Flight Safety Information - March 18, 2025 No. 055 In This Issue : Accident: Lanhsa JS32 at Roatan on Mar 17th 2025, lost height after takeoff and impacted sea : Incident: PSA CRJ7 at Des Moines on Mar 13th 2025, bird strike : Incident: Endeavor CRJ9 at New York on Mar 16th 2025, wing tip strike on landing : Former British Airways A380 Pilot Fired for Drug Use Rehired : Trump Names Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford To Lead US Air Safety Agency : Engine trouble diverts Boston-bound aircraft to Portland Jetport : CEFA Aviation Selected by Turkish Airlines To Enhance Flight Safety and Training Excellence : Fired FAA Workers Reinstated : FAA Seeks to Modernize Flight School Regulations : FAA orders mandatory inspections of B787 forward bulkheads : Air India CEO warns aircraft shortage to last at least four years : Decision to fire pilots who refused COVID-19 vaccine upheld in arbitration : Canada reviews fighter deal, says it relies on US too much for security : Calendar of Events Accident: Lanhsa JS32 at Roatan on Mar 17th 2025, lost height after takeoff and impacted sea A Lanhsa British Aerospace Jetstream 32, registration HR-AYW performing a flight from Roatan to La Ceiba (Honduras) with 15 passengers and 3 crew, had just taken off Roatan when the aircraft lost height and impacted the sea about 1000 meters from the coastline. 12 people died as result of the accident, 5 were rescued alive, one person is still missing. Local Authorities reported the aircraft was sharply turning to the right when the aircraft lost height. One of the engines lost power before impact with the water. The airline reported a tragic event, their thoughts and hearts go out to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew. https://avherald.com/h?article=5255de66&opt=0 Incident: PSA CRJ7 at Des Moines on Mar 13th 2025, bird strike A PSA Airlines Canadair CRJ-700 on behalf of American Airlines, registration N534AE performing flight AA-5432 from Washington National,DC to Des Moines,IA (USA), was on approach to Des Moines' runway 05 when a number of birds impacted the aircraft. The aircraft continued for a safe landing. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT STRUCK BIRDS, ONE BIRD PENETRATED EXTERIOR DAMAGING ELECTRICAL PANEL UNDER FIRST OFFICER WINDOW AND ANOTHER DENTED THE SKIN UNDER THE CAPTAIN'S WINDOW, DES MOINES, IA.", the damage was "UNKNOWN". The aircraft is still on the ground in Des Moines on Mar 17th 2025. https://avherald.com/h?article=5255834d&opt=0 Incident: Endeavor CRJ9 at New York on Mar 16th 2025, wing tip strike on landing An Endeavor Air Canadair CRJ-900 on behalf of Delta Airlines, registration N185GJ performing flight DL-4814 from Jacksonville,FL to New York La Guardia,NY (USA), was attempting to land on La Guardia's runway 22 at about 22:10L (02:10Z Mar 17th) but struck the left wing onto the runway and went around. The aircraft positioned for another approach to runway 22 and landed without further incident about 20 minutes later. The FAA reported: "AIRCRAFT LEFT WING STRUCK RUNWAY WHILE LANDING AND EXECUTED A GO-AROUND, NEW YORK, NY.", the damage was "UNKNOWN". The aircraft is still on the ground at La Guardia about 16 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=5255818c&opt=0 Former British Airways A380 Pilot Fired for Drug Use Rehired According to an anonymous British Airways captain, pilot intoxication is "unthinkable" and severely damages professional integrity. LONDON- A former British Airways (BA) pilot who was dismissed after being caught using cocaine has rehired for flying. Despite past misconduct, he has secured a position with European Cargo (SE), a Bournemouth-based freight airline. The incident, which led to his termination, involved drug use before a scheduled flight. However, regulatory approval has allowed him to resume his aviation career, sparking controversy within the industry. A former British Airways (BA) pilot who was dismissed after being caught using cocaine has rehired for flying. In 2023, British Airways (BA) pilot Mike Beaton was dismissed after admitting to consuming cocaine before a flight. The event took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, where Beaton spent a night partying with local acquaintances and tourists. Reports indicate that the group visited a nightclub before heading to an apartment, where cocaine was used. Beaton detailed the events in a message to a colleague, describing excessive drug use and an inability to function until the next afternoon. A concerned co-worker reported the situation, leading British Airways to cancel the scheduled return flight to London. The airline incurred an estimated loss of £100,000 due to the cancellation. After testing positive for drugs, Beaton was immediately dismissed and repatriated to the UK. Despite this, he has now returned to commercial flying, securing employment with European Cargo. A former British Airways (BA) pilot who was dismissed after being caught using cocaine has rehired for flying. Regulatory Clearance The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), responsible for pilot certification, stated that medical clearance would only be reinstated if all safety requirements were met. European Cargo confirmed that Beaton, like all its pilots, complies with CAA regulations. Aviation professionals have voiced strong opinions on his reinstatement. An industry insider expressed outrage, stating that allowing him back into the cockpit undermines safety standards. In contrast, regulatory bodies emphasize that reinstatement follows rigorous assessments. While incidents involving drug or alcohol impairment among pilots are rare, this case has reignited discussions on aviation safety protocols. According to an anonymous British Airways captain, pilot intoxication is “unthinkable” and severely damages professional integrity. Aviation remains one of the most regulated industries, with strict policies governing pilot conduct. The CAA mandates medical and psychological evaluations before reinstating licenses. While Beaton’s return to flying has sparked criticism, it also highlights the processes in place to assess pilot fitness. European Cargo’s decision to hire Beaton aligns with these protocols, though public concern persists. The case underscores the industry’s commitment to balancing rehabilitation with passenger and operational safety. https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/03/18/former-british-airways-a380-pilot-fired-for-drug-use-rehired/ Trump Names Republic Airways CEO Bryan Bedford To Lead US Air Safety Agency Trump tapped Bryan Bedford, chief executive of Republic Airways, to lead the agency which manages the US Air Traffic Organization and is overseeing Boeing's safety operations following a series of high-profile problems. The position requires Senate confirmation. Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform, cited Bedford's more than three decades of aviation experience. He said Bedford will work with the Transportation Secretary "to strongly reform the agency, safeguard our exports and ensure the safety of nearly one billion annual passenger movements." Bedford said he looks forward to executing plans "to develop and deploy a new, modern and cost-effective air traffic control system that will lead to a safer and more efficient aviation network," according to a statement released by Republic. "The success of this immensely important project will require bipartisan support from Congress and from the community of users of the air traffic control system." The FAA last week announced new restrictions on helicopter traffic around Washington's Ronald Reagan airport, where an American Eagle airliner hit a military Black Hawk on January 29, killing 67 people. The crash, which ended the United States' 16-year streak of no fatal commercial air crashes, has added to concerns about the US air traffic control system, which some regard as an understaffed operation beset with old equipment. The agency has not been spared staff cuts by Trump ally Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which seeks massive cost savings across the federal government. However, air traffic controllers were not included in recent layoffs. The FAA has also been in close touch with Boeing as it implements safety and quality control reforms following a January 2024 incident on a Boeing 737 MAX in which a door plug blew out mid-flight. That incident followed two deadly MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 in Indonesia and Ethiopia. https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/trump-names-republic-airways-ceo-bryan-bedford-to-lead-us-air-safety-agency-7948515 Engine trouble diverts Boston-bound aircraft to Portland Jetport A Cape Air aircraft experienced engine trouble en route from Rockland to Boston, on Monday morning. PORTLAND, Maine — A Cape Air aircraft experiencing engine trouble landed at the Portland International Jetport Monday morning. The aircraft flying out of Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, heading to Boston, diverted to PWM due to an engine issue, according to a social media post from Portland Jetport. "The aircraft experienced a minor mechanical issue in one engine and landed safely," Cape Air said in a press release. The plane was carrying four passengers and two crew members, none of whom were injured, according to Cape Air. All passengers were provided alternate means of transportation to Boston, the airline said. https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/public-safety/cape-air-aircraft-diverted-to-portland-jetport-engine-trouble/97-87766f8b-2134-4982-82b4-fb21967e4291 CEFA Aviation Selected by Turkish Airlines To Enhance Flight Safety and Training Excellence Turkish Airlines teams up with CEFA Aviation to integrate the CEFA AMS EFB solution, boosting flight safety, operational efficiency, and pilot training with real-time flight replays. CEFA Aviation is excited to announce that Turkish Airlines, the largest airline in the Middle East by fleet size and international reach, has selected the CEFA Aviation Mobile Services (AMS) EFB solution to further its dedication to innovation, flight safety, and operational excellence. The CEFA AMS provides real-time, secure animation of pilots’ recent flights, allowing them to assess their performance immediately after landing, alongside numerous other advanced features. A highlight of CEFA’s offering is its unique hand tool, an industry-first innovation. This tool enables the display of the pilot’s actions within the animation, offering a clear view of manual interventions. This capability helps pilots better understand how their actions influence automated systems, enhancing decision-making, boosting situational awareness, and encouraging proactive risk management. “We are thrilled to partner with Turkish Airlines, sharing their commitment to aviation safety and excellence,” said Dominique Mineo, CEO and founder of CEFA Aviation. “Through our partnership, CEFA AMS will equip Turkish Airlines’ pilots with a valuable resource for analyzing their flights, improving their performance, and optimizing operations, ultimately leading to enhanced flight safety.” Traditionally, post-flight debriefings relied heavily on pilots’ subjective recollections. With the introduction of CEFA AMS, pilots now have access to an innovative tool that enables them to analyze their performance using factual data from flight data recorders. This not only hones their skills but also enhances operational effectiveness. By incorporating this technology, Turkish Airlines elevates pilot training and reinforces its commitment to safety culture. “At Turkish Airlines, we continuously invest in the latest technologies to strengthen our safety standards and pilot training programs,” said İsmail Ustaoğlu, -SVP Corporate Safety. “Implementing CEFA AMS will enhance our pilots’ ability to analyze and learn from real flight scenarios, reinforcing our position as a leader in global aviation safety.” This collaboration with CEFA Aviation highlights Turkish Airlines’ commitment to advancing aviation safety and training through cutting-edge technology, supporting pilot development and enhancing operational performance. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/cefa-aviation-selected-by-turkish-airlines-to-enhance-flight-safety-and-training-excellence/ Fired FAA Workers Reinstated A total of 132 probationary technicians and inspectors have been reinstated a month after they were fired by the government. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists union says 132 of its technicians, inspectors and maintenance workers will return to work Thursday after a judge ordered their reinstatement last week. The workers, all probationary employees, were let go Feb. 14 but their dismissal, along with thousands of other probationary employees in various other government departments, was found to be illegal. They will be paid for the month's work they missed. "This is a win for public safety and for a critical workforce dedicated to the FAA’s mission," said PASS President David Spero. "Haphazardly eliminating positions and encouraging resignations creates a demoralizing effect on the workforce." When they were let go, the government gave them letters saying their job performance was "not in the public interest" and those letters will be removed from their employment records. https://www.avweb.com/aviation-news/fired-faa-workers-reinstated/ FAA Seeks to Modernize Flight School Regulations Agency recently held a forum in Denver to discuss changing the rules for Part 141. The FAA is soliciting comments from the aviation public as it seeks to modernize Part 141 regulations covering pilot flight schools. [Credit: Shutterstock] DENVER—The FAA is soliciting input from the aviation community as it seeks to modernize Part 141 regulations covering pilot flight schools. Most of Part 141 was written 85 years ago when aviation was much simpler. Few aircraft had radios, navigation was mostly done by pilotage, airspace as we know it was nonexistent, and not many people pursued aviation as a hobby or a vocation. Recognizing the need for change, the agency held a virtual public meeting March 6, calling it one of the first in a planned series of meetings to discuss changing the rules for flight schools. The subject was also discussed during a breakout session during Redbird Migration 2025—which offered aviation educators the chance to voice their opinions. The topic of modernizing Part 141 generated spirited discussion at the annual flight training event of aviation educators, as older regulations do not account for innovation and technological improvements. According to the FAA, the last major revision to Part 141 was in 1997 and “did not account for modern technology such as global positioning systems (GPS), electronic flight bags (EFBs), and flight simulators." The need to improve aviation safety and incentivize training under Part 141 while complying with regulations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization was discussed as well. Also on the table was making training more efficient, especially when it comes to pilot examining authority. One of the bottlenecks in the aviation industry is the time between completing training for a certificate or rating and completing a checkride. Many designated pilot examiners (DPEs) are scheduled out several months in advance, and many pilot applicants are forced to wait months for a checkride. The agency noted there are approximately 500 Part 141 schools in the U.S.. The FAA will be conducting a hybrid meeting to discuss the modernization efforts in Atlanta on April 1-3. FAA said it expects to publish the finding report early next year, followed by implementation of policy improvements. https://www.flyingmag.com/faa-seeks-to-modernize-flight-school-regulations/ FAA orders mandatory inspections of B787 forward bulkheads The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered that the forward bulkheads on all Boeing 787 aircraft registered in the US must be visually inspected. This is due to the presence of small gaps in this section of the aircraft, which, as the name implies, is located aft of the fuselage, and helps keep the aircraft pressurized. The issue, which has been caused by a manufacturing defect, has been known to the industry for years. However, until now the FAA has refrained from ordering mandatory inspections. Boeing previously advised operators to inspect this area of the aircraft in a bulletin issued in October 2024. However, the aircraft manufacturer does not deem this issue to represent a safety hazard, and all affected aircraft have been allowed to operate normally. The FAA’s new airworthiness directive (AD) applies to 135 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 US-registered aircraft currently in service. Describing the issue, the FAA document refers to “reports of multiple nonconformances, including excessive gaps and pull-up, found during the assembly and installation of the forward pressure bulkhead.” The airworthiness directive also states that, if not addressed, these defects could result in undetected fatigue cracks that could potentially grow to weaken the primary structure of the aircraft and adversely affect its structural integrity. The FAA also estimated that the cost to US operators will be $850 per aircraft, or a total of $114,500 for the whole affected fleet. While this specific forward bulkhead issue appears to be relatively minor and straightforward to address, it adds to a list of manufacturing woes that have plagued Boeing in recent years. In April 2024, a whistleblower put forward allegations that small gaps in the joints that fit together different sections of the B787 aircraft could endanger the future structural integrity of the airframes. https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/faa-orders-mandatory-inspections-of-b787-forward-bulkheads Air India CEO warns aircraft shortage to last at least four years NEW DELHI, March 18 (Reuters) - Air India CEO Campbell Wilson on Tuesday said the global aircraft shortage hampering airline growth will persist for four to five years as supply snags hobble production at jetmakers Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab and Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab. Speaking at an event organised by travel news website Skift, Wilson said he sees pinch points in the supply of narrowbody jet engines, business and first class seats, and some elements of aircraft fuselages. Air India is in the midst of an ambitious turnaround strategy two years after Tata Group took control of the airline, but its restructuring efforts have been complicated by jet delivery delays. These setbacks have forced the airline to operate older jets longer than planned, increasing maintenance costs and slowing its modernization and expansion drive. When asked about how Air India plans to navigate delays, Wilson told reporters: "There is not a lot we can do. We are victims of circumstance, as is every other airline." "If you are capacity constrained, you need to be a little bit more ruthless with respect to where you deploy aircraft to mazimise the return," he added. "It means you can't expand to places you would otherwise like to expand." The competition among airlines to lease aircraft and the different configurations available make leasing aircraft challenging, Wilson added. In 2023, as a part of the multi-billion-dollar revamp, Air India ordered 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing, including 10 of the U.S. planemaker's much-delayed 777X aircraft and 190 Boeing 737 MAX jets. Late last year, the airline ordered 100 more Airbus aircraft. When asked about delivery timelines for 777X, Wilson said, "Who knows?" His comment underlined uncertainty among airlines who have ordered the jet that is considered a successor to Boeing's 777, one of the most commercially successful long-haul airliners. Last month, Wilson told Reuters Air India was holding off on exercising its outstanding options to buy additional Boeing jets until the planemaker has cleared its backlog. Boeing is recovering from a near two-month crippling worker strike last year. The planemaker cannot produce more than 38 737 MAX aircraft per month because of a cap set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/air-india-ceo-sees-global-aircraft-shortage-least-four-years-2025-03-18/ Decision to fire pilots who refused COVID-19 vaccine upheld in arbitration A Sioux Lookout pilot was one of two who claimed an exemption on religious grounds WINNIPEG — The Air Line Pilots Association has failed to persuade an arbitrator that two pilots with Perimeter Aviation were unjustly terminated for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Winnipeg-based Perimeter is a regional carrier serving Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. One of the pilots involved in the arbitration was based at Sioux Lookout while the other lived in Manitoba in October 2021 when the company implemented a mandatory vaccination policy as required by an order from Transport Canada. Both pilots had flown for Perimeter since 2018. The company placed them on unpaid administrative leave in November 2021 after they missed the deadline for complying with the vaccination policy. Citing Christian beliefs, they had each submitted a request for an exemption on religious grounds, but were denied. Six months later, In May 2022, after being given a final opportunity to provide proof of vaccination, their employment was terminated. As it happened, Transport Canada suspended the vaccination requirements for the transportation sector the very next month. The Air Line Pilots Association submitted grievances against the dismissals on behalf of the two pilots. Arbitrator Arne Peltz denied the grievances in a decision released earlier this month. "I find that the grievors have not established a sincere religious belief that required them to refuse COVID-19 vaccination," he wrote. "Without doubting their Christian values and longstanding practices...the evidence shows that the objection to vaccination is really a personal belief." Specifically referring to the pilot from Sioux Lookout, Peltz found his refusal to be vaccinated was rooted in strongly-held views about personal liberty and government policy-making. "It was telling, although not determinative," he said, "that these were the objections (he) presented in his communications with the union before the (Transport Canada) order was enacted. Religious objections were not raised." The arbitrator believed the pilot turned to religious belief as a last resort "when nothing else worked and he constructed his exemption application based on what he heard had been successful elsewhere." He found that neither pilot met the test for religious freedom established in a 2004 case heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, which requires sincere belief in a practice "having a nexus with religion, which calls for a particular line of conduct." Peltz wrote "Applying the established legal test to the facts, I find that the grievors have not established a sincere religious belief that required them to refuse COVID-19 vaccination. Their religious beliefs as articulated do not call for a particular line of conduct. There is no prescription against receiving a vaccination." He also rejected the Air Line Pilot Association's contention that Perimeter should have allowed the pilots to remain on unpaid leave rather than dismiss them, especially since the federal order was rescinded the following month. The arbitrator said the union's argument for greater patience had "a superficial attraction" but was based on after-the-fact reasoning. "In fact, the company was patient," he said, pointing to other cases in which employers moved to termination much sooner. "Several years removed from the stress and trauma of the pandemic," Peltz said, "we may tend to forget the reality of the moment...The course of the pandemic was unpredictable, with the degree of risk increasing and abating and frequently evolving." https://www.nwonewswatch.com/local-news/decision-to-fire-pilots-who-refused-covid-19-vaccine-upheld-in-arbitration-10385704 Canada reviews fighter deal, says it relies on US too much for security OTTAWA, March 17 (Reuters) - Canada is looking for possible alternatives to its deal to buy U.S. fighter jets in part because it relies too much on the United States for security, Prime Minister Mark Carney said on Monday. Carney made the comments just days after ordering a review of a C$19-billion ($13.29 billion) contract for 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab. Canada is locked in a trade war with the United States. Canada's defense ministry says the contract remains in place and Ottawa has made a legal commitment of funds for the first 16 F-35 aircraft. Carney made clear Canada would seriously look elsewhere. "It is clear that our security relationship ... is too focused on the United States. We must diversify," he told reporters during a visit to London, noting that Canada spent about 80% of its defense budget on American weapons. "Given the need for value for money, given the possibility of having substantial production of alternative aircraft in Canada ... it's prudent and in the interest of Canada to review those options," he said. Advertisement · Carney did not mention specific firms. Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab, which lost out on the fighter jet contract to Lockheed Martin, had promised to assemble its planes in Canada. Canadian firms also benefit from the relationship. Bombardier (BBDb.TO), opens new tab CEO Eric Martel said he was concerned Washington could target the planemaker's U.S. contracts if Canada canceled the Lockheed Martin deal. U.S. President Donald Trump has slapped tariffs on Canada and mused about turning it into the 51st state. Philippe Lagasse, a professor at Carleton University who specializes in procurement, said buying 16 F-35s and then adding another jet would be expensive. 00:21 Canada, pressured by successive U.S. administrations to increase defense spending, last year pledged billions more for the armed forces and said military expenditures would be closer to the NATO target by 2030. In a statement, Lockheed Martin said it valued its ties with Canada and referred procurement questions to the government. Washington this month briefly cut off intelligence sharing and weapons shipments to Ukraine, raising questions about the potential perils of becoming too dependent on U.S. systems. Canada and other allies are largely dependent on the United States for other support, such as the ability to identify targets, process data and suppress enemy air defenses. "There are a lot of people rethinking right now, 'How reliable is access to American military technology going to be?'" said David Perry, a defense expert who serves as president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute think tank. "All of the options, beyond sticking with our status quo plans, are much less good." Canada signed the F-35 deal in 2023 and said it expected the first plane to be delivered in 2026. Ottawa has repeatedly extended the lifespan of its fleet of Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab CF-18 fighters, some of which are more than 40 years old. They are due to fly to 2032, the point at which all 88 F-35s are supposed to be operational. Moves by European nations to boost defense spending could be beneficial since they might open the possibility of more work for Canadian firms, Carney said. ($1 = 1.4298 Canadian dollars) https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/canada-reviews-us-fighter-jet-deal-alternatives-look-costly-2025-03-17/ 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