The NTSB have released their final report into an incident involving an AMERICAN EAGLE Saab 340 on January 2, 2006. On that date, AE Flight 3008 was on Scheduled Domestic Service from Santa Maria to Los Angeles, California, with 25 passengers and 3 crew members onboard. The Saab departed controlled flight while climbing thru 11500 feet, after taking off from Santa Maria. The aircraft fell 5000 feet, before the crew managed to regain control on the aircraft. No one onboard was injured in the incident. In their final report, the NTSB concluded that the crew lost control of the aircraft due to ice accretion in supercooled liquid droplets conditions and due to the crew's failure to maintain the specified minimum airspeed in icing conditions. Contributing was the flight crew's decision to use an autopilot mode contrary to that specified in the Airplane Operations Manual for climbs during periods of ice accretion or when ice was present on the airframe despite climbing the airplane in known and forecast icing conditions. The report notes that due to gusty winds during departure the Captain decided to fly the departure himself and hand the airplane over during the climb. After liftoff, the Captain engaged the autopilot in "Medium Climb Mode". Shortly after handing the airplane over to the First Officer, the First Officer engaged the autopilot in vertical speed mode (holding a fixed vertical speed, sacrificing airspeed for maintaining the vertical speed) at around 2500 feet, while the only authorised mode in icing conditions was speed hold permitting the autopilot to sacrifice climb rate for maintaining speed. When the aircraft climbed through 11700 feet, the Captain noticed light ice accumulation on the windshield wiper blades and about 1/2 inch wide area of ice on the left wing. At this time the crew failed to notice a decaying airspeed due to the accumulating ice - the airspeed dropped below 141 KIAS, the specified minimum speed in icing conditions. When the Captain reached up to activate the deice boots, he felt a heavy vibration of the airframe and the windshield turned suddenly completely white. The Saab's nose dropped, the left wing dropped and the autopilot disconnected. The Captain grabbed the yoke to control the aircraft, the clacker sound (indicating imminent stall) started and the stick shaker activated, the ground proximity warning system issued a "bank angle" aural warning. The airframe vibrated again, less violently as the first time, then the Captain was able to bring the wings level and began pulling back on the yoke, instructing the first officer to manually operate the deice boots. The engine condition levers were pushed to maximum, the power levers were brought to idle. The airplane stabilised in roll. The Captain heard chunks of ice shed off and hit the airframe. He kept the airplane in a 500 fpm descent until the aircraft was below freezing level at 6500 feet. The crew continued to their destination in Los Angeles. The report also notes that after departing controlled flight the airplane rolled left to 86 degrees, then went through a series of roll and pitch movements. The airplane rolled right to 140 degrees reaching a pitch angle of 48 degrees nose down, then rolled to 75 degrees left bank angle and 31 degrees nose down, rolled to 94 degrees right bank, pitch angle 40 degrees nose down. 48 seconds after the begin of the onset at a speed of 219 KIAS the pitch went through 0 degrees at an acceleration of 2.5G. The pitch reached 23 degrees nose 12 seconds later, the minimum airspeed recorded was 105 KIAS another 11 seconds later at an altitude of 7840 feet. Thereafter the parameters began to stabilize. 4 Safety Recommendations were released by the NTSB as result of the investigation and 2 earlier Safety Recommendations were reiterated. A full copy of the report, along with Safety Recommendations can be found on the NTSB website.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
AVIATION/ NTSB REPORTS ON AE FL3008
The NTSB have released their final report into an incident involving an AMERICAN EAGLE Saab 340 on January 2, 2006. On that date, AE Flight 3008 was on Scheduled Domestic Service from Santa Maria to Los Angeles, California, with 25 passengers and 3 crew members onboard. The Saab departed controlled flight while climbing thru 11500 feet, after taking off from Santa Maria. The aircraft fell 5000 feet, before the crew managed to regain control on the aircraft. No one onboard was injured in the incident. In their final report, the NTSB concluded that the crew lost control of the aircraft due to ice accretion in supercooled liquid droplets conditions and due to the crew's failure to maintain the specified minimum airspeed in icing conditions. Contributing was the flight crew's decision to use an autopilot mode contrary to that specified in the Airplane Operations Manual for climbs during periods of ice accretion or when ice was present on the airframe despite climbing the airplane in known and forecast icing conditions. The report notes that due to gusty winds during departure the Captain decided to fly the departure himself and hand the airplane over during the climb. After liftoff, the Captain engaged the autopilot in "Medium Climb Mode". Shortly after handing the airplane over to the First Officer, the First Officer engaged the autopilot in vertical speed mode (holding a fixed vertical speed, sacrificing airspeed for maintaining the vertical speed) at around 2500 feet, while the only authorised mode in icing conditions was speed hold permitting the autopilot to sacrifice climb rate for maintaining speed. When the aircraft climbed through 11700 feet, the Captain noticed light ice accumulation on the windshield wiper blades and about 1/2 inch wide area of ice on the left wing. At this time the crew failed to notice a decaying airspeed due to the accumulating ice - the airspeed dropped below 141 KIAS, the specified minimum speed in icing conditions. When the Captain reached up to activate the deice boots, he felt a heavy vibration of the airframe and the windshield turned suddenly completely white. The Saab's nose dropped, the left wing dropped and the autopilot disconnected. The Captain grabbed the yoke to control the aircraft, the clacker sound (indicating imminent stall) started and the stick shaker activated, the ground proximity warning system issued a "bank angle" aural warning. The airframe vibrated again, less violently as the first time, then the Captain was able to bring the wings level and began pulling back on the yoke, instructing the first officer to manually operate the deice boots. The engine condition levers were pushed to maximum, the power levers were brought to idle. The airplane stabilised in roll. The Captain heard chunks of ice shed off and hit the airframe. He kept the airplane in a 500 fpm descent until the aircraft was below freezing level at 6500 feet. The crew continued to their destination in Los Angeles. The report also notes that after departing controlled flight the airplane rolled left to 86 degrees, then went through a series of roll and pitch movements. The airplane rolled right to 140 degrees reaching a pitch angle of 48 degrees nose down, then rolled to 75 degrees left bank angle and 31 degrees nose down, rolled to 94 degrees right bank, pitch angle 40 degrees nose down. 48 seconds after the begin of the onset at a speed of 219 KIAS the pitch went through 0 degrees at an acceleration of 2.5G. The pitch reached 23 degrees nose 12 seconds later, the minimum airspeed recorded was 105 KIAS another 11 seconds later at an altitude of 7840 feet. Thereafter the parameters began to stabilize. 4 Safety Recommendations were released by the NTSB as result of the investigation and 2 earlier Safety Recommendations were reiterated. A full copy of the report, along with Safety Recommendations can be found on the NTSB website.
AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS
BMI APOLOGIZES OVER MAPS: British Airline BMI has apologised after in-flight maps on its London-Tel Aviv service did not identify Israel. The inflight moving maps marked Islamic holy sites but showed only the city of Haifa in Israel, identified by its Arabic name, Khefa. Israeli officials accused BMI of trying to "hide the existence of Israel". But BMI said it was a technical error, the maps had not been changed since the planes were taken over from a former Airline which flew to the Middle East. "If BMI had any political agenda in order not to anger neighbouring countries, it would not have invested so much in the Tel Aviv line," a BMI spokesman said. BMED, which was taken over by BMI in 2007, had flown from the UK to many Muslim countries in the Middle East and so the maps had pointed out sites which were relevant to passengers. A BMI spokesman said the maps should have been deactivated before the planes were deployed on the new route but "due to a technical error this did not take place". BMI has withdrawn the 2 planes from service while new maps are installed, but said larger planes had been scheduled to take over the route anyway. The spokesman said there had been "quite a bit of upset" from customers but that it had been a genuine error and the Airline was sorry for any offence caused.POSSIBLE FLU DIVERTS UAL 777: UNITED AIRLINES Flight 903 was on Scheduled International Boeing 777 Service from Munich, Germany, to Washington Dulles, when it had to divert while enroute, yesterday, May 1. Flight 903, with 245 passengers and 14 crew members onboard, was diverted to Boston Logan, after a female passenger fell ill with flu symptoms. Once the aircraft landed in Boston, the passenger was taken to hospital. It is not known if she was ill with the H1N1 virus. The aircraft was allowed to depart for Dulles after a 2 hour delay.
ENGINE FORCES AEROGAL 757 RETURN: AEROGAL Flight 900 was on Scheduled International Boeing 757 Service from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Miami, Florida, when it had to make an emergency return to Guayaquil, yesterday, May 1. Flight 900, with 128 passengers and crew onboard, had just lifted off from runway 03, when the right hand engine suffered repeated compressor stalls and lost power. The crew declared an emergency, reduced thrust on that engine to idle, levelled off and returned to Guayaquil without incident, about 13 minutes after its initial departure. The aircraft has been removed from service for inspection and repairs. According to local media, residents in the area reported hearing repeated explosions and saw a low flying aircraft with smoke trailing an engine. Many of the same residents stated that they called city emergency services reporting an airplane crash.SMOKE FORCES KLM 747 RETURN: KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES Flight 875 was on Scheduled International Boeing 747 Service from Curacao to Amsterdam, The Netherlands, when it had to make an emergency return to Curacao, yesterday, May 1. Flight 875, with 399 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency shortly after departure reporting smoke in the passenger cabin. The aircraft returned to Curacao without incident or injury. The aircraft was removed from service for inspection and possible repair.
SAUDI 747 DIVERTS OVER LANDING GEAR: SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES Flight 839 was on Scheduled International Boeing 747 Service from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when it had to divert while enroute, on Thursday, April 30. Flight 839 declared an emergency about 2 hours before its scheduled arrival in Jeddah due to a burning smell onboard. The crew was directed to divert to Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft landed without incident in Dammam and was removed from service for inspection and repair. According to local media sources, passengers reported that they were told the aircraft was being diverted due to problems with the landing gear. Tower staff told the same media that it was problems with the nose gear.
Friday, May 1, 2009
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
PEOPLE/DANNY GANS DIES AT 52: The legendary Las Vegas Strip performer Danny Gans died this morning at age 52. A Wynn Hotel spokeswoman says Gans died early today at his Las Vegas-area home. The spokeswoman said the death was sudden. She says she doesn't know details yet about how or why Gans died. In a statement this morning, Steve Wynn said the death was unexpected and devastating. "Elaine and I and all of us in the Company are devastated at the loss of our brilliant, talented and loving friend. One of the most unique human beings and entertainers in the world has been taken from us in an unexpected moment. A profoundly tragic event that leaves us all sad and speechless". After stints at the Stratosphere and the Rio and 8 years at the Mirage, where he reigned in his self-titled theater, Gans recently moved across the street and into the new Encore Theatre. The Encore sits between the Wynn and Encore Hotels, both owned by Wynn. Gans was a quick-change artist, using his supple voice, elastic face and body English to jump from character to character. In his 90-minute-plus program, Gans delivered a buffet of impressions: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, in self-duet with Jerry Lewis, and the inevitable Elvis and George Burns. Gans had been voted Entertainer of the Year multiple times over the last 2 decades. He is survived by his wife and 3 children.
FILM/ABDUL "PUNKED" BY "BRUNO": American Idol judge Paula Abdul has admitted she was fooled by Sacha Baron Cohen's comedy character "Bruno," as part of his forthcoming movie. Appearing on US radio's Johnjay and Rich Show, the star said she was told she had won an award in Germany and was interviewed by Baron Cohen's alter ego. Abdul said she had no idea it had been a set up until weeks later. "At 2 in the morning, I woke up in a sweat and I went: 'Oh my God' And I'm dying, because you don't expect it." Recalling the incident, she said: "I'm greeted by this futuristic dude with a mohawk, and he's flaming. I walk in and there was no furniture except a chair. And this guy Bruno introduces himself. He snaps his fingers and says, 'Gardeners'. And these two Mexican guys come in, and they drop down to all fours. I see him paying them like 10 bucks." The singer said things turned "uncomfortable" when Baron Cohen kicked one of the Mexicans. "I said, 'Get me out of here. This is crazy. This is not funny, this is discrimination. This is abusive stuff going on here'." Early reviews of the film, based on Baron Cohen's gay fashion TV reporter character, have been largely positive. Like Baron Cohen's hit film Borat, Bruno takes the style of a faux documentary, with the comedian putting unsuspecting interviewees through a string of awkward situations. Others caught out this time are rumoured to include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ben Affleck.
THEATRE/CROWD-PLEASING "9 to 5": While the reviews were not raves, "9 to 5," the new Broadway musical based on the film, opened last night to reviews signaling a new crowd pleaser has been born. Music and Lyrics are by Dolly Parton, the show is directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello, and stars Allison Janey, Stephanie J Block and Megan Hilty. Variety said: "The principal asset in "9 to 5: The Musical" is unquestionably the beloved screen property on which this eager-to-please adaptation is based. The popular 1980 fem-powerment farce about three renegade secretaries who turn the tables on their chauvinistic boss was driven by three iconic performances, and the women who step into those heels here do dandy work re-creating those characters with enough freshness to rise above mere imitation. If the material showcasing the trio is an uneven cut-and-paste job that struggles to recapture the movie's giddy estrogen rush, plenty of folks will nonetheless find this a nostalgic crowd-pleaser". The New York Times said: "Give some credit to “9 to 5” the overinflated whoopee cushion lodged at the Marquis Theater for bucking this spring’s fashion trends. Can this gaudy, empty musical really be part of the same Broadway season that gave us the minimally decorated, maximally effective “Exit the King,” “God of Carnage,” “Next to Normal,” “Hair,” “Mary Stuart” and “Norman Conquests”?" They went on to say: "The musical “9 to 5,” which overmilks and overmikes tuneful songs by Ms. Parton (who wrote the movie’s popular title number, which is the opener here), is at least blessed with the presence of Allison Janney. This deliciously droll actress is known for playing exceedingly competent people (“The West Wing” on television, “Present Laughter” on Broadway) with much more than mere competence, and her game but dignified professionalism is the show’s biggest asset". "9 to 5" runs 140 minutes and is playing at the Marquis Theater on Broadway.
THEATRE/ RAVES FOR "GODOT": The Broadway revival of Samuel Beckett's "Waiting for Godot," opened last night on Broadway to rave reviews. The play is about a pair of lead musicians, Vladimir (Bill Irwin) and Estragon (Nathan Lane). The dusty, bowler-hatted tramps convene each day by a sickly tree to kill time while waiting for the arrival of the ever-elusive, possibly divine Godot and, more obliquely, for a reason to go on living. Variety said: "Aside from its title, there's no more perfect summation of "Waiting for Godot" than Estragon's complaint "Nothing happens, nobody comes, nobody goes, it's awful." But there's no trace of that monotony in the perversely gripping non-drama and fine-grained emotional textures of this haunting revival. Samuel Beckett's 1953 play has been absent from Broadway for more than 50 years, and the current climate of pervasive anxiety makes the timing ideal for a comedy of existential despair -- even better when it comes wrapped in Anthony Page's transcendent production, showcasing four distinctive actors at the top of their game". The New York Times said: "When “Waiting for Godot” first arrived in New York 53 years ago, critics and theatergoers were divided on that question. (It ran for 59 performances, with a revival the following year that lasted less than a week.) But in 2009, Anthony Page’s smart, engaging production for the Roundabout Theater Company makes it clear that this greatest of 20th-century plays is also entertainment of a high order. It seems fitting that “Godot” — which also stars Nathan Lane, John Glover and John Goodman, returns to Broadway in an interpretation that emphasizes the irresistible rhythms achieved by Beckett’s radical literary surgery, that of cutting basic theatrical diversions off at the knees". "Waiting for Godot" runs 130 minutes and is playing at Studio 54 on Broadway. US NEWS/ SOUTER RESIGNS FROM COURT
US Supreme Court Justice David Souter has submitted his resignation to the President. President Barack Obama said he will replace retiring Souter with someone who shares the president's respect for "constitutional values" and hopes to have "him or her" seated on the nation's highest court by the start of the next term in October. Obama thanked Souter for his dedicated service, and quickly looked ahead to the nomination of a replacement. "As I make this decision," Obama said, "I intend to consult with members of both parties, across the political spectrum. And it is my hope that we can swear in our new Supreme Court justice in time for him or her to be seated by the 1st Monday in October." Since the court has only 1 woman among its 9 justices, most observers have predicted that Obama will select a woman for the 1st court opening. There is no obvious successor to Souter, and the administration has had just 3 months to sift through potential nominees. Souter informed Obama of his plans in a brief letter Friday. Obama praised Souter and thanked him for his service.The 69-year-old justice is leaving after nearly 2 decades in Washington. Souter had been named to the court by George Bush, a Republican. However, Souter, a Republican at the time of his nomination, became a key vote on the liberal side of the court. Souter's retirement is not likely to change the court's ideological balance. He has been a reliable liberal on all of the major issues decided recently, including abortion, civil rights, religion, Guantanamo Bay detention and the death penalty.
US NEWS/ HOUSE PASSES HATE CRIMES BILL
The Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, also known as the Matthew Shepard Act, was passed by the US House of Representatives this week. The bill expands federal hate crime laws to include crimes where the victims were targeted on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, and disability. It means the federal government could step in to prosecute in states that request it or in those who choose not to prosecute. The Senate version of the bill is to be introduced soon by Senator Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat. President Obama has indicated that if the bill comes to his desk he will sign it, releasing a statement prior to yesterday's vote. He said: "I urge members on both sides of the aisle to act on this important civil rights issue by passing this legislation to protect all of our citizens from violent acts of intolerance." He added it would "enhance civil rights protections, while also protecting our freedom of speech and association." The bill, which passed 249-175, has been dubbed the Matthew Shepard bill after the gay teenager who was brutally murdered in 1998. A North Carolina congresswoman was forced to apologise this week after she called the murder a "hoax" to justify passing the bill, saying Mr Shepard had died in a robbery. Republican representative Virginia Foxx later said she had used "a poor choice of words," adding that his killers deserved their punishment of life imprisonment terms. Opponents have argued that the bill is divisive and could cause religious leaders to be prosecuted. Representative Lamar Smith, a Texas republican, said the bill "divides America" by protecting special groups. "We should focus on the opposite, uniting America," he said. "The bill is probably unconstitutional and will be struck down."
WORLD NEWS/ SWEDEN BEGINS GAY MARRIAGE
A gender-neutral marriage law in Sweden has come into force today, meaning gay couples can now marry in the country in religious or civil ceremonies. However, they cannot yet get married in church ceremonies. The Lutheran Church, which was the state church until 2000, has said that while it supports the new law, it will not formally decide whether to perform gay marriage ceremonies until October. The church's interim secretary general, told the news provider: "The marriage act reflects a certain view of marriage, and the liturgy needs to be altered to reflect that change. He added that only a small number of gay couples had applied to marry in the church, saying: "No, we've seen no indication of huge demand. We believe the message has gotten through to the public that same-sex couples can't get married in the Lutheran Church yet." In January 2007 the Church, which was disestablished in 2000, began offering religious blessings to gay unions and actively welcomed LGBT clergy. 6 of the 7 parties in Swedish parliament backed the proposal to introduce a gender-neutral marriage law. The proposal passed with a 261 to 22 vote and 16 abstentions. The only party to oppose the ruling were the Christian Democrats, stating that the party wanted to maintain "a several hundred-year-old concept" of marriage.
WORLD NEWS/ H1N1 CONTINUES TO SPREAD
Today's key developments on swine flu outbreaks, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and government officials:1. Deaths: 15 confirmed in Mexico and 1 confirmed in US.
2. Confirmed sickened worldwide, 562: 343 in Mexico; 146 in US; 35 in Canada; 13 in Spain; 10 in Britain; 4 each in Germany and New Zealand; 2 in Israel; 1 each in Switzerland, Austria, China, Denmark and the Netherlands. Mexico is no longer releasing "suspected" numbers; the number of suspected cases was 2,498 before the tally was halted.
3. US confirmed sickened, by state: 50 in New York; 28 in Texas; 18 in California; 16 in South Carolina; 5 in New Jersey; 4 each in Arizona and Delaware; 3 each in Indiana and Illinois; 2 each in Kansas, Colorado, Minnesota, Virginia, Michigan and Massachusetts; and 1 each in Ohio, Kentucky, Nebraska and Nevada.
4. About 400 schools close nationwide.
5. Mexico's chief epidemiologist accuses the World Health Organization of being slow to respond to the country's warning. Dr. Miguel Angel Lezana said his center told a regional branch of WHO about a spike in illnesses April 16 but no action was taken until 8 days later.
6. The World Health Organization says it will stop using the term "swine flu" to avoid confusion over the danger posed by pigs. It will instead refer to the virus by its scientific name, "H1N1 influenza A."
7. White House says aide to Energy Secretary Steven Chu apparently got sick helping arrange President Barack Obama's recent trip to Mexico but never posed a risk to the president.
8. Public health emergency declared in US; millions of doses of Tamiflu from federal stockpile being delivered to states; US buying more anti-flu drugs to replenish stockpile. CDC also shipping test kits to state labs so states can do their own testing.
9. Scattered cancellations or postponements of sporting events in U.S., including all high school sports competitions in Texas and Alabama state track and field championships. Also canceled: Fort Worth's annual Mayfest, which usually attracts 200,000 people over 4 days.
AVIATION/ 787 TEST FLIGHTS SCHEDULED
The long-awaited, long-suffering, much-delayed Boeing 787 program seems to be heading for the home stretch. Boeing management confirms that they are intent on flying the Dreamliner by July 1, and that the program seems destined to make a target date in can meet. Boeing's Chief Project Engineer has confirmed that some 60% of the required certification package is now in FAA hands. When the 787 taxis out of its home at Paine Field for its 1st flight, it will start a test program that is expected to consume 3500 hours, spread over 8 airframes (2 of which will never fly). The 1st flight will probably require some 3 hours and will terminate at Boeing Field, where a celebration is planned. The actual flight test program is expected to be completed in less than 9 months from 1st flight. The 787 was originally expected to fly back in the summer of 2007, but has been dealing well-documented delays due to the unique demands associated with new materials and construction/fabrication techniques as well as a multi-month mechanic strike. The 1st version of the 787 Dreamliner, the "Dash-8" will carry 210 to 250 passengers on routes of 7650 to 8200 miles, while the upcoming 787-9 Dreamliner will carry 250 to 290 passengers on routes of 8000 to 8500 miles. A 3rd 787 family member, the 787-3 Dreamliner, will accommodate 290 to 330 passengers and be optimized for routes of 2500 to 3050 miles. 57 customers from 6 of the world's continents have placed orders for 886 airplanes, currently valued at $149 billion. Airlines could be lining up to receive the 787 by the spring of 2010, nearly 2 years its original target.
AVIATION/ EMIRATES FL407 TAKEOFF DETAILED
Australian media sources have released articles today that details what went on in the cockpit of EMIRATES AIRLINES Flight 407 on March 20, 2009. On that date, Flight 407 was on Scheduled International A340 Service from Melbourne, Australia, to Dubai, UAE, when it suffered a tail strike on takeoff, and had to make an emergency return to Melbourne. None of the 275 passengers or crew were injured, however the aircraft suffered substantial damages. Since the incident, it has been detailed by investigators that the aircraft barely became airborne, and came very close to crashing. Earlier this week, the ATSB released a report stating that Pilot Error was to blame for the incident. Both Pilots were forced to resign 2 days after the incident in Melbourne. The ATSB is continuing its investigation into the incident. Details on the flight, from the cockpit, are as follows:As the A340 prepared to takeoff from Melbourne on March 20, there were 4 Pilots onboard for the trip, 2 in the cockpit, the other 2 resting. On the flight deck, the First Officer and the Captain fed routine information, including the plane's weight and fuel load, into a computer. Procedure was for them to check each other's work to avoid mistakes. At 10:31pm, the First Officer opened the throttles and headed down the runway. As the plane gathered speed, its engines roaring, the Captain told the First Officer to ease it off the runway. But when the First Officer tried, the jet stayed grounded. The First Officer tried again. This time, the nose came up, but the rest of the Airbus stayed glued to the tarmac. The jet's rear hit the runway with a bang. Spewing a trail of sparks, it hit the runway twice more, puncturing the skin of the jet, tearing off a panel and breaching the air pressurisation. Frightened passengers saw a flash and the sparks. Soon, they smelt burning. The cabin crew could not tell them what was happening. As the jet reached the end of the 3657-metre runway, it was travelling at more than 290 km/h. Now the Captain switched the thrust levers, overriding the other controls to give full power to the engines. The jet began climbing. But it was still too low, hitting a runway light, then antenna equipment on the ground. Twice more, the tail scraped across the grass at the end of the runway. With barely seconds to spare, the jet rose over the grassy slopes outside the Airport and finally reached a safe height. After the Pilots told ATC of their "ground strike", they circled over Port Phillip Bay, dumping most of their fuel over the bay. With smoke in the cabin, the plane was given emergency clearance to land. It was only when the Pilots checked their instruments that they spotted their potentially fatal mistake. Before takeoff, their fuelled-up jet weighed 362 tonnes. But they had accidentally keyed in that it weighed 262 tonnes, resulting in too little engine power. Only the Captain's rapid reactions averted a fiery crash.
AVIATION/ NTSB UPDATES ON KALITTA FL625
The NTSB has released a preliminary report into an incident involving a KALITTA AIR Boeing 747 on April 19, 2008, at Newark, New Jersey. On that date, Kalitta Flight 625 was on Scheduled Cargo Service from Newark to Liege, Belgium, with 5 crew members onboard. The crew reported that engine No.3 was on fire while climbing to 4000 feet out from Newark. The crew shut the engine down, discharged 1 fire bottle, the fire indication however continued. After the crew discharged the 2nd bottle, the fire indication stopped. The crew dumped fuel for 25 minutes, and returned to Newark for a safe landing. In the NTSB report, it states that the engine No.3 was removed from the aircraft and tested for leaks. Indications of various fuel leaks were found at the right hand side of the engine in the area of the accessory fuel "race way". Leaks were established on the total temperature sensor fuel supply and return hose and the engine driven hydraulics pump supply inlet hose. Those parts were removed and sent for lab testing. It could not be established, which of the 3 hoses was the initial source of the leak. Maintenance guidelines did not limit the lifetime of either hose, only a visual inspection was required coninciding with "A" checks as well as a leak test whenever the hose was dis- and reconnected. The investigation continues.
The aircraft involved in the April 19 incident, N704CK, was destroyed 35 days later, in an accident at Brussels, Belgium on May 25, 2008, as seen in photo above. On that date, Kalitta Flight 207 was a cargo flight from New York JFK to Bahrain, with a stop in Brussels. It carried 76 tonnes of cargo. The 747 was cleared for takeoff from runway 20. The initial phase of the take-off run was uneventful. The speed increased under a constant acceleration until one of the engine experienced a momentary loss of power. This phenomenon was accompanied by a loud bang, heard by the crew and external witnesses, and by flames, seen from the control tower. The bang and the loss of power occurred around V1 speed. 2 seconds after the bang, all 4 engines were brought back to idle, and braking action was initiated. The thrust reversers were not deployed. The aircraft came to a stop 300m after the end of runway 20, above a railroad embankment. The aircraft was severely damaged; it broke in 3 parts. The 5 crew members onboard all survived with only minor injuries reported. It is not known if the 2 incidents are related at all. This incident is also still under investigation. AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS
PORTER PLANS EXPANSION: PORTER AIRLINES, which operates out of Toronto's controversial island airport, said this week that it is spending $45 million to build an expanded new passenger terminal as it goes ahead with plans to double its fleet to 20 planes by the end of the year, boasting that it is creating hundreds of jobs in the middle of a recession. Although no tax money is said to be involved in the project, the Canadian Government appears to approve of the expansion. This is to the consternation of several local residents who say that the Airport is a noisemaker that is disrupting their lives, and the enviroment. The Toronto Port Authority, which runs the Toronto City Centre Airport, is conducting a noise management study, although it says noise complaints have declined so far this year. Porter's plans include a new, 150,000 square-foot passenger terminal which includes retail, restaurants, U.S. and Canadian customs and 2 passenger lounges. The Airline also said it would be expanding service to Montreal, Ottawa, and Thunder Bay.
BMI CONSIDERS IRAQ SERVICE: BMI AIRLINES is interested in opening a link to the Iraqi capital Baghdad, from the UK, and has met with Iraqi Government representatives with a view to establishing a connection. Neither UK nor Iraqi Airlines fly between the 2 countries and BMI says any service will depend on security, regulatory and operational considerations. But BMI says it is "ready, willing and ideally-placed" to operate between London Heathrow and Baghdad. Chief executive Nigel Turner says the carrier has put forward a formal communication to the Iraqi transport minister. He says that extending its network to Iraq makes "both geographical and economic sense" given that BMI already operates to neighbouring Syria, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Jordan. While there are no direct links between the UK and Iraq, Star Alliance member BMI carries Baghdad-bound passengers to Amman where connecting services are available. IRAQI AIRWAYS, which used to serve London, has indicated that it also wants to re-establish links between the cities but there are no firm plans in place.
RYANAIR MULLS "FAT" TAX: Irish Airline RYANAIR, says it will only go ahead with a "fat tax" on overweight passengers if it does not lead to flight delays. "We are not going to introduce a fat tax unless it is easy to administer. If it is going to slow down either our check-in or our turnaround time then we won't do it," CEO Micheal O'Leary said. Last week the Airline announced it was looking at how it could introduce a "fat tax" after 29% of the more than 100,000 people who responded to an online poll on cost-reduction measures voted in favor of the measure. 25% of respondents voted to charge travellers 1 euro to use toilet paper adorned with a picture of O'Leary's face and 24% voted to charge passengers 3 euros to smoke in a converted toilet cubicle. Ryanair, which already charges separately for services like food onboard, launched the online poll after O'Leary caused a storm earlier this year by suggesting passengers could be charged to use toilets onboard. It is now asking travellers online how any "fax tax" could be levied. The 4 options include charging male passengers who weigh over 130kg or females over 100kg for every extra kilogramme they carry. Another alternative is charging for a 2nd seat if a passenger's waist touches both armrests simultaneously. The proposed measure sparked a fresh controversy with some suggesting it would be discriminatory and illegal if it is adopted, a charge O'Leary rejected. "It is not against the law, we can make it a safety issue," he said.WINDSHIELD CRACKS ON LUFTHANSA A319: LUFTHANSA Flight 3117 was on Scheduled International A319 Service from Helsinki, Finland, to Munich, Germany, when it had to divert while enroute, early this morning. Flight 3117, with 91 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency while overhead Germany, due to the cockpit windshield cracking. The aircraft was diverted to Berlin Tegel, where it landed without incident. Multiple aircraft had to perform go-arounds due to the incoming Lufthansa aircraft. Th A319 has been removed from service for repair.
PAN PAN PAN ON AC A320: AIR CANADA Flight 101 was on Scheduled Domestic A320 Service from Toronto to Vancouver, Canada, when it had to make an emergency return to Toronto, yesterday, April 30. Flight 101 had just lifted off from the runway, when tower staff noticed black smoke trailing the aircraft. The crew declared PAN PAN PAN stating that the right hand engine was on fire while climbing through 1600 feet for 5000 feet. Shortly thereafter, the crew reported that the engine fire was out, and the engine was still running at idle thrust. The A320 levelled off at 3000 feet and was vectored for a return to runway 05, the approach however was abandoned due to debris left on the runway. The A320 landed without incident on runway 15L, about 20 minutes after its initial departure. Inspection of runway 05 revealed some metal debris from the engine on the runway. The aircraft has been removed from service for inspection and repair. Both the Canadian TSB and the Airline are investigating the incident.
BOMB THREAT TO EASYJET A319: EASYJET Flight 3869 was on Scheduled International A319 Service from Paris, France, to Marrakech, Morocco, when it had to divert while enroute, yesterday, April 30. Flight 3869, with 149 passengers and 6 crew members onboard, diverted to Nantes, France, due to a bomb threat the Airline received while the aircraft was inflight. A search of the aircraft, luggage, cargo, and passengers, revealed no trace of explosives. After a 4 hour delay, the aircraft and passengers were released to continue their flight to Morocco. The French Police and the Airline are investigating the incident.SMOKE FORCES SAUDI ERJ RETURN: SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES Flight 1925 was on Scheduled Domestic ERJ170 Service from Wadi Ad Dawasir to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, when it had to make an emergency return to Wadi Ad Dawasir, on Wednesday, April 29. Flight 1925, with 60 passengers and crew onboard, declared an emergency when smoke originating from the air conditioning system entered the cabin shortly after takeoff. The ERJ landed back at Wadi Ad Dawasir without incident or injury. The aircraft has been removed from service for a full inspection and repair.
EXIT DOOR FALLS OFF SAUDI MD90: SAUDI ARABIAN AIRLINES Flight 1905 was on Scheduled Domestic MD90 Service from Riyadh to Taif, Saudi Arabia, when it suffered a strange incident upon landing at Taif, on Tuesday, April 28. Flight 1905 had just touched down at Taif, when one of the overwing exit doors opened and fell into the cabin missing a child and the child's mother sitting in that exit row. No one onboard was injured. Saudi Arabian said it is unclear how the door mechanism opened. The differential pressure between outside and cabin air during flight kept the door shut during flight, so that the door fell off only after the landing. The Airline is investigating the incident and the aircraft has been removed from service for inspection and repair. The Airline is also being questioned about why a child was seated in an exit row, which is against multiple aviation rules.Thursday, April 30, 2009
SNAPSHOTS
THE "CUB CAM" CAPTURES 3 LION CUBS IN THE WILD, EARLIER THIS WEEK, IN THE MASAI MARI NATIONAL RESERVE IN SOUTHERN KENYA. THE CAM IS DISGUISED IN GRASS IN THE HOPES OF CAPTURING THE LIONS IN THEIR NORMAL EVERYDAY ROUTINE. 
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
TV/FARRAH "GRAVELY ILL": Farrah Fawcett, who has been battling cancer, has suddenly taken a turn for the worse, according to multiplte online websites. The 62-year-old "Charlie Angels" star recently was spending time at long-time boyfriend Ryan O'Neal's home in Malibu, but Monday night her health deteriorated significantly, multiple sources told RadarOnline.com. "Ryan had to take her back to her home in Westwood," where she has more facilities to help her deal with her illness, one source said. Another source said Tuesday night: "Right now, Ryan and other close friends are staying by her side." Her son Redmond was granted a several-hour leave from jail, where he's being held on drug charges, on Saturday to visit his mother. Such visits are highly unusual and mostly reserved for funerals and visits to gravely ill relatives. Farrah's doctor recently stated publicly that the cancer she's been suffering from since 2006 had spread to her liver and metastasized. He stated that the actress weighs 101 pounds, but Redmond, in a court hearing, said his mother weighs 86 pounds. While some close associates of the woman whose red bathing suit poster made her the sex symbol for a generation have tried to downplay her condition, people close to her say she is gravely ill. She has not been seen in public for months, except for photographs in a wheelchair when she recently returned from Germany where she had treatment for her cancer.
FILM/KELLY MCGILLIS COMES OUT: Actress Kelly McGillis, famous for playing Tom's Cruise's love interest in the film "Top Gun," has come out as a lesbian. She revealed her sexual orientation in an interview with an online website. McGillis said her next partner would “definitely be a woman”. “I'm done with the man thing. It's a part of being true to yourself,” she added. “That's been a challenge for me personally. I think that was an ongoing process from the time I was probably 12,” she added. “It was a long, arduous journey for me. I had a lot of things happen that convinced me God was punishing me because I was gay. That was a hard process. Life is a freaking journey and it's about growing and changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who, and what you are.” The twice-married actress, who is currently single, has long been the subject of rumours about her sexuality.
FILM/"TELL" REMAKE IN THE WORKS: Miramax and Focus Features Intl. have snagged English language remake rights to French thriller "Tell No One" from EuropaCorp. Miramax and Focus will co-develop the project, still in early stages of development. No director or cast have been attached although a start date of spring 2010 has been tentatively set for principal photography. The original French-language film, centered on a doctor grieving for his dead wife who then discovers she may still be alive, was a surprise hit last year in the US with grosses topping $6 million. "Tell No One" also grossed $22 million in France and $2.3 million in the U.K. EuropaCorp financed and co-produced "Tell," the 1st film adaptation from prolific American novelist Harlan Coben.
THEATRE/MODEST REVIEWS FOR "YOUTH": The Broadway revival of "Accent of Youth," opened last night to modest reviews. The show, 1st staged in 1934, stars David Hyde Pierce, the Tony winner who is best known as playing Niles on the long running TV show, "Frasier". The 1934 play has spawned 3 films, in 1935 by its original name, "Mr Music" in 1950, and "But Not For Me" in 1959. Since that time, as reviews note, the play has rarely been performed. Variety said: "The mating game has changed considerably since 1934, and silver foxes with trophy wives half their age have become almost commonplace. That makes the dilemma of Samson Raphaelson's "Accent on Youth," a sophisticated 53-year-old playwright dithering over romance with his 26-year-old secretary, somewhat obsolete. Daniel Sullivan's spiffy production and David Hyde Pierce's effortless timing make the antiquated comedy tick by painlessly enough, but there's not much substance beneath its mild charms". The New York Times said: "Age has not exactly withered “Accent on Youth,” a 1934 comedy by Samson Raphaelson about the storms besetting a May-December romance in the theater world. But it has not done this personable but minor play any great favors either". "Accent on Youth" runs 115 minutes and is playing at the Samuel J Friedman Theater on Broadway.
THEATRE/FISHERS "WISHFUL" TO BROADWAY: Roundabout Theatre Company will present the New York City premiere of Carrie Fisher's popular solo show "Wishful Drinking" on Broadway this fall. The darkly comic autobiographical play, created and performed by actress-writer Carrie Fisher and directed by Tony Taccone, has been a hit in regional theatres for more than a year. "Wishful Drinking" will begin previews on September 22 toward an October 4 opening at Studio 54 on Broadway. The limited engagement will play through January 3, 2010. According to the producing partners, "In "Wishful Drinking," Carrie Fisher recounts the true and intoxicating tale of her life as a Hollywood legend, told with the same wry wit she poured into bestsellers like 'Postcards from the Edge.' The daughter of Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher became a cultural icon when she starred as Princess Leia in the first 'Star Wars' trilogy at 19 years old. Forever changed, Carrie's life did not stay picture perfect. Fisher is the life of the party in this uproarious and sobering look at her Hollywood hangover." US NEWS/ MISS CALIFORNIA CHOOSES HATE
Miss California Carrie Prejean, who declared her opposition to same-sex marriage during the Miss USA pageant, will star in a new $1.5 million ad campaign funded by the National Organization for Marriage.The organization unveiled the new ad today, called "No Offense." Prejean was roasted by same-sex marriage advocates after she stood up for what she called "opposite marriage" (marriage between a man and a woman) when responding to a question from celebrity blogger and pageant judge Perez Hilton. Prejean has also become a fresh-faced standard-bearer for the same-sex marriage opponents, who have rallied to her defense. "She is attacked viciously for having the courage to speak up for her truth and her values," the National Organization for Marriage said in a press release. "But Carrie's courage inspired a whole nation and a whole generation of young people because she chose to risk the Miss USA crown rather than be silent about her deepest moral values." According to the group, the ad calls "gay marriage advocates to account for their unwillingness to debate the real issue: gay marriage has consequences."
US NEWS/ N.H. CLOSE TO GAY MARRIAGE
New Hampshire's Senate passed a bill yesterday to allow gay marriage. The bill looked set for defeat until an amendment was added to allow clergy to refuse to marry same-sex couples. Couples will also be allowed to keep the words "bride" and "groom" on their marriage licences or use the word spouse instead. It will now to go Democrat Governor John Lynch, who has not yet signalled whether he will sign it. Although he has previously voiced opposition to gay marriage, it is expected that he will be under pressure to allow the measure as a Democrat. The Senate voted 13-11 on a 2nd reading, in favour of the amended version of the bill that was passed in the House last month by a 186-179 vote. The bill will take effect on January 1st and also recognises gay marriages and civil unions performed in other states. New Hampshire legalised civil unions in 2007 and couples who had civil unions will become automatically married by January 1, 2011, with the extra year designed to allow them time to arrange a formal ceremony. If Governor Lynch passes the bill, New Hampshire will become the 5th US state to allow gay marriage after Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and Vermont.
WORLD NEWS/ DOG EATS HOMER, NEARLY DIES
A pet dog needed life-saving emergency surgery, after swallowing a plastic toy of cartoon character Homer Simpson. Dalmatian collie crossbreed Dixie, from Aberdeen, England, ate a Kinder Egg Surprise chocolate with the toy inside. It showed up on an X-ray and was removed by PDSA vets, who said Dixie could have died without surgery. Owner Victoria Keir said: "Dixie loves chocolate so must have seen the Kinder egg and gulped it down. We would have never known had it not been for Homer." She explained: "I didn't suspect anything at first until Dixie stopped eating and drinking. "Normally she's full of energy but suddenly she just seemed to become very listless and depressed. I'm so pleased that Dixie has pulled through because losing her would have been like losing a member of our family." She added: "I can see the funny side now but at the time it was extremely traumatic and I'm very grateful to the PDSA for saving her life." PDSA veterinary surgeon Alison Hamel said: "Dixie was very ill when she was brought in. She had lost a lot of weight and was extremely dehydrated. We needed to discover quickly what was wrong to provide the right treatment in time. The X-rays confirmed there was a foreign body but it was a big surprise to discover a plastic egg shell with Homer Simpson inside. We see many objects that have been swallowed but this has to be one of the most unusual." She added: "Dixie came through surgery without any complications but if it had been left any longer it could have proved fatal."
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