7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Engine Failure on American Airlines Boeing 777

These incidents have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the Boeing 777, and airlines have been forced to take proactive measures to address the issue.

This was not the first time a United Airlines Boeing 777 had experienced an engine failure.

In 2018, a similar incident occurred on a flight from San Francisco to Honolulu, where the engine cover was lost, and the plane landed safely.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the 2021 engine failure on the United Airlines flight from Denver to Honolulu was caused by a crack in a fan blade, which was likely due to inadequate inspections and infrequent inspection intervals.

Following the 2021 incident, multiple airlines, including United Airlines, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines, grounded dozens of Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines as a precautionary measure.

Interestingly, the engine failure on the American Airlines Boeing 777 may have been caused by an object striking the engine, rather than a mechanical failure within the engine itself.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered inspections of some Boeing 777s, and the manufacturer, Boeing, recommended grounding the planes until the issue could be thoroughly investigated.

The engine failure incidents on United Airlines flights in 2018 and 2021 have raised concerns about the maintenance and inspection protocols for these types of aircraft, as the NTSB found that inadequate inspections contributed to the 2021 failure.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Delta Air Lines Flight 1289 Runway Overrun

There are no records of a Delta Air Lines Flight 1289 Runway Overrun incident.

However, Delta Air Lines has been involved in other notable incidents, including a runway overrun in 2009 and a crash in 1988.

While Delta Air Lines offers flights to worldwide destinations, it is important to stay informed about the airline's safety record and any potential issues that may arise.

Despite the initial reports, there is no record of a Delta Air Lines Flight 1289 experiencing a runway overrun incident.

While Delta Air Lines has experienced other notable incidents, such as a runway overrun in 2009 and a crash in 1988, there are no publicly available reports of a runway overrun specifically involving Delta Air Lines Flight

In 1972, there was a runway collision at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport involving North Central Airlines Flight 575 and Delta Air Lines Flight 954, resulting in 10 fatalities and 17 injuries.

This incident predates the "Delta Air Lines Flight 1289 Runway Overrun" and highlights the importance of proper runway management and safety protocols.

This incident, though not directly related to the "Delta Air Lines Flight 1289 Runway Overrun," demonstrates the heightened security measures and protocols airlines had to implement in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

This highlights the need for more comprehensive and accessible data on airline operations and incidents.

This suggests that the details of this specific flight, including any potential incidents, could be further investigated by analyzing the data available on such platforms.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - United Airlines Faces Wave of Incidents

United Airlines has faced a concerning wave of incidents in the past two weeks, raising safety concerns among passengers.

From a plane reporting stuck rudder pedals to another veering off the runway in Houston, these events have prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to launch investigations.

In response, United's CEO has acknowledged the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that safety remains the airline's top priority.

The Federal Aviation Administration has also indicated it will increase its scrutiny of the airline's operations in the wake of these events.

While United claims to be addressing the issues through employee safety training reviews, the string of incidents serves as a stark reminder that even major carriers must remain vigilant in upholding the highest levels of safety and reliability.

Passengers will be closely watching United's handling of this situation in the coming weeks and months.

In the past two weeks, there have been at least eight incidents involving United Airlines planes, including a plane reporting stuck rudder pedals and another veering off the runway in Houston.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the Houston incident, which saw a United Airlines plane veer off the runway during landing.

As a result of the safety concerns, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will be scrutinizing United Airlines more closely in the wake of these multiple incidents.

Interestingly, this is not the first time a United Airlines Boeing 777 has experienced an engine failure, as a similar incident occurred in 2018 on a flight from San Francisco to Honolulu.

The NTSB determined that the 2021 engine failure on the United Airlines flight from Denver to Honolulu was caused by a crack in a fan blade, which was likely due to inadequate inspections and infrequent inspection intervals.

Following the 2021 engine failure incident, multiple airlines, including United Airlines, Korean Air, and Japan Airlines, grounded dozens of Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines as a precautionary measure.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Surge in Unruly Passenger Behavior

The airline industry has been grappling with a concerning surge in unruly passenger behavior, with data indicating a significant increase in incidents in 2022 compared to the previous year.

One out of every 568 flights reportedly experienced an unruly passenger incident, a notable rise from the one per 835 flights recorded in 2021.

Common reasons for these disruptions include noncompliance with safety regulations, exceeding baggage allowances, and failing to follow crew instructions.

Alarmingly, physical abuse on planes has also seen a sharp 61% increase from 2020.

In response, airlines are calling for government intervention and implementing stricter enforcement measures to address this challenging situation.

The Federal Aviation Administration has adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy, levying fines of up to $30,000 against more than 50 passengers.

Airlines are also taking proactive steps, such as stripping frequent-flyer benefits from misbehaving passengers and making emergency landings in some cases, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers onboard.

In 2022, the rate of unruly passenger incidents increased by 47% compared to 2021, with one incident occurring for every 568 flights.

Physical abuse on planes has risen sharply, with reports suggesting a 61% increase from 2020 to

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented a "zero-tolerance" policy against disruptive behavior, levying fines of up to $30,000 against more than 50 passengers in recent years.

Airlines have taken proactive steps to address the issue, including stripping frequent-flyer benefits from misbehaving passengers and making emergency landings in some cases.

Noncompliance with safety regulations, exceeding baggage allowances, and failing to fasten seatbelts are among the most common reasons for unruly passenger incidents.

In 2021, the FAA received over 1,900 "unruly passenger" reports, with incidents ranging from verbal abuse to intoxication and refusal to comply with crew instructions.

The surge in unruly behavior has prompted airlines to increase security measures and enhance cooperation with law enforcement to maintain the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Experts suggest that the enforcement of stricter policies, improved passenger education, and better coordination between airlines and authorities could help mitigate the surge in unruly passenger behavior.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Severe Turbulence Causes Injuries on Flight

Recent incidents have highlighted the ongoing risks posed by severe turbulence in air travel.

In March 2023, a United Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Newark experienced severe turbulence, leading to seven people being hospitalized.

This follows a similar incident a week earlier on a Lufthansa flight from Texas to Germany, where seven passengers suffered minor injuries due to the turbulence.

The Federal Aviation Administration has emphasized that atmospheric pressure, air around mountains, and weather fronts or storms can all contribute to unexpected turbulence.

With an estimated 65,000 flights encountering moderate turbulence and 5,500 severe turbulence incidents annually, the industry continues to grapple with the challenge of protecting passengers and crew.

While crashes directly caused by turbulence are rare, the resulting damage, delays, and injuries can cost airlines up to $500 million per year according to reports.

As authorities investigate these incidents, there are calls for enhanced regulations and safety protocols to better mitigate the risks associated with severe in-flight turbulence.

Severe turbulence causes an average of 7 hospitalizations per incident, underscoring the serious threat it poses to passenger safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration has faced criticism for not implementing regulations to restrict lap babies on flights, which could help mitigate the severity of turbulence-related injuries.

Turbulence-related incidents cost airlines up to $500 million per year due to damage, delays, and injuries, highlighting the significant financial burden it places on the industry.

Atmospheric pressure, air around mountains, and weather fronts or storms can all contribute to the formation of severe turbulence, making it a complex and unpredictable phenomenon.

Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board have revealed that inadequate inspections and infrequent inspection intervals can lead to mechanical failures that trigger turbulence-related incidents.

Following previous turbulence-related incidents, airlines have grounded dozens of Boeing 777 aircraft equipped with certain Pratt & Whitney engines as a precautionary measure.

The March 2023 incident on a United Airlines flight from Tel Aviv to Newark resulted in one death on a business jet and 7 hospitalizations, underscoring the potentially devastating consequences of severe turbulence.

Turbulence-related incidents are not limited to a single airline, as evidenced by the Lufthansa flight from Texas to Germany that experienced severe turbulence over Tennessee, causing 7 people to be hospitalized.

The National Transportation Safety Board has opened an investigation into a Delta Air Lines flight rocked by turbulence, further highlighting the need for comprehensive safety assessments and improvements in the industry.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Aircraft Tire Loss Incident During Takeoff

A United Airlines Boeing 777 jetliner experienced a rare tire loss incident shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport in March 2024.

The plane made a safe emergency landing in Los Angeles, and no one was injured, but the incident is under investigation as airlines work to address such occurrences and maintain the highest levels of safety.

These tire loss incidents during takeoff, while uncommon, serve as a reminder of the importance of robust aircraft maintenance and emergency response procedures to ensure passenger safety.

In March 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 777 bound for Osaka, Japan, lost a tire shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport, leading to an emergency landing in Los Angeles.

Seconds after takeoff, video footage showed the plane losing one of the six tires on its left-side main landing gear assembly, with the tire landing in an employee parking lot.

The incident occurred on the same day as another United Airlines flight that also lost a tire during takeoff from San Francisco, causing a temporary flight diversion.

Tire loss during takeoff is considered a rare occurrence, with airlines having strict procedures in place to address such situations and ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

Pilots are trained to prioritize safety and thoroughly inspect the aircraft for any additional damage before deciding whether to continue the flight or initiate an emergency landing.

The tire that was lost during the United Airlines incident broke through a fence and came to a stop in a neighboring parking lot, highlighting the potential for collateral damage in such incidents.

Despite the tire loss, the United Airlines flight carrying 249 passengers and crew members landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport, with no reported injuries.

The United Airlines incident is under investigation by the relevant authorities, but it is believed to be an isolated occurrence and not indicative of a broader issue with the Boeing 777 aircraft.

In the aftermath of the incident, airlines have reviewed their maintenance and inspection protocols to ensure the continued airworthiness of their fleets and minimize the risk of similar events.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been closely monitoring the situation and may issue additional guidance or directives to airlines to further enhance the safety of aircraft operations.

While tire loss incidents during takeoff are rare, they serve as a reminder of the importance of robust maintenance programs, crew training, and emergency response procedures in the airline industry.

7 Noteworthy Airline Incidents and How Carriers Handled Them - Runway Excursion Prompts Safety Review

Runway excursions, where an aircraft departs the end or side of the runway during takeoff or landing, have been a significant safety concern in aviation.

Airlines and regulatory bodies are working to prevent such incidents by promoting safety information-sharing programs, implementing technical solutions, and ensuring pilots receive proper training on standard operating procedures.

The International Civil Aviation Organization has developed a Global Action Plan to reduce the risk of runway excursions by 2023, focusing on policy changes, technical solutions, and standardized operating procedures.

Runway excursions are a significant safety concern, with 9 such accidents occurring globally in 2020, resulting in 24 fatalities, 77 serious injuries, and 6 cases of substantial aircraft damage.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), runway excursions occur when an aircraft departs the side (veer-off) or end (overrun) of the runway surface during takeoff or landing.

A review of 141 runway excursion accidents from 1995 to 2008 found that 30% of all accidents were related to runway excursions.

In fiscal year 2022, there were 7 runway excursion accidents, resulting in a rate of 22 per million sectors, which is below the 5-year average of 27 per million sectors.

Unstable approaches, poor weather conditions, and inadequate pilot training are among the leading causes of runway excursions.

The ICAO has developed a Global Action Plan to prevent runway excursions by 2023, focusing on reducing the risk through policy changes, technical solutions, and standard operating procedures.

Airlines and regulatory bodies are working to prevent runway excursions by promoting safety information-sharing programs and regional/local safety groups.

Scenario-based training and effective threat and error management can help pilots better navigate challenging landing and takeoff conditions and prevent runway excursions.

Proper maintenance and inspections of critical aircraft components, such as tires and brakes, are crucial in preventing runway excursions.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Flight Safety Foundation have highlighted the importance of implementing technical solutions, such as runway overrun awareness and alerting systems, to enhance runway safety.

In 2020, runway excursion-related accidents accounted for 24 fatalities, 77 serious injuries, 6 cases of substantial aircraft damage, and 3 hull losses.