Problems


The heads of major US airlines are seeking a meeting with Boeing's board to discuss concerns about production issues following a fuselage blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing has offered meetings with its chairman and board members, but CEO David Calhoun is not expected to attend. The FAA has demanded Boeing to address quality-control problems within 90 days and audits have revealed noncompliance issues, including the use of makeshift tools in production processes.

Federal Aviation Administration (Wikipedia)


The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a U.S. federal government agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation which regulates civil aviation in the United States and surrounding international waters.: 12, 16  Its powers include air traffic control, certification of personnel and aircraft, setting standards for airports, and protection of U.S. assets during the launch or re-entry of commercial space vehicles, powers over neighboring international waters were delegated to the FAA by authority of the International Civil Aviation Organization.The FAA was created in August 1958 (1958-08) as the Federal Aviation Agency, replacing the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). In 1967 the FAA became part of the newly formed U.S. Department of Transportation and was renamed the Federal Aviation Administration.

United Airlines Blames Boeing for Earnings Hit Due to Boeing 737 MAX 9 Grounding


United Airlines reported a $164 million pre-tax loss in the first quarter of the year due to grounding its Boeing 737 MAX 9 fleet after a mid-air cabin blowout on an Alaska Airlines flight. Boeing paid $160 million to Alaska Airlines for losses incurred. United had 79 Boeing 737 MAX 9s, the second highest fleet, and faced delays in Boeing deliveries. A whistleblower alleged safety concerns with Boeing's manufacturing, leading to further scrutiny. United's revenue increased despite the grounding, with plans to lease Airbus planes due to Boeing delivery cuts.

Boeing Compensates Alaska Airlines $160 Million for Jetliner Panel Incident


Alaska Airlines received an initial $160 million compensation from Boeing for a panel that blew out of a 737 Max 9 jetliner in January. The payment covered losses including lost revenue and fleet grounding costs. Other airlines like United were affected by the subsequent grounding of Max 9s. The FAA is investigating the incident, which may lead to additional compensation for affected airlines. Alaska expects more compensation beyond the first quarter. Boeing's production of 737 Max 9 jets has decreased, impacting the aviation industry.

United Airlines Flight Forced to Return to Frankfurt After Feces Floods Cabin from Broken Toilet


United Airlines Flight 59 bound for San Francisco was forced to turn back to Frankfurt after a broken toilet caused feces to overflow into the cabin, emitting a foul odor. Passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and rebooked on a different flight the next day. This incident occurred on a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft just one hour into its journey, where technicians were unable to find an immediate solution to the problem.

Federal Aviation Regulations (Wikipedia)


The Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs comprise Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR). A wide variety of activities are regulated, such as aircraft design and maintenance, typical airline flights, pilot training activities, hot-air ballooning, lighter-than-air aircraft, man-made structure heights, obstruction lighting and marking, model rocket launches, commercial space operations, model aircraft operations, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and kite flying. The rules are designed to promote safe aviation, protecting pilots, flight attendants, passengers and the general public from unnecessary risk.

Boeing compensates Alaska Airlines $160 million for damages from midair door blowout


Boeing has paid Alaska Airlines approximately $160 million as initial compensation for financial damages resulting from a midair door blowout on a Boeing plane operated by the airline. The incident caused Alaska Airlines to lose around $160 million in pretax profit in the first quarter, primarily due to lost revenues and costs for irregular operations. Boeing is expected to provide additional compensation in the future, with the exact amount and terms yet to be disclosed. The Federal Aviation Administration grounded similar Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliners for inspections following the incident.

Birmingham Airport Suspends Operations Due to Security Incident on Aer Lingus Aircraft


Birmingham Airport has temporarily suspended operations due to a security incident involving an Aer Lingus aircraft. The plane landed safely, all passengers and crew disembarked, and flights have been delayed or canceled. Trains were also affected, with disruptions expected until 7pm. Passengers are advised to check in as normal. The incident caused delays of over two hours for some flights, and rail replacement buses are in operation. The situation is under investigation by West Midlands Police and British Transport Police.

Three People Killed in Single-Engine Aircraft Crash in Oklahoma


Pilot Brian Davis, 62, and passengers Michael Davis, 23, and Kelly Thompson, 21, from Antlers, died in a single-engine aircraft crash near Antlers, Oklahoma. The crash happened about 130 miles southeast of Oklahoma City in clear weather conditions. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash involving a Foutz-Davis DA-3 aircraft.

United States government role in civil aviation (Wikipedia)


The Air Commerce Act of 1926 created an Aeronautic Branch of the United States Department of Commerce. Its functions included testing and licensing of pilots, certification of aircraft and investigation of accidents.In 1934, the Aeronautics Branch was renamed the Bureau of Air Commerce, to reflect the growing importance of commercial flying. It was subsequently divided into two authorities: the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), concerned with air traffic control, and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), concerned with safety regulations and accident investigation. Under the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, the CAA's powers were transferred to a new independent body, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In the same year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created after the Soviet Union’s launch of the first artificial satellite.The accident investigation powers of the CAB were transferred to the new National Transportation Safety Board in 1967, at the same time that the United States Department of Transportation was created.In response to the September 11 attacks, the federal government launched the Transportation Security Administration with broad powers to protect air travel and other transportation modes against criminal activity.

Hot Air Balloon Crashes into Power Lines in Rochester, Minnesota


A hot air balloon in Rochester, Minnesota, crashed into power lines while attempting to land in a field after passing through strong winds. The basket detached and burst into flames, causing a small brush fire. Two of the three passengers on board sustained minor injuries. The incident occurred on Highway 63, prompting response from the Rochester Fire Department. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating. Rebecca Cohen reported the event for NBC News.

Boeing engineer contends 787 Dreamliner is unsafe due to assembly flaws


Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, a whistleblower, claims the 787 Dreamliner is unsafe to fly due to assembly flaws, potentially leading to catastrophic outcomes. Salehpour insists the plane could fall apart midflight if safety problems are not addressed. Boeing disputes the claims, asserting that the 787 Dreamliner is safe. Salehpour is expected to testify before a U.S. Senate subcommittee about the alleged safety issues. The FAA is investigating Salehpour's claims. Salehpour calls for halting production and inspecting the entire worldwide fleet, emphasizing the importance of addressing potential premature failure.

Alaska Airlines Grounds All US Flights Due to System Issue


Alaska Airlines grounded all flights in the US early Wednesday morning due to an issue with the system that calculates weight and balance. The ground stop was lifted later in the morning, but residual delays are expected throughout the day. The Port of Portland confirmed it was an airline issue, not an airport operation problem. The FAA has confirmed that operations are back to normal after Alaska Airlines asked for a nationwide pause in departures to fix the system issue.

Boeing 737 MAX groundings (Wikipedia)


The Boeing 737 MAX passenger airliner was grounded worldwide between March 2019 and December 2020 – longer in many jurisdictions – after 346 people died in two similar crashes: Lion Air Flight 610 on October 29, 2018, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10, 2019. By March 13, 2019, 51 regulators had grounded the plane; by March 18, all 387 of the aircraft in service worldwide were grounded, after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resisted grounding the aircraft until March 13, when it received evidence of accident similarities.In 2016, FAA approved Boeing's request to remove references to a new Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS) from the flight manual. In November 2018, after the Lion Air accident, Boeing instructed pilots to take corrective action in case of a malfunction, when the airplane would enter a series of automated nosedives. Boeing avoided revealing MCAS until pilots requested further explanation. In December 2018, the FAA privately predicted that MCAS could cause 15 crashes over 30 years. In April 2019, the Ethiopian preliminary report stated that the crew had attempted the recovery procedure, and Boeing confirmed that MCAS had activated in both accidents.FAA certification of the MAX was subsequently investigated by the U.S. Congress and multiple U.S. government agencies, including the Transportation Department, FBI, NTSB, Inspector General and special panels. Engineering reviews uncovered other design problems, unrelated to MCAS, in the flight computers and cockpit displays. The Indonesian NTSC and the Ethiopian ECAA both attributed the crashes to faulty aircraft design and other factors, including maintenance and flight crew actions. Lawmakers investigated Boeing's incentives to minimize training for the new aircraft. The FAA revoked Boeing's authority to issue airworthiness certificates for individual MAX airplanes and fined Boeing for exerting "undue pressure" on its designated aircraft inspectors.In August 2020, the FAA published requirements for fixing each aircraft and improving pilot training. On November 18, 2020, the FAA ended the 20-month grounding, the longest ever of a U.S. airliner. The accidents and grounding cost Boeing an estimated $20 billion in fines, compensation, and legal fees, with indirect losses of more than $60 billion from 1,200 cancelled orders. The MAX resumed commercial flights in the U.S. in December 2020, and was recertified in Europe and Canada by January 2021.In January 2024, the FAA grounded some 171 737 MAX 9s with a configuration similar to that of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, which suffered a mid-flight blowout of a plug filling an unused emergency exit on January 5, 2024, causing rapid decompression of the aircraft.

United Airlines Reports $124 Million Loss in First Quarter Due to Boeing 737 Max 9 Grounding


United Airlines reported a $124 million loss in the first quarter, attributing it to the three-week grounding of all Boeing 737 Max 9s after an incident with an Alaska Airlines Max jetliner. The airline expects fewer new planes from Boeing this year and has started leasing Airbus jets. Despite challenges, United projects better second-quarter profits and saw shares rise by 5%. FAA oversight increased after safety incidents. United plans to adjust its fleet due to Boeing delays, with a switch to Airbus jets. Revenue rose to $12.54 billion and the airline forecasts improved earnings for the second quarter.

US aviation authorities investigate after video shows baseball coach in cockpit US aviation authorities investigate after video shows baseball coach in cockpit US aviation authorities investigate after video shows baseball coach in cockpit

SOURCES

Deadspin

Reports: FAA investigating cockpit visit by Rockies coach

Sports Illustrated

Rockies Under Federal Investigation Over Hitting Coach’s Wild Move During Team Flight

Sports Illustrated

Daily Mail

Rockies 'under FEDERAL INVESTIGATION' for alleged violations on flight

Jake Nisse

AP News

Federal officials investigating cockpit visit by Rockies coach during United flight

AP News

NBC

Video of a Colorado Rockies coach sitting in cockpit during team flight prompts FAA probe

NBC

Fox News

FAA investigates Rockies after deleted video shows coach in cockpit during flight

Fox News

BBC News

Baseball coach filmed in cockpit under FAA investigation in US

https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews

PANORA

Investigation Launched After Unauthorized Person Allegedly Seen in Pilot's Seat During Colorado Rockies Flight

PANORA

PANORA

FAA Increases Oversight of United Airlines Following Recent Safety Issues

PANORA

PANORA

Unruly Passenger Forces Swiss Airlines Flight to Make Emergency Landing After Attempting to Enter Cockpit

PANORA

PANORA

FAA Investigates Southwest Airlines Incident at LaGuardia Airport

PANORA

PANORA

Close Call Between JetBlue and Southwest Planes on Virginia Runway Prompts FAA Investigation

PANORA

PANORA

FAA Increases Oversight of United Airlines After Series of Safety Incidents

PANORA

PANORA

American Airlines pilots union raises safety concerns over maintenance practices

PANORA

PANORA

Debate sparked over pets on airplanes after dog's messy accident forces flight diversion

PANORA

PANORA

United Airlines pilot seen replacing window before takeoff raises concerns

PANORA

PANORA

Federal Officials Investigate Engine Fire on Southwest Airlines Plane in Texas

PANORA

PANORA

United Airlines flight diverted due to dog's defecation

PANORA

Wikipedia

2017 United Express passenger removal

Wikipedia

PANORA

Boeing Faces Fresh Safety Concerns After Series of Incidents

PANORA

PANORA

FAA audit finds Boeing failing in multiple aspects and facing investigations

PANORA

PANORA

Multiple United Airlines Flights Encounter Turbulence and Medical Emergencies

PANORA

PANORA

Boeing Faces Safety Concerns and Whistleblower Report

PANORA

PANORA

Southwest Airlines Flight Veers Off Course Near LaGuardia Airport

PANORA

PANORA

FAA Investigates Close Call Involving JetBlue Flight at Washington Reagan National Airport

PANORA

PANORA

Boeing investigated over whistleblower allegations concerning 777 and 787 Dreamliner jets

PANORA

PANORA

Allied Pilots Association Reports Spike in Safety Issues at American Airlines

PANORA

PANORA

Boeing jets experience bathroom malfunctions causing water and sewage to flood cabins on multiple flights

PANORA

Wikipedia

United Airlines Flight 175

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

United Airlines Flight 328

Wikipedia

PANORA

US Airline CEOs Request Meeting with Boeing Over Quality-Control Problems

PANORA

Wikipedia

Federal Aviation Administration

Wikipedia

PANORA

United Airlines Blames Boeing for Earnings Hit Due to Boeing 737 MAX 9 Grounding

PANORA

PANORA

Boeing Compensates Alaska Airlines $160 Million for Jetliner Panel Incident

PANORA

PANORA

United Airlines Flight Forced to Return to Frankfurt After Feces Floods Cabin from Broken Toilet

PANORA

Wikipedia

Federal Aviation Regulations

Wikipedia

PANORA

Boeing compensates Alaska Airlines $160 million for damages from midair door blowout

PANORA

PANORA

Birmingham Airport Suspends Operations Due to Security Incident on Aer Lingus Aircraft

PANORA

PANORA

Three People Killed in Single-Engine Aircraft Crash in Oklahoma

PANORA

Wikipedia

United States government role in civil aviation

Wikipedia

PANORA

Hot Air Balloon Crashes into Power Lines in Rochester, Minnesota

PANORA

PANORA

Boeing engineer contends 787 Dreamliner is unsafe due to assembly flaws

PANORA

PANORA

Alaska Airlines Grounds All US Flights Due to System Issue

PANORA

Wikipedia

Boeing 737 MAX groundings

Wikipedia

PANORA

United Airlines Reports $124 Million Loss in First Quarter Due to Boeing 737 Max 9 Grounding

PANORA