Flight Safety Information - December 16, 2024 No. 249 In This Issue : Incident: American B772 over Atlantic on Dec 13th 2024, navigation equipment failure : Incident: Argentinas B738 over Atlantic on Dec 12th 2024, smoke in cabin : Incident: KLM B789 near Bermuda on Dec 13th 2024, pigs do and can't fly : Incident: India B788 at Birmingham on Dec 13th 2024, hydraulic leak : Accident: Nolinor B734 at Montreal on Nov 27th 2024, flaps problem, gear collapse : Calendar of Events Incident: American B772 over Atlantic on Dec 13th 2024, navigation equipment failure An American Airlines Boeing 777-200, registration N750AN performing flight AA-732 from Charlotte,NC (USA) to London Heathrow,EN (UK), was enroute at FL350 about 110nm southsoutheast of New York,NY (USA) when the crew advised ATC they had a failure of one of their redundant navigation systems and were unable to cross the ocean, therefore wanted to return to Charlotte. The crew subsequently consulted with dispatch and changed to divert to New York's JFK Airport. The aircraft needed to burn off fuel and subsequently landed safely on JFK's runway 04L about 4:50 hours after the decision to divert. A replacement Boeing 777-200 registration N772AN reached London with a delay of about 23 hours. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in New York about 35 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5219829a&opt=0 Incident: Argentinas B738 over Atlantic on Dec 12th 2024, smoke in cabin An Aerolineas Argentinas Boeing 737-800, registration LV-GFQ performing flight AR-1879 (dep Dec 11th) from Ushuaia,TF to Buenos Aires Aeroparque,BA (Argentina), was enroute at FL370 over the Atlantic Ocean about 120nm east of Comodoro Rivadavia,CB (Argentina) when the crew decided to divert to Comodoro Rivadavia reporting smoke in the cabin. The aircraft landed safely on runway 07 about 30 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground in Commodoro Rivadavia for about 26.5 hours, then resumed service.\\ https://avherald.com/h?article=52196ccd&opt=0 Incident: KLM B789 near Bermuda on Dec 13th 2024, pigs do and can't fly A KLM Boeing 787-9, registration PH-BHA performing flight KL-685 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Mexico City (Mexico) with 259 people and about 100 pigs in the cargo hold, was enroute at FL350 over the Atlantic Ocean about 70nm north of Bermuda (Bermuda) when the crew decided to divert to Bermuda reporting "obnoxious smell from cargo coming from pigs probably, which may have something to do with the oxygen environment in the cockpit" which was why they were diverting, it was not a Mayday, not even a PAN and no emergency services were needed on landing. However, the pigs most likely needed to be unloaded. The aircraft landed safely on Bermuda's runway 12 about 45 minutes later. The aircraft remained on the ground in Bermuda for about 30.5 hours before continuing the flight to Mexico City. Bermuda's government stated that they are committed to care for all visitors, whether they walk on two legs or trot on four. While the passengers and crew were taken to hotels, the pigs were taken to a secure location at the isla https://avherald.com/h?article=521965fc&opt=0 Incident: India B788 at Birmingham on Dec 13th 2024, hydraulic leak An Air India Boeing 787-8, registration VT-ANN performing flight AI-113 from Delhi (India) to Birmingham,EN (UK), was on final approach to Birmingham's runway 15 when the crew went around and entered a hold to work the checklists for a hydraulic leak. The aircraft landed without further incident on runway 15 about 30 minutes later and stopped on the runway. Emergency services found a hydraulic leak at the nose gear. The aircraft was towed to the apron. The return flight was postponed to the next day. The aircraft remained on the ground for about 28 hours, then performed the postponed return flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=52196238&opt=0 Accident: Nolinor B734 at Montreal on Nov 27th 2024, flaps problem, gear collapse A Nolinor Boeing 737-400, registration C-GGWX performing flight N5-662 from Quebec City,QC to La Baie,QC (Canada) with 87 passengers and 7 crew on board, was on approach to La Baie when the crew initiated a go around due to a flaps problem. The crew decided to divert to Montreal Mirabel,QC (Canada), where the aircraft performed a landing on runway 24 with the flaps in position, during roll out the left main gear collapsed however. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway and was evacuated. No injuries are being reported. The Canadian TSB dispatched investigators on site. The airline reported the aircraft suffered an incident on landing at Mirabel Airport, all 87 occupants of the aircraft are safe. The Transportation Safety Board have opened an investigation. The TSB later reported the crew declared Mayday on approach to La Baie due to a flaps problem and diverted to Montreal Mirabel. During roll out in Montreal Mirabel, with the landing flaps in position, the left main gear collapsed and the aircraft came to a stop supported by the left engine, nose gear and right main gear. The crew made a Mayday call on the runway, the aircraft was evacuated. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. A class 3 investigation was opened. https://avherald.com/h?article=520dc4df&opt=0 JetBlue Inaugurates New Base for Pilots and Attendants in San Juan The new route aligns with JetBlue's JetForward strategy, focusing on leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel markets. NEW YORK- JetBlue (B6), Puerto Rico’s primary carrier, inaugurated its first crew base outside the continental United States at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan.The strategic expansion brings significant employment opportunities to the region, with over 400 crewmember jobs projected by next year. JetBlue Crew Base in San Juan JetBlue Airways’ (B6) new crew base will accommodate more than 100 pilots and 300 flight attendants, positioned in Terminal A of the airport. This facility enables crewmembers to initiate and conclude flight trips from Puerto Rico, supporting airline operations across the Caribbean and enhancing operational flexibility during potential disruptions. Simultaneously, JetBlue launched new flight services connecting San Juan to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to expanding Caribbean connectivity. The crew base development follows JetBlue’s 2020 establishment of a Tech Ops maintenance base in San Juan, indicating a continued strategic investment in the region’s aviation infrastructure. The base’s implementation supports local employment and strengthens JetBlue’s operational resilience in the Caribbean market. By creating a dedicated crew base, the airline improves its ability to manage flight schedules, respond to operational challenges, and provide consistent service across its network. Positioning crewmembers directly in Puerto Rico allows for more efficient resource allocation and reduces logistical complexities associated with managing flight personnel from distant locations. This approach reflects JetBlue’s strategic approach to regional expansion and commitment to developing robust, localized aviation resources. JetBlue Expands Caribbean Connectivity JetBlue launched new flights connecting San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The route spans 94 miles, enhancing Caribbean connectivity and expanding the airline’s regional network. St. Croix offers travelers diverse experiences, including historical sites, pristine beaches, and a vibrant cultural landscape. The destination attracts tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure in the Caribbean region. Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer, highlighted the strategic importance of the new route. The service demonstrates JetBlue’s commitment to serving Caribbean markets and connecting U.S. Virgin Islands residents with broader travel networks. The flight schedule includes two daily roundtrips: Flight No Departure Arrival Departure Time Arrival Time B6 2940 SJU STX 3:00 p.m. 3:44 p.m. B6 2941 STX SJU 4:45 p.m. 5:35 p.m. JetBlue will operate the route using Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring complimentary amenities including: • Unlimited broadband Fly-Fi • Name-brand snacks and drinks • Seatback entertainment The new route aligns with JetBlue’s JetForward strategy, focusing on leisure and visiting friends and relatives (VFR) travel markets. It complements the airline’s existing services connecting San Juan with multiple destinations across the Caribbean and mainland United States. Executive Remarks Warren Christie, JetBlue’s chief operating officer, emphasized the strategic significance of the new San Juan crew base. The facility represents a direct investment in the local community, creating job opportunities for Puerto Rican residents and supporting the airline’s network expansion in the Caribbean region. Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi highlighted the crew base as a testament to JetBlue’s commitment to Puerto Rico. He noted the island’s recent tourism growth and positioned the new base as a positive economic development for the region. Carlos Mercado Santiago, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, underscored the crew base’s importance to the tourism sector. He articulated how the base will enhance flight frequencies, create new market opportunities, and generate economic benefits for local communities. The statements from JetBlue executives and government officials collectively emphasized three key points: community investment, economic development, and strategic regional expansion. By establishing a dedicated crew base in San Juan, JetBlue demonstrates its long-term commitment to Puerto Rico’s aviation and tourism infrastructure. The collaboration between JetBlue and Puerto Rican authorities signals a mutual understanding of the economic potential in developing robust local aviation resources. This strategic alignment positions the airline to capitalize on growing Caribbean travel demand while providing meaningful employment opportunities for local residents. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2024/12/13/jetblue-opens-san-juan-base/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS • Sponsor the 2025 Fuzion Safety Conference! March 4 & 5, 2025 (Orlando) • Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, Gaylord Rockies Resort & Conference Center | Denver Colorado, March 27-29, 2025 • 59th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium is scheduled March 31 - April 2, 2025 • Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium April 7-9, 2025 • AIA Conference: The Aviation Insurance Association's annual conference in Orlando, Florida from April 25–28, 2025 • Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore • The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 Curt Lewis