Flight Safety Information - March 14, 2025 No. 053 In This Issue : Incident: American B738 at Colorado Springs and Denver on Mar 13th 2025, engine vibrations, engine fire after landing : Incident: France A318 enroute on Mar 11th 2025, odour in cabin : Incident: Vueling A320 near Seville on Mar 11th 2025, first officer incapacitated : Incident: Ryanair B738 near Prague on Mar 12th 2025, smoke on board : Incident: PIA A320 at Karachi and Lahore on Mar 12th 2025, dropped main wheel on departure : 13 March 2025 - LBL 525 CZ LLC Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ accident 1 dead : American Airlines flight catches fire at Denver airport : Ground Handling’s Importance for Aviation Safety Recognized with New Rules : A look at PIA’s aviation safety measures following string of national aircraft accidents : Singapore Airlines latest carrier to ban passengers from using power banks on board : Boeing Delivers 44 Aircraft in February – Maintaining Strong Start to 2025 : Portugal opts out of buying US fighter jets because of Trump : Tariffs Could Spike Boeing's Plane Prices By $40 Million : Calendar of Events Incident: American B738 at Colorado Springs and Denver on Mar 13th 2025, engine vibrations, engine fire after landing An American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N885NN performing flight AA-1006 from Colorado Springs,CO to Dallas Ft. Worth,TX (USA) with 172 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Colorado Springs, when the crew stopped the climb at about 16000 feet reporting right hand engine (CFM56) vibrations and decided to divert to Denver,CO (USA), where the aircraft landed safely on runway 16R about one hour after departure. The aircraft taxied to the apron. At the gate the right hand engine caught fire prompting an emergency evacuation via slides. The fire was put out by emergency services. No injuries are being reported. The FAA reported: "American Airlines Flight 1006 diverted to and landed safely at Denver International Airport around 5:15 p.m. local time on Thursday, March 13, after the crew reported engine vibrations. After landing and while taxiing to the gate an engine caught fire and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides. The Boeing 737-800 departed Colorado Springs Airport and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The FAA will investigate." A replacement Boeing 737-8 MAX registration N304RB reached Dallas with a delay of about 7.5 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=52537102&opt=0 Incident: France A318 enroute on Mar 11th 2025, odour in cabin An Air France Airbus A318-100, registration F-GUGM performing flight AF-6101 from Toulouse to Paris Orly (France), was enroute when a suspicious odour was detected in the cabin. The aircraft continued to Orly for a safe landing on runway 25. The aircraft stopped on the runway for an inspection by emergency services, who did not find any anomaly. The aircraft is still on the ground in Orly about 62 hours (2 days 14 hours) after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5253184a&opt=0 Incident: Vueling A320 near Seville on Mar 11th 2025, first officer incapacitated A Vueling Airbus A320-200, registration EC-MXG performing flight VY-6015 from Seville,SP (Spain) to London Gatwick,EN (UK), was climbing out of Seville when the captain stopped the climb at FL230 due to the first officer becoming ill. Cabin crew queried whether a doctor was on board to help the first officer. The aircraft returned to Seville for a safe landing on runway 27 about 30 minutes after departure. The airline reported the first officer fell ill, a replacement first officer was not available, therefore the flight needed to be cancelled, the passengers were rebooked onto flights the next day and have been taken to hotels. https://avherald.com/h?article=5253172f&opt=0 Incident: Ryanair B738 near Prague on Mar 12th 2025, smoke on board A Ryanair Boeing 737-800, registration EI-EMM performing flight FR-6220 from Krakow (Poland) to Bristol,EN (UK), was climbing through FL350 out of Krakow when the crew stopped the climb and decided to divert to Prague (Czech Republic) reporting smoke on board. The aircraft landed safely on Prague's runway 24 about 25 minutes later. A replacement Buzz Boeing 737-800 registration SP-RNC reached Bristol with a delay of about 2.5 hours. The occurrence aircraft returned to service about 21 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=52531587&opt=0 Incident: PIA A320 at Karachi and Lahore on Mar 12th 2025, dropped main wheel on departure A PIA Pakistan International Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration AP-BLS performing flight PK-306 from Karachi to Lahore (Pakistan), departed Karachi's runway 25L and landed on Lahore's runway 36R seemingly without incident. A post flight inspection revealed however, that the outboard wheel of the left main gear was missing. Pakistan's CAA reported the occurrence may have been caused by a foreign object at Karachi. Some nuts and bolts were found on the departure runway in Karachi, the missing wheel has so far not been recovered. The airline reported one of the main wheels was identified missing after landing. The aircraft is still on the ground in Lahore about 23 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5252f437&opt=0 13 March 2025 - LBL 525 CZ LLC Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ accident 1 dead Date: Thursday 13 March 2025 Time: c. 07:33 LT Type: Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+ Owner/operator: LBL 525 CZ LLC Registration: N525CZ MSN: 525A0380 Year of manufacture: 2007 Fatalities: Fatalities: 1 / Occupants: 1 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Destroyed Category: Accident Location: near Mesquite Metro Airport (KHQZ), Mesquite, TX - United States of America Phase: Initial climb Nature: Ferry/positioning Departure airport: Mesquite Metro Airport, TX (KHQZ) Destination airport: Dallas-Addison Airport, TX (ADS/KADS) Investigating agency: NTSB Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Cessna 525A Citation CJ2+, N525CZ, was destroyed when it impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from Mesquite Metro Airport (KHQZ), Mesquite, Texas. The sole pilot onboard sustained fatal injuries. According to ADS-B data, at 0729:16, the airplane began taxiing from the apron towards runway 18. At about 0732:48, the airplane started the departure from runway 18. At 0733:21, the airplane had accelerated to about 133 knots groundspeed and lifted off runway 18. The airplane conducted a right turn, climbed to about 950 ft before it began a rapid descent towards the ground. The last ADS-B return was recorded at 0733:52, the airplane was at 196 knots groundspeed and descending 2750 fpm. https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/484850 American Airlines flight catches fire at Denver airport An American Airlines plane caught fire at Denver International Airport in Colorado on Thursday, sending passengers down emergency slides and onto the wing of the aircraft. Twelve were people being taken to the hospital with minor injuries, airport officials said. The Boeing 737-800 plane was diverted to Denver shortly after departing from Colorado Springs, Colorado. While the plane was taxiing to the gate, the engine caught fire, and its passengers evacuated. The incident, which sent smoke billowing across the tarmac, took place at approximately 5:15 p.m., local time. There were 172 passengers and six crew members aboard AA Flight 1006. All passengers were able to exit the plane. American Airlines told ABC News that passengers evacuated the plane through emergency slides, the overwing exit and some onto the jet bridge. A statement from Denver International Airport said 12 people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The plane was traveling from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Dallas, Texas, when it was diverted to Denver after the "crew reported engine vibrations," according to the Federal Aviation Authority. The plane diverted after about 20 minutes into the flight and was in the air for about an hour before it landed. In an earlier statement to ABC News, American Airlines said, "We thank our crew members, DEN team and first responders for their quick and decisive action with the safety of everyone on board and on the ground as the priority." The airline also said that it was arranging for a replacement aircraft to take passengers the rest of the way to the intended destination, Dallas Fort-Worth. https://www.yahoo.com/news/american-airlines-flight-catches-fire-014200408.html Ground Handling’s Importance for Aviation Safety Recognized with New Rules The European Commission has published the first-ever ground handling safety regulations, bringing this area of aviation operations into the regulatory framework of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which will support implementation of the needed changes by 2028. The safety of each flight starts on the ground, when the aircraft is serviced and fueled, the cargo is loaded, and passengers are boarded. Over 300,000 people make sure that this is done safely on EU airports every day. The importance of ground handling services in ensuring safe flights has been recognized as the European Commission has published the first-ever ground handling safety regulations, bringing this area of aviation operations into the regulatory framework of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA’s task now is to support the industry and competent authorities in implementing the needed changes by 2028. The new rules come in two parts: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 containing requirements for organizations and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23 with requirements for competent authority oversight of ground handling services and of organizations providing those services. The existing regulations on Air Operations, Aerodromes, and Cybersecurity have also been amended as part of this regulatory package, thus enabling a smooth integration of the new ground handling requirements as a natural interface between aircraft operations and aerodrome operations. Once the regulations enter into force 20 days from now, stakeholders will have three years to become compliant with the new rules. “For this major area of aviation, EASA will now build further on the mature standards currently used in the industry. With the new authority oversight, ground handlers become formally responsible for the safe provision of services, thus relieving air operators of this obligation when operating from an EU aerodrome in the scope of EASA Regulations," said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA flight standards director. “The countdown has now officially started: EASA’s task now is to work closely with the national competent authorities and industry to take the necessary measures for a smooth implementation of these regulations,” he added. The new ground handling rules were developed by EASA working with an expert group composed of authorities, ground handling service providers (GHSPs), aircraft operators, aerodrome operators, and a workers’ trade federation. The aim was to ensure that the regulations are proportionate, address the identified needs of the industry, and maintain business continuity for organizations through a smooth transfer from the current regime to the new regulatory approach. Coordination of the implementation will happen in similar groups. To give some insight into the work needed, one area of focus will be to work with GHSPs, aerodromes, and aircraft operators so that all parties understand the new interfaces between their organisations and that there is a clear delineation of responsibilities. Similarly, bureaucratic hurdles must be kept as low as possible. GHSPs are in future required to submit to their National Aviation Authority (NAA) declarations that they meet the requirements of the regulation. EASA will work to streamline this process so that it does not become a burden. EASA will support the industry in applying the new regulation without excessive paperwork, taking a performance-based approach. This is aligned with the increasing automation in this part of the industry and the introduction of new technologies on the ramp. Historically, the oversight of GHSPs was the responsibility of the organizations they provided services to, which led to duplicate audits of the same GHSP and consequent inefficiencies on both sides — for auditors and GHSPs, whose staff faced the workload burden of multiple audits. These new regulations seek to reduce the high number of industry audits performed annually, estimated to be as many as 600 for a single GHSP serving 100 stations. To address this, EASA and the competent authorities will be working together to establish an effective cooperative oversight. This entails building inspector competency and experience, as well as developing harmonized training for inspectors. A further requirement is to build safety data models and datasets to help exercise risk-based oversight in this domain. The scope of the new regulations covers all the activities that take place on the ground to prepare an aircraft and its passengers for departure and arrival: • aircraft loading and unloading with cargo, mail, and baggage; • passenger embarkation and disembarkation; • coordination of the aircraft turnaround; • de-icing and anti-icing; • refueling; • aircraft cleaning; • securing the aircraft on the ground during turnaround, pushback, and towing; and • other services including potable water servicing and toilet servicing. • The regulations introduce mandatory management systems and training standards, and require continued competence of the ground handling personnel. They also ensure that ground handling is covered by Regulation (EU) 2022/1645 on cybersecurity. What does not change is the provision of services as per the aircraft operator’s procedures. The operator also remains responsible for the safety of the aircraft and flight. https://www.aviationpros.com/ground-handling/press-release/55274352/ground-handlings-importance-for-aviation-safety-recognized-with-new-rules A look at PIA’s aviation safety measures following string of national aircraft accidents PEORIA COUNTY (25News Now) - After a series of deadly aviation incidents, 25News got an exclusive look at the measures in place at Peoria International Airport (PIA) meant to keep flyers and their families safe. In 2008, Director of Airports Gene Olson said the Peoria Air National Guard 182nd Airlift Wing took on the firefighting and emergency medical duties. At PIA, passenger safety in the form of airplane crashes and collisions has not been an issue in the past 15 years. Olson said they are an extension of the airport’s team. “We’re way over-equipped because of the Air National Guard,” Olson said. Since taking over the position in 2009, he said one passenger died at the airport in June 2024. That passenger was an 8-year-old girl named Sydney Weston. She and her family were flying from Joplin, MO to Chicago when she felt very ill. The airplane diverted to PIA to address the girl’s medical emergency, but Weston died soon after landing. The 182nd Airlift Wing is made up of 28 full-time firefighters and 33 part-time Air National Guardsmen who have jobs as firefighters in other departments. Fire Chief Clifford Otto said they’re constantly training, with more high-level trainings on a monthly and triannual basis. “Because of the Air Force requirements, we exceed what the FAA requires for aircraft firefighting services by over 200%,” Otto said. “Every three years, we use a representative aircraft with simulated victims to make sure all the plans we have in place for response and transport are adequate.” Many of these airmen and firefighters have global experience, even fighting flames in Middle East deserts. Otto said their knowledge, expertise, and equipment are more than needed to get the job done. One thing that makes the 182nd unique is the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle. It’s bigger than a structural firefighting vehicle and can hold up to 3,000 gallons of water. “For a structural pumper or a taker, you have to have a pump operator, somebody else to pull the hose and activate the nozzle,” Otto said. “Here, with these ARFF vehicles, one person can operate the entire firefighting system from inside the cab.” The National Transportation Safety Board’s monthly dashboard outlines the number of fatal and nonfatal aviation accidents. So far in 2025, there have been 153 reported crashes from commercial and private planes. Twenty-three instances were deadly. 25News sifted through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) reports, and we counted 35 plane crashes, seven collisions, and 10 instances of a plane having fumes, smoke, or a fire to the aircraft. Olson said PIA has a safety advantage when compared to busy airports. “Some of the airports where these things have been happening, they don’t have that luxury of space. So they don’t have full runway protection zones, is what we call them,” Olson said. “We have all that space, and we don’t have the level of traffic that you see at a lot of other airports. We’re very well-equipped and well-trained because of the Air National Guard’s presence, so you should feel comfortable flying out of here.” https://www.25newsnow.com/2025/03/13/exclusive-look-pias-aviation-safety-measures-following-string-national-aircraft-accidents/ Singapore Airlines latest carrier to ban passengers from using power banks on board Singapore Airlines is the latest airline to put a ban on passengers using portable power banks on board the carrier’s aircraft. From April 1, travelers on board Singapore Airlines flights will not be allowed to charge devices like smartphones using a power bank. They will also be stopped from physically charging a power bank through the on-board USB ports. While passengers will still be able to bring a power bank onto the plane, the device will need to be stowed in their carry-on bags and not permitted to be inside checked-in bags. “Customers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100Wh without special approval, while those between 100Wh and 160Wh require airline approval,” a statement from the airline read. “We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority.” The decision made by Singapore Airlines follows a number of other carriers who have introduced strict rules on what can be taken and used on-board during a flight. “We seek customers’ understanding that safety will always be our top priority,” the airline said in a statement. Earlier this month, Korean airline Air Busan banned passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage after a huge fire broke out on-board. While no-one was killed in the accident, the plane was too badly damaged and was taken out of commission, with new rules meaning all power banks must be on the person. From March 1, passengers of Eva Air, headquartered in Taoyuan City in Taiwan, will no longer be able to use power banks on-board. There have been instances of power banks catching on fire, leading to carriers introducing strict rules on what can be taken and used on-board during a flight. Instead, passengers are being urged to use the on-board power outlets which have both AC and USB-A ports. China Airlines is also introducing the same rule from March 1. Other airlines like Taiwanese carrier Starlux Airlines and Tigerair have already banned passengers from using them on-board, although they can still be taken in hand luggage. Australian Airlines like Qantas also have strict rules. “Baggage fitted with non-removable lithium batteries or powerbanks are forbidden,” the Qantas site reads. “If in checked baggage the lithium battery or lithium power bank must be removed from the bag. The removed lithium battery or powerbank must be in carry-on baggage only. “Non-lithium batteries/powerbanks can remain fitted in the bag and carried as carry-on or checked baggage.” It is understood Singapore Airlines budget carrier, Scoot, has also adopted the same rules. Rival airline Cathay Pacific Airways, however has said it “assessed all the risks” in allowing the continued use of power banks on flights, but would be making “no change” to its policy, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The airline currently allows passengers to carry and use portable battery chargers and power banks, of up to 160Wh, inside the cabin. However passengers cannot recharge the devices with their in-seat outlets or USB ports at any time during the flight. The power banks, however, can be used to recharge electronic devices while on board. https://nypost.com/2025/03/13/lifestyle/singapore-airlines-bans-passengers-from-using-power-banks-on-board/ Boeing Delivers 44 Aircraft in February – Maintaining Strong Start to 2025 USA – Boeing delivered 44 aircraft in February 2025, maintaining its January delivery pace and significantly outpacing the first two months of 2024. The company continues its recovery following last year’s complexities which had temporarily slowed production. February 2025 deliveries: 44 aircraft, including 32 from the 737 family (31 MAX jets and one older model for Boeing’s defense division). January 2025 deliveries: 45 aircraft, marking the highest total since December 2023. Total deliveries in the first two months of 2025: 89 aircraft, compared to 54 in the same period in 2024. Boeing is working toward reaching the FAA’s production cap of 38 737s per month, with executives confident in meeting this target in 2025. https://afm.aero/boeing-delivers-44-aircraft-in-february-maintaining-strong-start-to-2025/ Portugal opts out of buying US fighter jets because of Trump Portugal has decided against buying American-built F-35 fighter jets, suggesting it was not the “best option” as President Donald Trump oversees a shift in U.S. foreign policy. Politics The Portuguese Air Force had recommended replacing its F-16s with the state-of-the-art F-35s, but the country’s defense minister said he feared the U.S. could impose “limitations” on access to jet components and crucial software amid a global shift in political alliances. It marks one of the first examples of the Trump presidency causing a potentially lucrative arms deal to fall by the wayside, the Politico website reported, as countries move away from buying U.S. defense equipment owing to mounting fears in Europe that America is no longer a trustworthy ally and is too aligned to adversaries such as Russia. It is feared that Washington may blackmail buyers of U.S. defense equipment into supporting its policies by threatening to impose limits on their use or refusing to provide vital software upgrades. Speaking to Portuguese news site Público, Nuno Melo, the country’s defense minister, said that “the recent position of the United States, in the context of NATO... must make us think about the best options” when it comes to reinforcing military infrastructure. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump and his administration have engaged in often aggressive rhetoric towards NATO, castigating it for not spending enough on defense, while also rounding on the EU. “The world has changed... and this ally of ours... could bring limitations to use, maintenance, components, and everything that has to do with ensuring that aircraft will be operational and used in all types of scenarios,” the minister said. He added that Portugal should consider other options, especially aircraft built in Europe. Jet-maker Lockheed Martin told Politico that it “values our strong partnership and history with the Portuguese Air Force,” saying that questions about foreign sales of the F-35 “are best addressed by the U.S. government.” Earlier this week, the Netherlands said it would not cancel an order it has already placed for new jets from the U.S., Politico wrote. Data released on Monday showed that the United States is by far the biggest exporter of major arms, with sales by Washington amounting to 43% of global trade in the past five years. https://tvpworld.com/85596297/portugal-opts-out-of-buying-us-fighter-jets-because-of-trump Tariffs Could Spike Boeing's Plane Prices By $40 Million The tariffs slated to be imposed by the Trump administration are expected to increase the price of new cars by 10%. While a dire outlook for the car market, the impending trade taxes also have the commercial aircraft market staring down a cataclysmic situation. Plane leasing's top executive projected on Wednesday that the price of an already-troubled Boeing 787 will increase by 40%, if a 25% tariff were in place. The American aerospace giant would be effectively sequestered within the country's borders. Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap, spoke with CNBC on Wednesday. He said that tariffs imposed by Trump would unevenly split the global aircraft market, Boeing being left with just the United States, while Airbus would have the rest of the world: "In an absolute worst case scenario, say, a 25% increase across the board on tariffs, a tit-for-tat from both sides — a Boeing 787, the price will go up by $40 million. No one's going to want to pay that." Despite Delta, American, and United being the world's top three airlines in nearly every conceivable measure from revenue to fleet size, the United States still only accounts for 25% of the global market. Terrain! Terrain! We're All Boeing Down! Kelly then shot down notions held by CNBC's host that airlines would shift the added costs to their passengers, stating simply that carriers would go with the cheaper option. The list price for a Boeing 787-8 is $248.3 million, but buyers reportedly pay around $150 million for a new 787. The actual market value of an aircraft is lower than the list price, because buyers typically receive discounts for placing bulk orders. It's an experience that Kelly is extremely familiar with, since AerCap is the world's largest aircraft leaser. With ownership of over 1,480 planes, the Dublin-based company would be the world's largest airline by a margin of 400 aircraft, were it a carrier. The Airbus-Boeing duopoly has its issues already, but splitting the two dominant manufacturers into a pair of tariffed-off monopolies wouldn't benefit anyone. Competition helps keep prices low, and it occasionally keeps manufacturers in check. In the wake of the Boeing 737 Max door plug blow-out, many airline passengers sought out Airbus flights out of fear that something terrible would happen on another Boeing plane. Tariffs could usher in an era where Boeing is the only option for US carriers. How does a massacred FAA try to regulate Boeing then? https://www.yahoo.com/autos/tariffs-could-spike-boeings-plane-160950058.html CALENDAR OF EVENTS · 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 . 70th annual Business Aviation Safey Summit (BASS), May 6-7, 2025, Charlotte, N.C., organized by Flight Safety Foundation in partnership with NBAA and NATA. · Sixth Edition of International Accident Investigation Forum, 21 to 23 May 2025, Singapore · Flight Safety Foundation - Aviation Safety Forum June 5-6, 2025 - Brussels . 2025 EASA-FAA International Aviation Safety Conference, 10 Jun 2025 to 12 Jun 2025, Cologne, Germany · The 9th Shanghai International Aerospace Technology and Equipment Exposition 2025; June 11 to 13, 2025 . 3rd annual Asia Pacific Summit for Aviation Safety (AP-SAS), July 15-17, 2025, Singapore, organized by Flight Safety Foundation and CAAS. · ISASI ANNUAL SEMINAR 2025'September 29, 2025 – October 3, 2025, DENVER, COLORADO . 29th annual Bombardier Safety Standdown, November 11-13, 2025; Wichita, Kansas · CHC Safety & Quality Summit, 11th – 13th November 2025, Vancouver, BC Canada Curt Lewis