Flight Safety Information - March 18, 2026 No. 055 In This Issue : Cessna S550 Citation S/II - Runway Excursion on Landing (Brazil) : Airbus A320-214- Pressurization Problem (Indian Ocean) : Deaf woman says Frontier removed her from flight after dispute over crew instructions: ‘I’m so embarrassed’ : Delta flight returned to DTW after takeoff as cabin experienced smoke : Why Airlines Tell You Not to Retrieve Your Phone if It Falls Between Seats : Global airline accidents fall in 2025, IATA report reveals Aviation : Qatar Civil Aviation Authority intensifies efforts to ensure aviation safety : Interfering with crew: FBI says threats, slurs diverted Taiwan-bound flight to Anchorage : AerCap places order for 100 additional Airbus A320neo Family aircraft : Calendar of Events Cessna S550 Citation S/II - Runway Excursion on Landing (Brazil) Date: Sunday 15 March 2026 Time: c. 09:30 LT Type: Cessna S550 Citation S/II Owner/operator: Dubem Business Marketing Eventos e Produções Artísticas Ltda Registration: PT-WIB MSN: S550-0137 Year of manufacture: 1987 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Substantial Category: Accident Location: Jundiaí-Comandante Rolim Adolfo Amaro State Airport, SP (QDV/SBJD) - Brazil Phase: Landing Nature: Executive Departure airport: Bragança Paulista Arthur Siqueira State Airport, SP (BJP/SBBP) Destination airport: Jundiaí-Comte. Rolim Adolfo Amaro-Jundiaí State Airport, SP (SBJD) Investigating agency: CENIPA Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Cessna 550 Citation, PT-WIB, operating an executive flight from Bragança Paulista to Jundiaí overran runway 18 during landing and came to rest on an airport service road. The aircraft was severely damaged though the occupants were not injured. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/568001 Airbus A320-214- Pressurization Problem (Indian Ocean) Date: Tuesday 17 March 2026 Time: Type: Airbus A320-214 Owner/operator: Pakistan International Airlines - PIA Registration: AP-BLB MSN: 2155 Year of manufacture: 2004 Engine model: CFMI CFM56-5B4/P Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Unknown Location: Over the Gulf of Oman - Indian Ocean Phase: En route Nature: Passenger - Scheduled Departure airport: Al-Fujairah-Fujairah International Airport (FJR/OMFJ) Destination airport: Lahore-Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE/OPLA) Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: Pakistan International Airlines Flight PK178 developed a pressirization issue mid-flight. The aircraft declared an emergency and diverted to Karachi (KHI). https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/568078 Deaf woman says Frontier removed her from flight after dispute over crew instructions: ‘I’m so embarrassed’ A deaf woman claimed she was removed from a Frontier Airlines flight for not being able to hear the flight attendant, but the airline stated she was actually removed for boarding with an open container of alcohol, in violation of company policy and federal law. A deaf woman has told of her embarrassment after claiming to have been removed from a Frontier Airlines flight for not being able to hear the flight attendant, despite contrary accounts from the airline. “I was removed from a flight because I am deaf,” the woman, named Ashley, wrote in the caption of a TikTok video sharing her experience. “Frontier Airlines please train your flight attendants on disability accommodations, specifically when somebody is deaf/hard of hearing.” When contacted by The Independent, a spokesperson from Frontier said the woman had actually been removed from the aircraft after she boarded with an open container that she admitted had alcohol in – in violation of company policy and federal law. In the video, other passengers can be heard expressing their own outrage as the woman is told that she must get off the aircraft. “I’m so embarrassed… I didn’t do anything wrong” she says, appearing severely distressed. She adds: “I’m going to go, I'm not resisting. I don’t want them to say I’m resisting leaving or anything.” Social media users also came to her defense in the comment section of the video, with one writing: “Wow! Enjoy winning your lawsuit because this is actually a horrible display of disability discrimination. A lack of accommodation when it is clearly on your ticket as valid is disgusting!” A deaf woman has told of her embarrassment after claiming to have been removed from a Frontier Airlines flight for not being able to hear the flight attendant, despite contrary accounts from the airline (Matt Nager) Ashley also noted that: “When I went to rebook, the gate agents apologized for the flight attendant’s behavior.” “This incident emphasizes the importance of adequate training for airline personnel on how to effectively accommodate passengers with disabilities,” she wrote. However, in their statement, the Frontier spokesperson said that there was “no indication on the passenger’s reservation” that she was deaf or had any form of disability, adding that, according to various personnel who interacted with the passenger, “she was clearly and effectively conversing with them during interactions.” “According to the flight attendant directly involved in the matter, the passenger boarded with an open container which she admitted contained alcohol when questioned. Bringing an open container of alcohol on board violates both Frontier policy and federal law,” the statement read. “When the flight attendant informed the passenger of the violation, the passenger rapidly consumed the remaining alcohol in the cup before handing it over. Flight attendants further noted that the cup the passenger brought on board was affixed with a sticker advising that federal law prohibits carrying this alcoholic beverage on board an aircraft.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/deaf-woman-says-frontier-removed-182405362.html Delta flight returned to DTW after takeoff as cabin experienced smoke A Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Amsterdam returned to Detroit after takeoff and was evacuated due to smoke in the cabin on Monday, March 16, according to Delta. On takeoff, Delta Flight 132 "experienced some smoke in the cabin," Delta spokesperson Anthony Black said in a statement to the Free Press on Tuesday, March 17. "As a precaution, the crew elected to return to the airport where the flight landed uneventfully and taxied to the gate," Black said. More: Is TSA's wait time app working? What to know amid federal shutdown More: 2026 Free Press Shawarma Showdown first-round voting begins The Wayne County Airport Authority confirmed that its fire department responded to reports of smoke in the cockpit of an aircraft on Monday afternoon. "The plane landed safely and taxied to the gate without incident or support needed," according to a statement from WCAA on Tuesday. Black said the 272 customers on the flight were reaccommodated on another aircraft. "We apologize for the delay and inconvenience to their travels," Black said. Delta is the largest carrier at Detroit Metro Airport. https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/wayne/2026/03/17/delta-flight-detroit-metro-airport-amsterdam-evacuated-smoke-in-aircraft/89197920007/ Why Airlines Tell You Not to Retrieve Your Phone if It Falls Between Seats It’s frustrating when your phone falls into the cracks between airplane seats. But it could be dangerous if you try to fish it out yourself. If you fly often, you’ve likely heard the line in the predeparture safety briefing advising passengers to alert a flight attendant if their phone slips between the seats rather than trying to retrieve it themselves. It may feel instinctive to reach into the narrow gap and grab it—but experts say that attempting to retrieve it without assistance can create safety risks to both yourself and the aircraft. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), smartphones that fall between airplane seats can become lodged in the seat’s mechanical components. If the seat is reclined or adjusted while the phone is trapped, the device can be crushed. That’s a concern because, when damaged, the lithium batteries inside phones can overheat and enter what’s known as thermal runaway—a chain reaction where the battery rapidly heats up, releases flammable gases, and can ignite. (It’s part of the same reason you can’t put powerbanks, computers, e-cigarettes, or other electronic devices in your checked bag.) “Damaged electronics are more susceptible to thermal runaway, so a dropped iPhone or Android is more likely to have a thermal event,” says John Cox, CEO of aviation consulting firm Safety Operating Systems and a former pilot. That’s exactly what happened on one Southwest Airlines flight departing from Denver to Houston in 2024. Although the phone caught fire while the plane was still at the gate, it ignited a seat, and all 108 passengers had to evacuate the plane via the plane’s rear emergency slides while the crew extinguished the fire. In 2025, after a passenger’s phone became lodged in a seat on a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Honolulu to Tokyo and began emitting a burning smell near the end of the flight, the pilot declared an emergency, which granted the plane priority landing at Haneda Airport. And earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines flight from Wichita to Seattle returned to the airport after a passenger’s phone and portable battery pack ignited in the cabin, sending several people for medical evaluation. FAA data shows at least 106 verified incidents between March 3, 2006, and February 23, 2026 (the most recent reported date), in which lithium batteries in cell phones emitted smoke, caught on fire, or became extremely hot while on a plane. Those numbers have risen in recent years as more people get smartphones. Of those 106 incidents, 21 happened in 2025 alone. According to a spokesperson from the American Airlines press office, the reason it’s important to notify a crew member is because they know the seats and can access the device before it becomes a safety issue. “Seats can vary between aircraft, and as part of this training, flight attendants are informed of the various operational intricacies of each seat that customers may not be aware of, and can safely help our customers out should their phone fall between seats,” the American Airlines representative told Afar. A spokesperson from Delta echoed that sentiment, saying, “There are different seat modifications between cabins and planes, so flight attendants are going to be able to retrieve the phone more easily.” They added that if the phone is really stuck in there, flight attendants can call the destination airport, where someone will be dispatched to meet the plane and use tools, if necessary, to retrieve it. And if the phone gets too hot, starts to smoke, or becomes inflamed, it’s good for the in-flight team to know early so it can prepare fire-safety protocols. The Delta representative added that calling a flight attendant limits the chances of a passenger accidentally hurting themselves, saying, “Those seats are tight. We’d rather get your phone out for you rather than have you potentially jam your finger.” https://www.afar.com/magazine/why-you-shouldnt-retrieve-your-cell-phone-if-it-falls-between-the-airplane-seats Global airline accidents fall in 2025, IATA report reveals Aviation The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2025 Safety Report, revealing a steady improvement in global aviation safety despite an uptick in fatal incidents. According to the report, 51 accidents were recorded among 38.7 million flights worldwide in 2025, representing an all-accident rate of 1.32 per million flights, or roughly one accident for every 759,000 flights. This marks a 7% improvement on the 2024 figure of 1.42 accidents per million flights, although slightly above the five-year average of 1.27. While the overall safety performance improved, the year saw an increase in fatal accidents. IATA recorded eight fatal incidents in 2025, up from seven the previous year, including major events involving Air India Flight 171 and PSA Airlines Flight 5342. Onboard fatalities rose by more than 60%, with 394 deaths compared to 244 in 2024. Regionally, Africa registered the highest accident rate at 7.86 accidents per million flights, while North America reported the largest number of total accidents for the year. Despite these figures, IATA emphasised that commercial aviation continues to maintain an exceptionally strong safety record, reinforcing its position as the safest mode of long-distance travel. Commenting on the report, Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, said: “Today, it is one fatal accident for every 5.6 million flights (2021-2025). Flying is so safe that even one accident among the nearly 40 million flights operated annually moves the global data. Every accident is, of course, one too many. The goal for aviation remains zero accidents and zero fatalities.” Beyond accident statistics, the report also identified emerging risks to flight safety, notably the impact of geopolitical conflicts such as ongoing tensions in the Middle East. IATA stressed that when conflict zones threaten aviation operations, airspace closures and subsequent re-openings must be handled with transparency and close coordination between authorities and industry stakeholders. “When tensions rise, governments must share timely risk information, ensure effective civil–military coordination, restrict airspace where needed and provide airlines with sufficient information for their own risk assessments,” added Walsh. In the GCC, airspaces across most countries have reopened since 28 February, except Bahrain and Kuwait, which remain closed until further notice. The evolving situation has increased aviation activity at airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman, as repatriation flights and tourist evacuations are rerouted through these hubs. Gulf Air and Kuwait Airways are currently operating charter flights for residents and citizens via Dammam and Qaisumah airports. https://www.connectingtravel.com/news/global-airline-accidents-fall-in-2025-iata-report-reveals Qatar Civil Aviation Authority intensifies efforts to ensure aviation safety These measures reinforce Qatar’s commitment to aviation safety, operational resilience and uninterrupted service delivery These efforts were achieved through the integrated work of all operational and support departments within QCAA, in close coordination with the relevant entities Published: Wed 18 Mar 2026, 11:29 AM Following the closure of the State of Qatar’s airspace on February 28, 2026, and the partial resumption of air navigation starting from March 7, 2026, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) took a series of urgent measures to ensure the highest levels of air safety, the readiness of the aviation system and the continuity of services across airports around the clock. These efforts were achieved through the integrated work of all operational and support departments within QCAA, in close coordination with the relevant entities. Air Navigation Department The Air Navigation Department ensured the safe landing of aircraft immediately upon the announcement of the airspace closure. This includes aircraft that were in close proximity and were directed to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA) and aircraft that were farther away and were diverted to alternate airports. The department issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the airspace closure decision and activated the emergency air corridor (L564) for 8 hours daily. The department also held daily meetings with GCC states to follow up on developments. Air Safety Department Meanwhile, the Air Safety Department granted exceptional approvals to 68 foreign maintenance organizations and 5 external maintenance stations affiliated with Qatar Airways, to support aircraft located outside the country. It extended the Airworthiness Review Certificates (ARC) for 14 aircraft until technical inspections are completed in Doha and extended the validity of certain air traffic controller licenses to ensure the continuity of services. Moreover, it issued an Emergency Public Notice (EPN) to guide passengers and personnel toward designated safe areas within the airport. Security and Facilitation Department The Security and Facilitation Department activated 24/7 communication channels to coordinate with relevant authorities and neighboring airports. The department also convened an urgent regional meeting with the ICAO Regional Office, and enhanced field inspections and security measures across Qatar’s airports. Furthermore, it issued regional guidance material to support aviation security and safety, and prepared a regulatory document outlining procedures for the resumption of airport operations during conflict situations. Air Transport Department Qatar’s Air Transport Department provided recommendations to facilitate passenger movement and coordinated the repatriation and travel arrangements of stranded passengers with neighboring countries. It also organized exceptional passenger and cargo flights in coordination with Qatar Airways and addressed the status of foreign aircraft stranded in the state and arranged their departure. Moreover, it prepared statistics and data to support making decisions regarding passengers and aircraft. Read: Qatar Airways enhances travel flexibility with revised flight schedule from March 18 to 28 Firefighting and Rescue Department The Firefighting and Rescue Department activated the emergency response plan and elevated operational readiness 24/7 across Qatar’s airports. It strengthened the deployment of vehicles and equipment and intensified technical inspections of vehicles and firefighting equipment. Moreover, it secured a strategic stock of firefighting agents and materials and reorganized human resources to ensure the continuity of operations. These measures highlight QCAA’s swift and coordinated response to exceptional circumstances, reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to aviation safety, operational resilience and uninterrupted service delivery. https://economymiddleeast.com/news/qatar-civil-aviation-authority-intensifies-efforts-to-ensure-aviation-safety/ Interfering with crew: FBI says threats, slurs diverted Taiwan-bound flight to Anchorage FBI affidavit alleges a passenger grabbed an attendant’s shoulder, used racial slurs and made threats, prompting a cockpit lockdown and diversion to Anchorage ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - A man was arrested Saturday after authorities say he intimidated flight attendants and sparked a midair disturbance that led a Delta Air Lines flight from Seattle to Taiwan to divert and make an emergency landing in Anchorage. Malcom Martin is charged by criminal complaint with interfering with flight crew members and attendants, a federal offense that carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, according to an affidavit filed in U.S. District Court for Alaska. At 7:25 p.m. Saturday, March 14, the Anchorage FBI office was notified of a disturbance on Delta Flight 69, according to an affidavit written by an Anchorage FBI agent. The flight was over the Pacific Ocean on its way from Seattle to Taiwan when the disruption began, the agent wrote. The crew reported the situation escalated quickly enough that the cockpit door was locked and the pilots coordinated with Delta’s corporate office before deciding to divert to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. According to the affidavit, Anchorage Airport Police and Fire officers detained Martin on the aircraft after it arrived at the gate. Investigators say the confrontation began near a galley restroom when a flight attendant was eating a meal and Martin grabbed the attendant’s shoulder to get his attention and asked whether the bathroom was occupied. The flight attendant told investigators that when the restroom’s lock indicator is displayed, it means the restroom is in use. Martin, according to the documents, made several disrespectful comments at this point. After the restroom became available and Martin used it, the argument resumed, the affidavit says. The attendant told investigators Martin used a racial slur and threatened to fight him when the plane landed. Another flight attendant told investigators the dispute became so intense that passengers moved toward the galley to try to de-escalate the conflict. The second attendant also reported retrieving restraints and stepping between Martin and the first attendant, repeatedly telling Martin to return to his seat, the affidavit said. Authorities say Martin swung toward the second flight attendant but did not make contact. No one was struck or touched during the altercation, the affidavit said. Two of the pilots told investigators the disturbance was elevated to a “level three,” which required locking the cockpit. The diversion also required calculating landing procedures for an overweight aircraft carrying fuel intended for the original route, the affidavit said. Police collected several passenger videos of the disturbance. In a brief review, the FBI agent wrote he could see Martin at the galley entrance exchanging heated words, but he did not observe a lunge or swing in the portions he reviewed. Martin was taken to an airport police interview room and later advised of his rights by the FBI, the affidavit said. After an interview, Martin was arrested on the federal charge and booked into the Anchorage Correctional Complex, the affidavit said. https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2026/03/18/interfering-with-crew-fbi-says-threats-slurs-diverted-taiwan-bound-flight-anchorage/ AerCap places order for 100 additional Airbus A320neo Family aircraft Toulouse, France, 18 March 2026 – AerCap Holdings N.V. (“AerCap”) has signed a firm order with Airbus for 23 A320neo and 77 A321neo aircraft. This transaction underscores AerCap’s strategy of investing in the world's most in-demand, fuel-efficient technology to meet the long-term requirements of its global airline customer base. “This order for 100 A320neo Family aircraft reflects our strong belief in the long-term demand for these highly efficient aircraft and will help meet the continued demand we see from our customers for both growth and replacement needs,” said Aengus Kelly, CEO of AerCap. "As the world’s largest owner of commercial aircraft, our strategy is clear: we invest in the assets that provide our airline customers with the best economics and the lowest emissions. This landmark transaction ensures that AerCap will continue to lead the industry in fleet modernization well into the next decade.” “This order is the largest single direct order for the type ever placed by AerCap with Airbus, and is a powerful endorsement of the A320neo Family’s enduring value and market-leading performance,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business. “We are extremely grateful and proud to support AerCap’s vision in accelerating the global transition towards newer, modern aircraft and more efficient operations.” The A320 Family is the world’s most popular single-aisle aircraft, having won more than 19,000 orders globally. The Family includes the largest member, the A321neo, offering unparalleled range and performance. The Family offers at least 20% fuel savings and CO₂ reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft, while maximising passenger comfort with one of the widest single-aisle cabins in the sky. As with all Airbus aircraft, the A320 Family is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Airbus is targeting to have its aircraft up to 100% SAF capable by 2030. https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-03-aercap-places-order-for-100-additional-airbus-a320neo-family-aircraft CALENDAR OF EVENTS . CANSO Global Safety Conference 2026 - 29 March – 1 April 2026 (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) . 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 . World Aviation Training Summit - 5-7 May 2026 - Orlando . 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 : APSCON/APSCON Unmanned 2026 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL - July 13-17, 2026 : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 . IATA World Maintenance & Engineering Symposium (23-25 June, Madrid, Spain) . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV Curt Lewis