Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, pleaded guilty to attempting to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while off-duty, citing mental health struggles and substance use. The incident led to a diversion and heightened awareness of mental health issues among pilots. Emerson faces potential sentencing and has agreed to community service and mental health treatment as part of his plea deal.
Passengers on an American Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 evacuated onto the runway via emergency slides after the plane aborted its takeoff in Denver due to a possible landing gear issue, with one person hospitalized for minor injuries; the plane was later extinguished by fire crews and taken out of service for inspection.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted systemic failures in Boeing's manufacturing and safety oversight as the cause of a 2024 incident where a door plug flew off a Boeing 737 Max, leading to a rapid decompression and minor injuries. The investigation revealed that bolts securing the door panel were removed during repairs and not replaced, with broader issues in training, safety practices, and regulatory oversight contributing to the incident. The event underscores ongoing safety concerns with Boeing's 737 Max series and manufacturing processes.
A Kansas man, Julius Priester, caused a midair disturbance on an American Airlines flight, leading to an emergency landing and federal charges for interfering with flight crew, with Priester being held pending a bond hearing.
A Hainan Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner bound for Shenzhen, China, returned safely to Rome's Fiumicino Airport after hitting a bird shortly after takeoff, causing an engine fire. The plane, carrying 249 passengers and 16 crew members, dumped fuel over the sea before landing. The incident, which is under investigation, did not cause delays at the airport.
Two United Airlines planes clipped wings on the tarmac at San Francisco International Airport, with no injuries reported. The incident involved flight UA2181, an Airbus A319 with 105 passengers and five crew members on board. This is the latest in a series of mishaps involving United flights at SFO, including a recent incident where a flight lost a wheel during takeoff and another where a toilet overflowed into the cabin.
Actor Forrie Smith claimed in an Instagram video that he was removed from a plane for refusing to sit next to a masked passenger, citing discomfort. The post received mixed reactions, with some criticizing Smith's stance on masks and vaccinations. This incident follows Smith's previous anti-vaccine statements, adding to a growing trend of celebrities expressing skepticism toward COVID-19 protection measures.
Yellowstone actor Forrie J. Smith claimed he was kicked off an airplane for refusing to sit next to a masked passenger, citing discomfort with mask-wearing. The 65-year-old, who is anti-vax, made the allegation on Instagram, where he also admitted to drinking before the incident. Fans expressed disappointment with his stance against masks, while the CDC advises mask-wearing on public transportation. Smith has previously missed the SAG Awards due to his unvaccinated status and has stated his refusal to get vaccinated.
Dr. Sudipta Mohanty, 33, was found not guilty after being accused of masturbating next to a 14-year-old girl on a Hawaiian Airlines flight. The judge cleared him of any wrongdoing after a three-day trial, and Mohanty expressed relief that the ordeal was over. The minor had accused him of the lewd act, but Mohanty maintained his innocence, stating that neither he nor his fiancé could understand why the accusations were made. Despite the outcome, prosecutors expressed disappointment and emphasized their commitment to supporting victims, particularly minor children.
An Aeromexico passenger opened a plane's emergency exit and walked onto the wing after a four-hour tarmac delay, prompting at least 77 passengers to defend his actions with a handwritten signed statement, citing the delay's impact on their health. The flight was delayed due to a maintenance alert, and the man's actions led to the plane being changed. This incident follows other recent cases of passengers interacting with emergency exits on planes.
A Boeing whistleblower, claiming to be an employee, has accused the company of incorrectly installing a panel that blew off an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max jetliner, leading to an emergency landing. Former Boeing manager Ed Pierson and FAA safety engineer Joe Jacobsen support the whistleblower's account, citing rushed work and chaotic factory conditions. They urge for thorough investigations and caution against rushing the return of Boeing planes to the sky, while Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun maintains the company's belief in the safety of its airplanes.
A Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 lost its nose wheel while preparing for takeoff from Atlanta, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration. The incident occurred amid ongoing safety concerns about Boeing planes, including mishaps involving the 757's older model and more recent issues with the Max 9 planes. No injuries were reported, and the passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to address safety concerns surrounding the Max 9.
The FAA is investigating after a tire from the front nose of a Delta Boeing 757 fell off while taxiing for takeoff at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, causing a delay for the flight to Bogota, Colombia. No injuries were reported, and passengers were put on another aircraft. This incident follows a recent occurrence where a mid-cabin door plug fell off during the ascent of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, prompting an emergency landing due to depressurization.
80s pop star Samantha Fox was arrested for alleged drunken behavior on a British Airways flight to Munich, leading to the plane being turned around at London Heathrow. The 56-year-old singer, who was bailed until March, expressed regret for any disruption caused and is cooperating with the investigation. This incident follows the recent loss of her sister and long-term partner, adding to the star's personal challenges.
