Flight Safety Information - August 27, 2026 No. 168 In This Issue : Incident: KLM A332 enroute on Aug 21st 2026, could only fly headings : Incident: Lufthansa B789 over Turkmenistan on Aug 25th 2026, technical malfunction : Boeing 777-F6N - Hydraqulic Failure (Japan) : DHL cargo jet erupts in flames during landing at LAX : German cargo jet makes emergency landing at Narita airport, no injuries : Plane Bursts Into Flames Mid-Air as Pilot Deploys Emergency Parachute : Pilots face automation surprises despite correct commands : Qantas Will Accelerate Retirement of A380 Superjumbos… World’s Biggest Passenger Jet Will Disappear From Airline’s Fleet From 2028 : Airlines face widebody jet shortage amid delays : Some Army pilots cut from flying can transfer to the Navy. But not all. : Korean Air Strengthens Partner Safety, Growth Through Tech Collaboration : American Airlines plane blows 2 tires while taxiing for takeoff at O'Hare airport, FAA says : New Book Available – Get the Back Stories! : Calendar of Events Incident: KLM A332 enroute on Aug 21st 2026, could only fly headings A KLM Airbus A330-200, registration PH-AOC performing flight KL-587 from Amsterdam (Netherlands) to Lagos (Nigeria), was enroute at FL370 already over France when the crew decided to return to Amsterdam. On approach to Amsterdam the controller queried they understood the aircraft could only fly headings, the crew affirmed. The controllers vectored the aircraft for a safe landing on runway 06 about one hour after departure. The aircraft remained on the ground in Amsterdam for just short of 90 minutes, then departed again and reached Lagos with a delay of about 2 hours. https://avherald.com/h?article=53ed4bf3&opt=0 Incident: Lufthansa B789 over Turkmenistan on Aug 25th 2026, technical malfunction A Lufthansa Boeing 787-9, registration D-ABPH performing flight LH-760 from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Delhi (India), was enroute at FL390 over Turkmenistan when the ADS-B position transmissions became grossly erratic. The crew decided to turn around and divert to Baku (Azerbaijan) for a safe landing. According to ADS-B data the aircraft would have landed in the middle of the Caspian Sea in water. Baku Airport reported a technical malfunction prompted the aircraft to land in Baku. The aircraft is still on the ground in Baku about 24 hours after landing, the passengers report they have been abandoned with no information with minimal water, inedible rotten food, no Lufthansa representative around, calls to their customer support for help were hung up. https://avherald.com/h?article=53ed45a7&opt=0 Boeing 777-F6N - Hydraqulic Failure (Japan) Date: Thursday 27 August 2026 Time: 07:39 Type: Boeing 777-F6N Owner/operator: AeroLogic Registration: D-AALI MSN: 37708/774 Year of manufacture: 2009 Engine model: General Electric GE90 Fatalities: Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 3 Other fatalities: 0 Aircraft damage: Minor Location: Tokyo/Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA) - Japan Phase: Landing Nature: Cargo Departure airport: Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ/EDDP), Germany Destination airport: Tokyo/Narita International Airport (NRT/RJAA), Japan Confidence Rating: Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources Narrative: A Boeing 777F of AeroLogic, operating flight BOX/3S590 from Leipzig/Halle, Germany to Tokyo/Narita, Japan, suffered hydraulic issue and made an emergency landing on runway 34L of Narita. The aircraft was towed from the runway to the spot, and the runway was closed for 30 minutes. No injuries. https://www.aviation-safety.net/wikibase/579164 DHL cargo jet erupts in flames during landing at LAX A DHL cargo plane caught fire while landing at Los Angeles International Airport late Wednesday night. Airline Videos Live footage obtained by KTLA showed flames shooting from beneath the aircraft as it rolled down a runway shortly after 11 p.m. Several loud pops, believed to be tire failures, were heard as the plane made contact with the runway. The flames quickly subsided as the aircraft slowed and came to a stop. “I don’t know if we blew a tire, but it feels like the brakes locked up,” the pilot is heard telling air traffic controllers. An LAX firefighting vehicle responded and sprayed water on the aircraft’s left rear landing gear area, quickly extinguishing any remaining flames. The plane was reportedly arriving from Phoenix, Arizona. There has been no official word on what caused the fire, and no injuries have been reported. https://ktla.com/news/local-news/dhl-cargo-plane-fire-lax-landing/ German cargo jet makes emergency landing at Narita airport, no injuries CHIBA, Japan - A German AeroLogic cargo jet made an emergency landing at Narita airport near Tokyo on Thursday due to a problem with its hydraulic system, the transport ministry said. The Boeing 777 was bound for Narita from Leipzig with three crew members on board, none of whom were injured, according to the ministry's Narita airport office. After the emergency landing at around 7:40 a.m., the aircraft stopped on a runway and was later towed away. The runway was closed for about 30 minutes. https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/83172 Plane Bursts Into Flames Mid-Air as Pilot Deploys Emergency Parachute The pilot was taken to a hospital in the Brazilian state’s capital and is suspected to be suffering from smoke inhalation. A 29-year-old pilot miraculously survived a flight gone terribly wrong. The plane took off from Pampulha Airport in Greater Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Tuesday morning around 7:30 a.m. and erupted into flames just 15 minutes later. Video shows smoke trailing from the plane as it heads toward the ground. The pilot made the lifesaving move to deploy the plane’s emergency parachute to slow its descent and prevent it from plummeting to the ground. The 29-year-old was taken to Hospital João XXIII in Belo Horizonte and is suspected of suffering from smoke inhalation. Motiva, the operator of Pampulha Airport, said: “During the operation, there was no communication between the pilot and the Pampulha Airport Control Tower reporting any emergency, malfunction, or other incident.” The Brazilian Aeronautical Registry said the plane appeared to be in good condition before the crash and had a valid airworthiness certificate. The plane, a Cirrus SR22, has a rare safety feature—it is equipped with a parachute—that allows the light aircraft to float to the ground in an emergency. According to the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association, the feature has saved 302 people in Cirrus aircraft. https://www.thedailybeast.com/plane-bursts-into-flames-mid-air-as-pilot-deploys-emergency-parachute/ Pilots face automation surprises despite correct commands Aircraft sometimes behave unexpectedly even when pilots input correct commands, causing safety risks during critical phases. These automation surprises stem from mode confusion and hidden system logic. FAA now urges pilots to mentally fly planes while airlines add surprise scenarios to training. Automation surprise incidents occur most often during non-standard approaches or landings, when pilots misread system feedback or fail to anticipate responses. Vertical navigation systems are the top culprit, with pilots averaging two such events yearly. The FAA and airlines are responding with revised training that simulates unexpected automated behavior to rebuild situational awareness. These issues arise as pilots rely more on automation, eroding manual flying skills and increasing cognitive load when systems act unpredictably. A 2011 Thai Airways flight nearly crashed near Melbourne after autopilot made an unanticipated pitch change. Regulators concluded the crew experienced automation surprise, highlighting how delayed reactions could lead to disaster if terrain or traffic warnings are ignored. Why it matters Travelers risk delays or diversions if pilots must abort approaches due to automation confusion. Airlines may also tighten procedures, potentially lengthening boarding or taxi times as crews double-check automated settings before takeoff or landing. https://www.insideflyer.com/posts/pilots-face-automation-surprises-despite-correct-commands/ Qantas Will Accelerate Retirement of A380 Superjumbos… World’s Biggest Passenger Jet Will Disappear From Airline’s Fleet From 2028 Qantas will begin retiring its A380 superjumbo fleet in 2028 — four years earlier than the airline's original 2032 target. The Australian flag carrier Qantas has moved up the retirement of its fleet of ten Airbus A380 superjumbos, with the world’s largest passenger jet set to start leaving the airline’s fleet from 2028 – four years earlier than originally planned. While the double-deck aircraft had not only been “critical” to the airline’s post-pandemic recovery, and had helped capture displaced passenger demand from carriers in the Middle East because of the conflict with Iran, Qantas said on Thursday that soaring maintenance costs had accelerated its retirement plans for the A380. Qantas originally planned to start retiring its A380 fleet in 2032, replacing the quad-engined gas guzzlers with much more fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The plans were based on when Qantas realistically envisaged getting its hands on new planes that would fill this massive hole in its capacity. Given that aviation supply chains have been under constant pressure since the pandemic, and long delivery delays at both Boeing and Airbus have increasingly frustrated airlines, it probably wasn’t unrealistic for Qantas to assume a longer timeline than it had been promised for some of its new jets. However, the airline says it now has “confidence” in the delivery timeline for both new A350-1000 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft, allowing it to pencil in the A380’s demise earlier than planned. The retirement of the massive A380s will result in a small drop in capacity across the Qantas fleet, but the airline actually sees this as an advantage, saying its new aircraft will drive earnings growth with a higher premium cabin mix across its fleet. As part of its future fleet planning, Qantas also confirmed that it was in talks with Airbus and Boeing to exercise purchase rights for up to 20 additional new aircraft. Any planes converted into firm orders will start to be delivered from 2030 onwards. The first of Qantas’ Project Sunrise A350-1000ULR is slated for delivery in April 2027. The first of these aircraft is currently undergoing extensive flight testing before it can be formally handed over to the airline. Qantas has a total of 12 of the Project Sunrise ULR variant on order, alongside 12 standard A350s. The airline is also expected to take delivery of 12 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners from 2028, which will feature a new Business Class suite with sliding privacy doors. https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2026/08/27/qantas-will-accelerate-retirement-of-a380-superjumbos-worlds-biggest-passenger-jet-will-disappear-from-airlines-fleet-from-2028/ Airlines face widebody jet shortage amid delays Aircraft manufacturers cannot meet surging airline demand for widebody jets. Boeing’s 777X program delays worsen the imbalance. Airlines may wait years before supply catches up with global route expansion needs. Boeing’s prolonged 777X certification and production delays have tightened an already strained widebody market. Airlines expanding long-haul networks across Asia, Middle East, and transatlantic routes now compete for limited deliveries. Airbus A350 output remains constrained despite ramping efforts, leaving carriers to defer or cancel orders. The backlog stems from pandemic-era factory slowdowns and labor shortages that persist. New aircraft deliveries won’t meaningfully increase until 2028. In the interim, airlines are retrofitting older widebodies or leasing secondhand units to fill gaps in premium international capacity. Why it matters Travelers may face higher fares and fewer direct long-haul flights as airlines ration scarce widebody capacity. Delays also push back fleet modernization, potentially affecting onboard comfort and fuel efficiency on key international routes. https://www.insideflyer.com/posts/airlines-face-widebody-jet-shortage-amid-delays/ Some Army pilots cut from flying can transfer to the Navy. But not all. The Navy is planning to take dozens of Army pilots who were cut in a massive reduction of the land service's aviation corps. But of the hundreds of Army pilots that officials estimate might be looking for a spot, the Navy is likely to only have slots for, at most, about a quarter of them. A Navy spokesperson told Task & Purpose that the service is looking to take around 75 Army pilots who have completed initial flight training at Fort Rucker, Alabama. "This is not a new or standalone recruitment program, but the Navy has a long-standing tradition of interservice transfers between service branches when the opportunity aligns," the Navy official said. "Interservice transfers are a standard opportunity to align experienced talent with mission requirements and provide a clear path for continued service in uniform." Last year, Army officials said they planned to cut thousands of aviation jobs, including pilots, as part of its shift to more uncrewed aircraft, the service held talent panels to cut hundreds of junior aviators. Aviation talent panels ranked soldiers on Order of Merit lists. Those in the bottom rankings were counseled about options, which included information on transfers to a new branch like the Air Force or Navy. According to a Navy official, eligible Army pilots who previously flew Black Hawks, Apaches and Chinooks could transfer to the Navy's MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters and unmanned platforms, the Navy official said. MH-60R pilots are primarily tasked with flying anti-submarine and surface warfare operations. Those in the MH-60S also fly anti-submarine missions, but also train for a wide range of roles including medical evacuation, search and rescue, and ferrying Marines or SEALs on direct assaults of targets. When the Army announced its cuts, one of the Army planners told Task & Purpose that the service expected the majority of cuts to come from natural attrition like retirements and job changes. That left around 300 other pilots who would be on the chopping block and counseled in the talent panels on their options to voluntarily change jobs, transfer services, or leave the service. The last year of Army aviation cuts and major overhauls to its structure have caused blows to morale and left some soldiers questioning the fast-moving pivot towards more drones and away from human pilots. As the service planned to cut junior pilots and warrant officers, a recent retention bonus gave more insight into the Army's struggle to keep experienced pilots, especially those in charge of flight training. Pilot retention issues across the services Those soldiers who do end up in the Navy will find a service nearly as eager to add pilots. Navy officials have focused on keeping trained pilots flying for the service this year with new bonuses as high as $150,000 to retain "senior aviation leaders." Navy officials did not respond to Task & Purpose inquiries about the number of pilots it currently has or it needs. The effort to retain experienced pilots in the Air Force has also been highlighted with recent Congressional proposals to increase monthly incentive pay and bonuses and give them more career options. Budget documents reported by Air & Space Force Magazine indicated that aircraft personnel levels are projected to decline in 2026. Bomber and fighter pilot billets are estimated to fall below 70% of manning needs in 2027. https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/army-pilots-cut-flying-transfer-162930717.html Korean Air Strengthens Partner Safety, Growth Through Tech Collaboration Smart helmets, K-ladders, and education programs recognized by Ministry, boosting aerospace partnerships #1. At Korean Air’s engine maintenance factory, workers faced communication difficulties due to loud noise. To address this inconvenience, Korean Air provided Bluetooth-enabled smart safety helmets to workers at partner companies. These are safety-certified devices equipped with communication functions and temperature/humidity sensors. This has improved communication among workers, enhancing productivity and preventing safety accidents. #2. The previously used ‘A-shaped’ ladders at aircraft maintenance sites were structurally unstable. Korean Air designed a Korean-style ‘K-ladder’ with support beams and four-sided bracing to reduce the risk of tipping and falls. Since its introduction, no accidents requiring hospitalization have occurred. This is a cooperative example where the parent company strengthened safety management capabilities at partner companies. Korean Air’s cooperative management case was selected for the “100 Examples of Safety and Health Cooperation Activities Between Large and Small Businesses,” published earlier this year by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Korea Occupational Safety & Health Agency. Korean Air is promoting various cooperative activities, from supporting on-site equipment to establishing fair trade practices, providing technical and educational support to partners, improving work environments, and offering financial assistance. In particular, Korean Air is taking a leading role in enhancing the competitiveness of the domestic aerospace industry by supporting the growth of partners in aircraft maintenance, aircraft parts production, and military aircraft maintenance—fields where close collaboration is essential. Through mutual trust with partners, the company aims to build a sustainable supply chain and develop strategic partnerships. Korean Air is implementing the four major fair trade practices stipulated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission to establish fair and transparent trade order while supporting partners’ competitiveness and sustainable growth. A representative example is the cooperative council, which reflects the opinions of partner employees to improve actual business sites. The council involves Korean Air, partner company representatives, and external consultants discussing ways to create better workplaces. At Korean Air Tech Center’s Gimhae Heavy Maintenance Facility, monthly quality and safety management meetings are held to listen to on-site workers’ concerns. Heavy maintenance refers to comprehensive maintenance activities, including complete disassembly, precision diagnostics, repair, and replacement of airframes, engines, and major systems. Korean Air reflects meeting outcomes in budget execution, such as purchasing actual equipment and tools. Customized consulting for partners is also conducted. Korean Air allocated a separate budget of tens of millions of won for cooperative activities per consulting task. This is used for activities partners need, such as improving risk assessment execution and enhancing work environments to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Korean Air is also proactive in creating safe workplaces and smooth working conditions for partner employees. It has provided electrostatic painting equipment packages to partners and replaced outdated high-altitude work equipment. This year, the company plans to install space humidification control facilities. During extreme heat, it distributes bottled water, customized rechargeable fans, cooling vests, cooling tissues, and ionized drink powder to prevent heat-related illnesses. Recently, it conducted safety and health experience training for practical personnel at partners in the Gyeongin region. Korean Air’s aerospace business, responsible for aircraft fuselage manufacturing, military aircraft maintenance, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development, is another field where the company collaborates closely with partners. Korean Air provides partners with job training and technical qualification education services at the same level as the parent company. As of last year (2025), 321 courses were established to train 3,560 people from partner companies. To boost partners’ productivity, Korean Air dispatches experts in technology, quality, and production. It provides jigs and fixtures (special auxiliary devices that secure parts for machining, assembly, or inspection) free of charge and supports equipment repairs. By involving partners in government projects won by Korean Air, the company also helps them secure external competitiveness. Korean Air also acts as a bridge between government agencies, related institutions, the military, academia, and partners. Since 2024, it has annually hosted the “UAV Technology Exchange Meeting,” sharing the latest trends and outlooks on stealth technology (reducing detectability by enemy radar or electronic warfare equipment) and AI-integrated technologies. The meeting has become a platform for technology sharing among civilian, government, and military stakeholders. https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/08/27/4IR45BC2XFFBXD2ORK3IUGP73E/ American Airlines plane blows 2 tires while taxiing for takeoff at O'Hare airport, FAA says Blown tires on American Airlines Flight 3280 to Charlotte is latest in string of such incidents American Airlines Flight 3280 had two blown tires while taxiing for takeoff Wednesday at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the FAA said. CHICAGO (WLS) -- An American Airlines flight bound for Charlotte was delayed Wednesday after the aircraft experienced a tire issue while taxiing for departure at O'Hare International Airport, according to the airline and federal aviation officials. American Airlines said Flight 3280 had pushed back from the gate when the problem was discovered. The Federal Aviation Administration said the crew reported two blown tires while taxiing for departure at about 2:30 p.m. There were no reports of injuries. Video from the airfield showed Chicago Fire Department personnel responding to the aircraft. Passengers were seen deplaning via stairs and boarding a bus. Air traffic control communications provided additional details about the incident. "We were just dispatched to you. We understand you've got, I can see two right blown tires on your main gear and you guys are going to deplane out here. Is that correct?" an air traffic controller said. Later in the exchange, the controller asked, "So you guys were getting ready to leave is that correct?" A response heard on the recording said, "An aircraft behind us saw that there were pieces of the tire." The incident was the fifth involving blown aircraft tires in Chicago this month and the fourth at O'Hare. None of the incidents resulted in reported injuries. The occurrences have involved United, American and Southwest aircraft that were landing, taking off or preparing for departure. Last week, the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation told ABC 7 the agency was working with the FAA and other airlines to investigate the incidents. However, no clear explanation has yet been identified. American Airlines said passengers from Flight 3280 were placed on another aircraft bound for Charlotte. American Airlines issued the following statement: "Shortly after pushing back from the gate at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), American Airlines flight 3280 experienced a tire issue on the taxiway. Customers safely returned to the terminal and will re-depart shortly on a replacement aircraft. We never want to disrupt our customers' travel plans and we apologize for the inconvenience this caused." https://abc7chicago.com/post/emergency-response-seen-chicago-ohare-airport-live/19740311/ CALENDAR OF EVENTS . ALPA's 70th Air Safety Forum -September 14-17, 2026; Washington, DC . ICAO/EASA Third Global RSOO/RAIO Forum for Aviation Safety — September 29–30, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana., https://www.icao.int/events : NATA Ground Handling Safety Symposium - September 15-16, 2026 Dallas/Fort Worth, TX www.nata.aero/ghss : Aircraft Cabin Air International Conference - 22-23 September 2026 . ISASI - BOSTON 2026 - September 28, 2026 – October 2, 2026 . Global Aviation Conference Frankfurt- 29-30SEP2026 - Frankfurt, Germany . Defence Aviation Safety Conference 2026 — October 5–6, 2026, United Kingdom. . European Aviation Training Summit 3 – 5 November 2026 • Estoril Congress Centre, Cascais, Portugal . 79TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AVIATION SAFETY SUMMIT MONTREAL | NOVEMBER 10-12, 2026. . Airlines 2026 conference - November 11, 2026 (London) . 2026 NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) Oct. 20-22, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV . Bombardier Safety Standdown (November 10–12, 2026 in Wichita, KS) . 2027 ACSF Safety Symposium - April 6-8, 2027 - ERAU Daytona Beach, FL Curt Lewis