Flight Safety Information - January 14, 2026 No. 010 In This Issue : Incident: Canada B789 at Auckland on Jan 13th 2026, unusual odour : Incident: World2fly A333 at Holguin on Jan 10th 2026, rejected takeoff due to burst tyre and engine failure : Incident: France B772 near Ashgabat on Jan 12th 2026, engine shut down in flight : Air Canada flight forced to turn back after trapped staff member heard shouting from luggage hold : Jet skids off runway at Telluride Regional Airport : NTSB releases preliminary report on helicopter crash that killed 2 pilots : EVA Air Sets a New Standard for Aviation Safety, Ranking 8th Worldwide in 2026 and Cementing Taiwan’s Role in Global Air Travel Safety : 7 Reasons You Can Get Kicked Off a Flight—and It’s Not Just Bad Behavior : Global Aerospace Welcomes Polaris Aero to its SM4 Aviation Safety Program : Calendar of Events Incident: Canada B789 at Auckland on Jan 13th 2026, unusual odour An Air Canada Boeing 787-9, registration C-FVLX performing flight AC-40 from Auckland (New Zealand) to Vancouver,BC (Canada) with 269 passengers and 14 crew, was climbing out of Auckland's runway 05R when the crew stopped the climb at 13000 feet after the flight crew detected an unusual odour in the cockpit. The aircraft returned to Auckland for a safe landing on runway 05R about 40 minutes after departure. The airline reported the pilots detected an unusual odour in the cockpit shortly after takeoff. The flight was cancelled. The aircraft is still on the ground in Auckland about 17 hours after landing back. https://avherald.com/h?article=532e4983&opt=0 Incident: World2fly A333 at Holguin on Jan 10th 2026, rejected takeoff due to burst tyre and engine failure A World2fly Airbus A330-300, registration EC-OND performing flight 2W-8548 from Holguin (Cuba) to Prague (Czech Republic), was accelerating for takeoff from Holguin when a tyre burst, tyre debris was ingested by the left hand engine which failed and emitted streaks of flames. The crew rejected takeoff and returned the aircraft to the apron. The airline claimed the takeoff was rejected due to a bird strike. Passengers as well as the travel agency however reported, one of the tyres burst, debris was ingested by the left hand engine causing damage to the fan blades, the engine caught fire. They are still stuck in Cuba 3 days later. The travel agency reported they have taken the passengers to hotels, a replacement aircraft was due to arrive on Jan 13th 2026 and is estimated to take the passengers to Prague. The passengers will receive 600 Euros compensation immediately after arrival in Prague directly from the agency so that they don't need to deal with the airline. A Privilege Style A330-200 registration EC-NZJ has arrived in Holguin and is estimated to resume the flight. https://avherald.com/h?article=532dfe07&opt=0 Incident: France B772 near Ashgabat on Jan 12th 2026, engine shut down in flight An Air France Boeing 777-200, registration F-GSPI performing flight AF-191 from Bangalore (India) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (France), was enroute at FL360 about 90nm southeast of Ashgabat (Turkmenistan) when one of the engines (GE90) developed a fault prompting the crew to shut the engine down. The aircraft drifted down to FL210 and diverted to Ashgabat for a safe landing on runway 11L about 50 minutes after leaving FL360. A replacement Boeing 777-200 registration F-GSPQ has been dispatched from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Ashgabat on Jan 13th and is estimated to continue the flight the next day (Jan 14th). Passengers reported their flight was delayed by about 10 hours until it departed Bangalore. After landing in Ashgabat they were told they would continue on Jan 14th 2026 at 13:00L or perhaps after 21:30L on Jan 13th on a replacement aircraft after one of the engines failed in flight. After several hours remaining in the aircraft after landing they were finally able to disembark and were taken to hotels. The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Ashgabat about 14 hours after landing. https://avherald.com/h?article=532df792&opt=0 Air Canada flight forced to turn back after trapped staff member heard shouting from luggage hold An Air Canada flight was forced to return to the gate when passengers heard a airport ground handler shouting for help after getting stuck in the luggage hold. Flight AC1502 was almost ready to take off from Toronto to Moncton on 13 December, but turned back after passengers told cabin crew they could hear loud banging and shouting from the floor beneath them. The Air Canada Rouge, a low-cost subsidiary of Air Canada, plane was taxiing when the passengers at the back of the plane heard the strange noises, passenger Gabrielle Caron told CBC. She said that one person even called 911 after hearing the loud noises from below their seats. “The flight attendants were running back and forth,” Ms Caron recalled after the noises were reported. “On the ground, we could see the crew gathering around the plane.” A video posted on X that claims to be taken on the plane captured the pilot announcing to passengers that takeoff for the hour-and-a-half long flight would be delayed. “I’ve never had that in my life. First time, hopefully, first and last,” the pilot said to the passengers in the video. “But that’s the reason we had to go back to the gate and get that person out of the airplane.” The captain confirmed that the handler was “perfectly fine and safe”, though he added there would be a further delay to “deal with a bit of paperwork”. “Again, we do apologise for all the delays today, and we’ll get you to Moncton as soon as we can,” he said. “Thank you for your patience.” The plane taxiied back to the terminal, and the crew member was rescued from the cargo hold. Air Canada confirmed the incident in a statement to The Independent: “On flight AC1502 on December 13, 2025, the aircraft cargo doors were inadvertently closed while a member of the ground crew was inside. “Upon discovery, the aircraft returned to the gate,” the airline said. “There were no injuries, but as this presented a potential safety issue, we have reinforced our procedures with our ground crews.” The airline added to CBC that an investigation is under way as to how the ground handler found themselves locked in the cargo hold. https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/air-canada-flight-forced-turn-171630226.html Jet skids off runway at Telluride Regional Airport TELLURIDE, Colo. — A private Cessna business jet (Cessna 750 Citation) crashed as it was landing at Telluride Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon, according to the San Miguel County Sheriff's Office. No injuries were reported. The sheriff's office said the pilot told deputies that a strong gusting crosswind hit the aircraft just after it touched down, pushing the plane off the runway. The plane skidded approximately 300 yards, coming to rest off the runway on its collapsed landing gear. Three people, including one pilot and two passengers were on board. All self-extricated, with no reported injuries. Emergency crews from Telluride Fire responded after the evacuation to assess the occupants. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will lead the investigation. https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/jet-skids-off-runway-at-telluride-regional-airport NTSB Board Meeting · January 27, 2026 Midair Collision PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 Airplane and Sikorsky UH-60 Military Helicopterr On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. ET, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will hold a public board meeting to determine the probable cause of the January 29, 2025, midair collision between a PSA Airlines CRJ700 regional jetliner and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. During the meeting, NTSB board members will discuss safety issues related to this crash and vote on the probable cause and safety recommendations designed to prevent similar crashes in the future. For More Information: Visit the event web page for details. Additional factual information is included in the public docket for the investigation. The docket includes reports, interview transcripts and other investigative materials. NTSB releases preliminary report on helicopter crash that killed 2 pilots The National Transportation Safety Board has released its preliminary report on a deadly helicopter crash that happened last month in New Jersey. Two pilots died after their helicopters collided midair near the airport in Hammonton. Investigators say the helicopters took off from Vineland-Downstown Airport on the morning of December 28 and flew parallel paths to Hammonton Municipal Airport. There's no data on the helicopters' next departure from Hammonton airport, when the accident happened, according to the report. Surveillance video shows the helicopters were close to each other before colliding midair. One helicopter tumbled down to the ground and out of the view of the video. The other pitched up, leveled out, then began yawing and fell quickly to the ground. The accident site was about 1.5 miles southwest of the airport. One of the helicopters caught fire after the crash. It appears the tail rotor blade of one helicopter hit the main rotor blade of the other, investigators say. The pilots were identified as Kenneth Kirsch, 65, and Michael Greenberg, 71, both of New Jersey. https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/newjersey/ntsb-releases-preliminary-report-on-helicopter-crash-that-killed-2-pilots/article_18f20c53-4399-41b5-8f7f-5b9e49bb8e30.html EVA Air Sets a New Standard for Aviation Safety, Ranking 8th Worldwide in 2026 and Cementing Taiwan’s Role in Global Air Travel Safety Taiwan’s EVA Air has once again earned a prestigious place among the world’s safest airlines, ranking 8th on AirlineRatings.com’s Top 25 Safest Full-Service Airlines for 2026. This recognition marks the 13th consecutive year EVA Air has maintained a spot in the coveted global safety rankings, highlighting the airline’s unwavering commitment to flight safety and operational excellence. EVA Air stands as the only Taiwanese carrier to break into the top ten, a testament to the airline’s exceptional safety standards and reputation. In a world where safety is the number one priority for travelers, EVA Air’s sustained performance offers significant reassurance to passengers flying to and from Taiwan and across its extensive global network. This achievement not only underscores EVA Air’s long-term commitment to providing the safest flying experience but also enhances Taiwan’s global standing as a hub for safe, reliable air travel. A Longstanding Commitment to Safety Flight safety is paramount for EVA Air, and it remains a core value in the airline’s operations. Founded in 1989, EVA Air has consistently placed safety at the forefront of its service philosophy. The airline has maintained an exceptional safety record with no major accidents, solidifying its reputation as one of the most reliable carriers globally. This 13-year streak in AirlineRatings.com’s top ten safest airlines is a remarkable accomplishment that underscores EVA Air’s dedication to the highest standards in aviation safety. Why EVA Air Ranks Among the Safest: Key Indicators EVA Air’s achievement is not an accident. The airline’s consistent ranking among the safest airlines can be attributed to several factors that ensure passengers’ well-being is prioritized at every stage of their journey. AirlineRatings.com’s rigorous evaluation includes: Flight Safety Records: EVA Air’s track record of incident-free flights is unparalleled, with no major accidents since its inception. Fleet Age: The airline maintains a modern fleet, using state-of-the-art Boeing and Airbus aircraft that meet the latest aviation safety standards. International Safety Audits: EVA Air consistently passes the most stringent global safety audits conducted by aviation authorities worldwide. Pilot Training & Maintenance: The airline invests heavily in pilot training and maintenance procedures, ensuring that every flight operates smoothly and safely. Strengthening EVA Air’s Safety Management Systems EVA Air continues to innovate and improve its safety management systems in line with the latest advancements in aviation technology. As the airline prepares for the future, it is committed to strengthening its risk prevention mechanisms and safety protocols to provide passengers with the most reliable and secure flying experience possible. The recognition from AirlineRatings.com not only validates EVA Air’s ongoing safety efforts but also serves as a motivational boost for its employees, who are dedicated to upholding the airline’s high safety standards. EVA Air continues to train its staff, review operational processes, and invest in cutting-edge technology to maintain its leadership in airline safety. A Star Alliance Member Providing Unmatched Travel Experience EVA Air is a proud member of the Star Alliance, a global network of airlines committed to delivering exceptional service and seamless travel experiences. With a fleet of nearly 90 aircraft, the airline flies to more than 60 international destinations, spanning Asia, North America, Europe, and Oceania. Whether traveling for business or leisure, passengers can count on EVA Air’s exceptional service and safe operations to get them to their destination on time and in comfort. Destinations: EVA Air serves destinations in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Fleet: The airline operates a fleet of modern Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Global Routes: Over 60 international destinations served. EVA Air: A Global Leader in Flight Safety EVA Air’s outstanding safety performance sets it apart as a global leader in flight safety. The airline has earned numerous accolades over the years, which further solidifies its position as one of the safest and most reliable airlines. These accolades not only affirm the airline’s dedication to passenger safety but also showcase the level of professionalism and care put into every flight. The airline’s impressive safety record has been acknowledged by passengers and the aviation industry alike, making EVA Air a preferred choice for those seeking the highest standards in aviation safety. Investing in Excellence: Enhancing Passenger Safety EVA Air has also taken proactive measures to enhance the overall passenger experience, from the moment they step on board to the time they reach their destination. Investments in new safety management systems, advanced technology, and training programs continue to shape the airline’s forward-thinking approach to aviation safety. EVA Air’s commitment to passenger safety is not limited to flight operations alone. The airline also focuses on health and safety measures on the ground, ensuring that travelers are always treated with the utmost care and respect. EVA Air’s reputation for excellence extends beyond the aircraft, as it continually works to enhance the safety, comfort, and convenience of every aspect of the flying experience. Looking Ahead: EVA Air’s Safety Culture As EVA Air continues to set new benchmarks in flight safety, its focus on innovation and continuous improvement remains unwavering. The airline is committed to maintaining its spot among the safest airlines for years to come, driven by its dedicated team and strong safety culture. This continued recognition reinforces EVA Air’s position as one of the top airlines globally and as a leader in aviation safety. With its consistent track record, the airline’s passengers can confidently rely on EVA Air for the safest and most enjoyable travel experience possible. https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/eva-air-sets-a-new-standard-for-aviation-safety-ranking-8th-worldwide-in-2026-and-cementing-taiwans-role-in-global-air-travel-safety/ 7 Reasons You Can Get Kicked Off a Flight—and It’s Not Just Bad Behavior Air travel experts reveal the reasons you could get kicked off a plane—and some might surprise you. An angry passenger watches their missed plane take off. Getting kicked off a flight is far less common than viral videos might suggest, but it does happen—and not always for the reasons travelers expect. As Kyle Maltz, chief operating officer of Dollar Flight Club, notes, “Traditionally, the assumption is that people are getting removed from a flight for extreme behavior, but in reality, especially as of late, it often comes down to smaller things that just escalate." Airlines can deny boarding or ask someone to leave a flight if safety or order is at risk, whether that means ignoring crew instructions, causing a disruption, or having poor personal hygiene. The good news? Most of these situations are easy to avoid by following directions and being respectful, both to the crew and fellow passengers. An annoyed passenger in line to find his seat on the plane. Disruptive, Violent, or Aggressive Behavior Passengers can be removed from a flight for disruptive, violent, or aggressive behavior, making threats, or interfering with a crew member’s ability to perform their duties. Once a passenger refuses instructions, escalates a confrontation, or distracts the crew during boarding or taxi, airlines have little flexibility because it becomes a safety issue. That stance is backed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unruly or dangerous behavior, meaning passengers who interfere with crew duties can face removal, fines, or further action. As Point.me cofounder Tiffany Funk explains, “One unruly person cannot be allowed to jeopardize the experience or safety of 150 others." In these scenarios, she says, "If someone can’t calm down and act decorously, airline employees have limited recourse other than to insist the person disembark.” Maltz echoes that sentiment, telling Travel + Leisure that airlines are legally required to defer to a crew member’s judgment—not a passenger’s intent—when safety or order is at stake. Dress Code Violations Unbeknownst to many travelers, airlines do have dress codes—and in rare cases, failing to follow them can result in being denied boarding or removed from a flight. Most airlines rely on open-ended language in their policies, giving individual crew members discretion to determine what’s considered “appropriate” attire. To avoid issues altogether, it’s best to steer clear of clothing with obscene or offensive language and excessively revealing outfits. (A good rule of thumb: if you’d wear it to the beach, don’t wear it on the plane.) When dress codes are enforced, it’s typically not about personal style but about whether the attire is disruptive or inconsistent with airline policy. Poor Hygiene Ever been on a plane and caught a foul scent? (Spoiler alert: It's just as unpleasant as it sounds.) Believe it or not, poor hygiene can be grounds for removal from a flight. Strong body odor that is deemed offensive by the crew—or that prompts complaints from other passengers—may be considered disruptive under airline policies, particularly if it affects the comfort and well-being of those onboard. Seat Disputes Seat-related conflicts can also lead to removal from a flight. This includes refusing to follow crew instructions about seating assignments, escalating complaints with nearby passengers—such as disputes over arm rests, seat kicking, or reclining—or otherwise turning a minor annoyance into a confrontation. When passengers won’t comply with crew direction or de-escalate, airlines may step in to prevent the situation from disrupting the cabin. Public Intoxication Public intoxication is also grounds for removal from an aircraft—and, well, just about anywhere else. The reason is simple: Impaired behavior can escalate quickly and pose safety risks, especially in a confined cabin, some 30,000 feet in the sky. Additionally, in some cases, public intoxication may also violate local laws, meaning the consequences can extend beyond being denied boarding to involvement from airport security or law enforcement. A no smoking sign on an airplane. Smoking or Vaping We’ve all seen the safety videos: smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on airplanes, including in restrooms. Violating this rule is a serious offense, as it can trigger smoke detectors and pose a safety risk. Passengers caught smoking or vaping on board can be removed from the flight, face fines, or be met by law enforcement upon landing. Appearing Sick or Contagious Airlines are responsible for the health and safety of everyone on board, so if a passenger appears visibly ill or potentially contagious, the crew may decide it’s not safe for them to travel and take action accordingly. As a general rule, it’s best to wait until you’re feeling better to fly—for your own comfort and for the sake of the people around you. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/7-reasons-kicked-off-flight-183202591.html Global Aerospace Welcomes Polaris Aero to its SM4 Aviation Safety Program Providing Cloud Based Safety Intelligence for Safety Management Systems Morris Plains, New Jersey – Global Aerospace, a world-leading provider of aviation and aerospace insurance, today announces a new partnership with Polaris Aero as part of its industry leading SM4 Aviation Safety Program. Polaris Aero is an aviation software company specializing in risk analysis and safety management systems (SMS) that transform data into actionable insights. Through the SM4 Program, Polaris will provide access to software subscriptions for its VOCUS Safety Intelligence platform—including FlightRisk, GroundRisk, and VOCUS SMS—to Global’s U.S. Vista Elite clients who are new to Polaris. Clients who are current Polaris customers will be able to select from available add-on’s such as FOQA/FDM, ASAP, Safety Culture Surveys, and more. Benefits are tailored to maximize impact, with scope adjusted to fit the unique size and needs of each operation. “Strengthening safety means empowering our community with the expertise and tools to drive continuous improvement. As we expand to keep the SM4 program dynamic, welcoming Polaris Aero represents an important step forward. We’re introducing another way to access industry leading aviation software, advanced risk analysis, and SMS capabilities—empowering operators to move beyond reactive compliance and embrace proactive, data driven safety decisions.” said Dana DiPietro, Senior Vice President, Underwriting Manager. Steve Bruneau, Chief Revenue Officer for Polaris, commented, “We are thrilled to be a part of SM4 and do our part to make business aviation safer. Our technology and services are designed to simplify, enhance, and seamlessly integrate safety into the various operational systems that enable organizations to function effectively every day. Our VOCUS Safety Intelligence Platform drives better decisions by the people who need it and enables a VOCUS Community of operators who can all learn valuable lessons from one another!” Since 2010, the company has committed over $7.5 million to support SM4 and help its clients pursue higher levels of safety. Full program information is available on the SM4 website. About Global Aerospace Global Aerospace has a century of experience and powerful passion for providing aviation insurance solutions that protect industry stakeholders and empower the industry to thrive. With financial stability from a pool of the world’s foremost capital, we leverage innovative ideas, advanced technology and a powerful synergy among diverse team members to underwrite and process claims for the many risks our clients face. Headquartered in the UK, we have offices in Canada, France, Germany and throughout the United States. Learn more at www.global-aero.com. To learn more about the company’s SM4 Aviation Safety Program, visit sm4.global-aero.com. About Polaris Aero Polaris Aero is an aviation software company specializing in risk analysis and safety management systems (SMS). By transforming data into actionable insights, Polaris Aero helps organizations achieve the highest levels of organizational safety, operational effectiveness, and regulatory compliance. Polaris Aero is a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. For more information, or to request a software demonstration, visit polarisaero.com. CALENDAR OF EVENTS . Singapore Airshow 2026 - FEBRUARY 3-6, 2026. . VERTICON 2026 - Atlanta March 9-12 . 60th Annual SMU Air Law Symposium - March 31 - April 1, 2026 (Irving, TX) . 2026 ACSF Safety Symposium; April 7-9, 2026; ERAU Daytona Beach, FL . 2026 NBAA Maintenance Conference; May 5-7, 2026; New Orleans, LA . BASS 2026 - 71st Business Aviation Safety Summit - May 5-6, 2026 | Provo, Utah . The African Aviation Safety & Operations Summit - May 19-20 | Johannesburg, South Africa . Safeskies Australia - Australia’s renowned Aviation Safety Conference - Canberra Australia 20 and 21 May 2026 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . ISASI - 2026 (September/October 2026) - Dubai, UAE . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis