Wednesday, April 06, 2016

Video Shows Co-Pilot Before Boarding Aircraft While Allegedly Drunk



New surveillance video obtained by ABC News from Detroit Metropolitan Airport shows an arrested American Airlines co-pilot after police say he failed a breathalyzer test there last week.

In the video, the co-pilot can be seen walking through the airport, through security and later in handcuffs escorted by security personnel.

American Airlines told ABC News the flight, scheduled to land in Philadelphia on Saturday, March 26, was canceled and customers were being accommodated.

A TSA screener notified a manager Saturday morning when he suspected the co-pilot, John Maguire, of being drunk when he arrived for his flight in Detroit, according to the police report.

The same report indicates Maguire boarded the aircraft and had trouble with his seat. He was later escorted off the airplane and taken to a TSA holding room. While there, a police officer asked the co-pilot whether he had been drinking, the police report said. Maguire responded that he had not had a drink since the night before, police say.

According to the police officer who administered the breathalyzer, Maguire's first attempt at blowing into the device resulted in an error. Another officer on scene said this was because Maguire did not blow into the machine hard enough, according to the police report. Maguire's second attempt at the breathalyzer was successful and indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.081 percent, police say. Authorities then detained him.

It's unclear exactly where the co-pilot was at the time of the arrest, Michael Conway, director of public affairs at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport, said, but the airport police were called around 6:30 a.m. and the plane was due to take off around 7 a.m.

The 50-year-old co-pilot has been charged in Wayne County with operating under the influence of alcohol, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The legal limit for a pilot, however, is half that: .04. Additionally, pilots are banned from drinking within eight hours of a flight.

American Airlines said in a statement: "This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation. We will handle this matter appropriately as the safety and care of our customers and employees is our highest priority."

"We apologize to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans," the airline said.

Maguire was released pending an arraignment. He did not enter a plea.

Story and video:  http://abcnews.go.com

Civil Air Patrol Lands New Quarters: Cape May County Airport (KWWD), New Jersey

From left, Rev. Miles Barrett, squadron chaplain and a CFI, CFII flight instructor, joins Dr. Nick Holland in showing Ed Wuerker, a CAP mission pilot, how to fly a Cessna 182 Garmin 1000 and 700 Autopilot on the simulator.



ERMA - The Cape May Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol recently moved into Building 7 at Cape May County Airport thanks to generosity of the County of Cape May and, in particular, Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton.

The Civil Air Patrol is the auxiliary to the Air Force, forming in 1941 at Bader Field, Atlantic City.

Cape May Composite Squadron provides inland search and rescue services using a Cessna 172 based at Cape May County Airport. It also offers a cadet program for 12 to 20-year-olds offering leadership and flight opportunities.

After transitioning to the new building, the squadron took delivery of an FAA-certified flight simulator donated by local veterinarian Dr. Nick Holland. 

The squadron meets weekly on Thursdays between 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. and many weekends during the year for squadron training exercises.

New cadets (12 to 20 years old) and senior members (over 18) are welcome, including qualified FAA pilots. For information, visit the squadron website or contact Squadron Commander Capt. Andrew Baron at andrew.baron@njwg.cap.gov.

Original article can be found here: http://www.capemaycountyherald.com

Federal Aviation Administration: TransCanada requested no-fly zone



A short-lived no-fly order over the site of a pipeline spill near Freeman was requested by the pipeline’s owner.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Tony Molinaro confirmed Wednesday that TransCanada requested that a Notice to Airmen be issued for the airspace surrounding the site of the spill on April 4.

The alert was pulled shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday morning, after a supervisor’s review of the order.

“They put it in place, but then one of our operations managers analyzed it and determined it was not needed,” Molinaro said.

It is unusual that a private company would make such a request, Molinaro said, but not unheard of.

Generally, a public safety agency requests such an order, but federal law governing the issuance of flight safety warnings does not require that requests come from such a request come from a public official.




In the case of the Keystone I pipeline spill, TransCanada made the request in order to clear the airspace for surveillance by cleanup crews, according to spokesman Mark Cooper.

“When doing this it is in the interests of safety and the responsible thing to do to notify the FAA (NOTAM – or Notice To Airmen) of that activity to ensure the airspace is clear – for the pilot, the work crew and general public’s safety and security,” Cooper said. “It remained until that work was completed.”

TransCanada has been working since Saturday to clean up the spill, which was initially reported to be 4.5 barrels in size. Company employees and contractors are working to identify the source of the leak and to determine its actual size and scope.

Cooper said Tuesday that all signs point to a minor leak, and said Wednesday that the source can’t be confirmed.

The South Dakota DENR will monitor the cleanup, including the disposal of any contaminated soils. The Pipeline and Hazardous Safety Administration has dispatched an inspector to the site, according to PHMSA spokesman Darius Kirkwood.

“TransCanada closed remote valves and shut down the entire 30-inch pipeline after confirming the release, and is working to confirm the source of leak and the amount of crude released,” Kirkwood said.

Some anti-pipeline activists have expressed frustration over a lack of access to the site.

Jane Kleeb, who works with the group Bold Nebraska, said her organization hired a pilot to surveil the scene on Monday, but that pilot was told not to go up. Kleeb said she’s been disappointed at the lack of public access.

“For us, it’s typical behavior for TransCanada,” said Kleeb, whose group has organized in opposition to the KeystoneXL pipeline. “They behave like they’re the government.”

Dave Hoffman, the Hutchinson County Emergency Manager, said earlier this week that the movement of heavy equipment through the area made restrictions necessary for safety.

Hoffman said Wednesday that there were aircraft flying over the site on Monday before the FAA order was issued – enough of them to create a legitimate concern for company surveyors attempting to document the spill.

“At one time, there were three airplanes circling around,” Hoffman said.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.argusleader.com

Woman admits selling tickets for bogus Sheryl Crow concert: Flying W Airport (N14), Medford, Burlington County, New Jersey

A Burlington Township woman claimed responsibility Tuesday for selling tickets to a bogus Sheryl Crow concert, according to a Burlington County Times report.

Kelly Bryan, 42, pleaded guilty to third-degree theft by deception in court.

The woman admitted she promoted the phony concert headlining Crow -- and featuring other artists. It was scheduled for August 15, 2015, at the Flying W Airport in Medford, New Jersey.

Suspicions arose in May when police began planning security for the event. Bryan was arrested later that month.

Shortly after the arrest, the Grammy-winning singer issued a statement via her Facebook page notifying fans that the concert was fraudulent.

Bryan faces a maximum of five years of probation and will pay restitution as part of her plea deal. Sentencing is scheduled for June 14.

[ Read more at Burlington County Times. ]

de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, N379PM: Incidents occurred July 17, 2020, May 23, 2018 and April 06, 2016 at Key West International Airport (KEYW), Monroe County, Florida

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

July 17, 2020: Aircraft landed and gear collapsed. 

Single Otter Leasing LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N379PM

Date: 17-JUL-20
Time: 14:53:00Z
Regis#: N379PM
Aircraft Make: DEHAVILLAND
Aircraft Model: DHC3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: PERSONAL
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 91
City: KEY WEST
State: FLORIDA

May 23, 2018

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

May 23, 2018: Gear collapse on landing.

Date: 23-MAY-18
Time: 15:00:00Z
Regis#: N379PM
Aircraft Make: DEHAVILLAND
Aircraft Model: DHC 3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: KEY WEST
State: FLORIDA

April 06, 2016

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

April 06, 2016: Aircraft on landing, float gear collapsed.

Date:  06-APR-16
Time:  21:55:00Z
Regis#:  N379PM
Aircraft Make:  DE HAVILLAND
Aircraft Model:  DHC3
Event Type:  Incident
Highest Injury:  None
Damage:  Unknown
Activity:  Other
Flight Phase:  LANDING (LDG)
FAA FSDO:  FAA Miami FSDO-19
City:  KEY WEST
State:  Florida


Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; South Florida

Gear collapse on landing.

http://registry.faa.gov/N379PM

Date: 23-MAY-18
Time: 15:00:00Z
Regis#: N379PM
Aircraft Make: DEHAVILLAND
Aircraft Model: DHC 3
Event Type: INCIDENT
Highest Injury: NONE
Aircraft Missing: No
Damage: UNKNOWN
Activity: ON DEMAND
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
Operation: 135
City: KEY WEST
State: FLORIDA

April 06, 2016:  Aircraft on landing, float gear collapsed.

Date:  06-APR-16
Time:  21:55:00Z
Regis#:  N379PM
Aircraft Make:  DE HAVILLAND
Aircraft Model:  DHC3
Event Type:  Incident
Highest Injury:  None
Damage:  Unknown
Activity:  Other
Flight Phase:  LANDING (LDG)
FAA FSDO:  FAA Miami FSDO-19
City:  KEY WEST
State:  Florida





KEY WEST, Fla. - A seaplane crashed at the Key West Airport Wednesday, police said. 

The pilot and the 10 passengers on board were not seriously injured, Monroe County Sheriffs' Office spokesperson Becky Herrin said in a statement. 


The airport's tarmac was closed and the Florida Highway Patrol was investigating, Herrin said. 


Story and photo:  http://www.local10.com 


A small seaplane crashed after landing Wednesday at the Key West International Airport around 6 p.m., according to Monroe County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin.

Initial reports said the pilot and 10 passengers were on board the single-engine DHC-3 Otter and were evaluated at the scene. Their injuries appeared to be minor, Herrin said in a news release.

Airport Director Don DeGraw said the plane had already landed at the airport and was taxiing off the runway when the right-side landing gear collapsed, causing the plane to crash.

According to DeGraw, the plane belongs to Key West Seaplane Adventures, which offers daily tours to the Dry Tortugas.

A passenger on the plane, Chuck Geis of Detroit, told The Citizen that passengers were commenting to one another on “how feather-soft the landing was” before they heard a crunch and felt the right side of the plane strike the tarmac. “Next thing you know, we were on the ground,” he said.

The airport tarmac was closed for a little less than two hours to remove the plane. Florida Highway Patrol was investigating.

Key West Seaplane Adventures is the sister company of Promech Air, a charter plane company based in Ketchikan, Alaska. Last June, one of Promech’s planes crashed into a cliff in Alaska, killing the pilot and eight passengers.


KEY WEST, Fla. (WSVN) -- Key West International Airport was temporarily closed down Wednesday, after a sea plane encountered a rough landing.

It all happened right before 6 p.m., when the aircraft was returning from a sightseeing tour.

The plane became disabled on the runway after part of its landing gear broke apart. According to officials, there were 11 people on board who all walked away and declined medical treatment.

The airport was closed for about 90 minutes to ensure the safety of the pilot and passengers. It was able to resume operations shortly after.

No flights were delayed during the shutdown, but one flight was diverted to Miami International Airport after waiting 40 minutes to land.

The plane has since been towed from the runway.

The Federal Aviation Administration has been notified of the incident.

Story and video:  http://www.wsvn.com

Beech V35B Bonanza, N9198Q: Incident occurred April 06, 2016 at John Wayne Airport (KSNA), Orange County, California

http://registry.faa.gov/N9198Q

Date: 06-APR-16
Time: 21:38:00Z
Regis#: N9198Q
Aircraft Make: BEECH
Aircraft Model: 35
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: LANDING (LDG)
FAA Flight Standards District Office:  FAA Long Beach FSDO-05
City: COSTA MESA
State: California

AIRCRAFT ON LANDING, GEAR COLLAPSED, JOHN WAYNE ORANGE COUNTY AIRPORT, SANTA ANA, COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA.


SANTA ANA – A small private plane landed on its belly after its landing gear failed on a runway at John Wayne Airport Wednesday afternoon.

The male pilot, alone on board, was not injured.

The single-engine plane landed at 2:37 p.m. on one of the airport’s main runways with its landing gear still up, said airport spokeswoman Deanne Thompson.

When firefighters arrived, the pilot had gotten out of the plane unharmed, said Capt. Steve Concialdi of the Orange County Fire Authority. 

Firefighters used a crane to move the aircraft out of the runway.

Thompson said the runway was closed for 32 minutes and re-opened when it was clear. 

No information about where the plane originated.

Original article can be found here:   http://www.ocregister.com


An emergency response was triggered at John Wayne Airport Wednesday when a small plane was forced to land with collapsed landing gear.

One person was aboard the plane, a Bonanza, but the pilot wasn’t injured in the rough landing, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Steve Concialdi.

The incident occurred at 2:37 p.m. at runway 20. Firefighters are using a crane to lift the plane off the runway to further investigate the malfunction.

Original article can be found here: http://patch.com

Contour Airlines service takes flight



TUPELO – After more than a five-month hiatus, commercial air service has returned to Tupelo.

And David Hazlett is impressed by the airline providing that service – Contour Airlines, which flew the Virginia-based consultant from Nashville to Tupelo for the first time Tuesday.

“We have a client here in Tupelo, and finally we can fly right in to see them,” he said.

The last time Hazlett came to see his client, he had to fly to Memphis, get a rental car and drive to the All-America City.

“Having Contour is great; it’s far more convenient,” he said.

He also was impressed by the airline’s customer service. His American Airlines flight to Nashville from Washington was late, and he emailed Contour to see if the flight to Tupelo could wait for him. It did, earning the airline a happy customer.

“You can’t beat the price, either,” Hazlett said, noting his one-way ticket cost only $18.99.

The cost is a promotional fare that’s good through the end of the year, but tickets must be purchased by April 30.

It certainly has caught the eye of the public. After announcing two weeks ago that service would begin Tuesday, Contour has sold more than 1,000 tickets.

“That’s more than SeaPort sold in their first month,” said Contour CEO Matt Chaifetz, referring to the airline that began service in October 2014, only to pull out a year later.

Contour’s introductory low-ticket price was no doubt a driver of sales, but Chaifetz said there also is a big interest in what Contour has to offer following the failed attempts of SeaPort and its predecessor, Silver Airlines.

The nine-passenger, twin-engine Jetstream 31 planes Contour is flying are converted 19-seat aircraft. That means passengers have plenty of room to stretch. Contour is using two of the planes, both recently renovated inside and out, with one always stationed in Tupelo as a backup.

“We’ll be flying both planes, because you don’t want to just leave a plane sitting there,” said Cathy Harris, the company’s executive vice president of administration. “So we might have one plane coming in from Nashville, keep it here and use the other plane to fly to Nashville. We’ll swap them out regularly to keep them flying.”

Harris said Contour also will have two additional backup planes in Nashville – a Jetstream 32 and a King Air. That’s a luxury the other airlines did not have previously.

In Tupelo, Contour has hired 10 employees, including a mechanic, to take care of operations at Tupelo Regional Airport. The spare plane will be kept in the hangar near the fixed-based operator

Cliff Nash, the airport’s executive director, said he’s been impressed by Contour’s efforts.

“They’re well aware of our recent air service issues, but they’re doing all they can not to have similar pitfalls,” Nash said.

He said negotiations with the airline have been very “thorough … and that’s a good sign. I’m really excited for the airport and for the city.”

Poor service ended Silver’s service after two years in 2014, but it was replaced by even more unreliable service in SeaPort. That service ended in October, leaving a trail of disgruntled passengers and a wary public.

Chaifetz is confident that Contour will not fail in providing good customer service and reliable, on-time flights.

The $18.99 promotional fare ends on April 30, and regular prices will go back to $49 one-way.

“We think that’s a sustainable fare for us,” Chaifetz said.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.contourairlines.com or by calling 1-888-33-CONTOUR.

Original article can be found here:  https://djournal.com

Flight Design CTSW, N466CT: Accident occurred April 06, 2016 near Hilton Head Airport (KHXD), Beaufort County, South Carolina

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA148
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 06, 2016 in Hilton Head Island, SC
Probable Cause Approval Date: 05/25/2017
Aircraft: FLIGHT DESIGN CTSW, registration: N466CT
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The sport pilot reported that, as he was approaching the landing runway, he retarded the throttle and descended from 1,300 to 1,000 ft mean sea level. He added that, a few seconds after retarding the throttle, the engine "ran rough" for a few seconds and then lost all power and would not restart. He did not attempt to apply carburetor heat, configured the airplane for best glide speed, and maneuvered for a forced landing on a golf course. After landing, the left wing struck a tree. 

Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, and there was sufficient fuel onboard at the time of the accident. A test run of the engine revealed no anomalies. Given that the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power and the pilot chose not to apply carburetor heat after the engine initially lost power, it is likely that the engine lost power due to carburetor icing.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's failure to apply carburetor heat following a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office;  Columbia, South Carolina 

Aviation Accident Factual Report - National Transportation Safety Board:  https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Docket And Docket Items - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

http://registry.faa.gov/N466CT

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA148
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 06, 2016 in Hilton Head Island, SC
Aircraft: FLIGHT DESIGN CTSW, registration: N466CT
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On April 6, 2016, about 1530 eastern daylight time, a Flight Design Gmbh CTSW, N466CT, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The sport pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight originated from Cape Fear Regional Jetport (SUT), Oak Island, North Carolina about 1400, and was destined for Hilton Head Airport (HXD).

The pilot reported that he was approaching HXD from the west, and reported to tower personnel that he was 8 miles out. He made a midfield call, retarded the throttle to 4,200 rpm, and descended from 1,300 feet above mean sea level (msl) to 1,000 feet msl. A few seconds after reducing the throttle, the engine "ran rough" for a few seconds, then shut down and would not restart. The pilot did not attempt to apply carburetor heat. He set up for best glide speed and maneuvered for a forced landing on a golf course. After landing, the left wing struck a tree and the airplane came to a stop.

An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane struck a tree and came to rest upright. He observed structural damage to the composite leading edge of the left wing. The fuel system contained about 4.5 gallons of fuel. The fuel appeared to be free of contaminants and water. The air filter was clean and compression was observed on all cylinders.

Following the examination of the engine and fuel system, the owner leveled the airplane and started the engine with the FAA inspector providing oversight. The engine started, produced power, and no discrepancies were noted.

According to the 1550 weather observation at HXD, located about 2 miles southeast of the accident site, the temperature and dew point were 64 degrees F and 54 degrees F, respectively. According to the carburetor icing probability chart in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 (Carburetor Icing Prevention), dated June 30, 2009, the temperature/dew point at the time of the accident was in the area of serious icing at glide power.

NTSB Identification: ERA16LA148
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 06, 2016 in Hilton Head Island, SC
Aircraft: FLIGHT DESIGN CTSW, registration: N466CT
Injuries: 2 Uninjured.

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

On April 6, 2016, about 1611 eastern daylight time, a Flight Design Gmbh CTSW, N466CT, was substantially damaged following a total loss of engine power and forced landing at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The sport pilot and one passenger were not injured. The light sport airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day, visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight from Oak Island to Hilton Head Airport (HXD) originated about 1400.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was about 9 miles north of HXD and the pilot was instructed to report midfield downwind. The pilot subsequently reported that his engine was "out" and performed a forced landing on a golf course, about 2 miles north-northwest of HXD.

An inspector with the FAA responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. The airplane struck trees and came to rest upright. Structural damage to the composite wings was evident. The wing fuel tanks contained fuel. A cursory visual examination of the engine revealed no evidence of a mechanical failure.


The wreckage was retained for further examination.




The pilot of a single-engine airplane who made an emergency landing on a Hilton Head Plantation golf course Wednesday reported engine trouble before the plane touched down.

Dominick Bonanno, of Hilton Head, was flying the aircraft with a passenger on a trip from Cape Fear, N.C., when the engine stopped over Port Royal Sound, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office report.

Bonanno told a deputy he advised Hilton Head Airport about the failure and that he was making an emergency landing, the report said.

Instead of landing in the Port Royal Sound area, Bonanno piloted the plane to the 11th fairway of Dolphin Head golf course in Hilton Head Plantation.

Bonanno said once he landed, he struck a tree, causing damage to the front pilot-side wing and to the front landing wheel, the report said.

Neither Bonanno or his passenger were injured.

Attempts to contact Bonanno Thursday for comment were unsuccessful.

The investigation has been turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration.

FAA Communications spokesperson Kathleen Bergen called the incident a “mechanical problem” Thursday and said the investigation could take up to several weeks to determine the need for an emergency landing.





No injuries were reported after a small, single-engine airplane crash landed on the Hilton Head Plantation golf course Wednesday afternoon.

According to a Beaufort County Sheriff's Office news release, the pilot and passenger were coming back to the island after a trip and were forced to make an emergency landing on the 11th fairway of Dolphin Head Golf Course.

The airplane sustained damage, but there were no injuries reported, according to the release. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and will be investigating the cause of the crash.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.blufftontoday.com













BEAUFORT, S.C. (WJCL) -- Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, a small, single engine prop airplane crash landed on the 11th fairway of Dolphin Head golf course in Hilton Head Plantation.

The pilot and passenger were coming back to Hilton Head Island after a trip when forced to make an emergency landing. 

The airplane sustained damage, but there were no injuries reported. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and it is anticipated they will be assuming the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Caribbean Airlines denies aircraft held in Venezuela

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – The State-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has denied a local television report that one of its aircraft had been detained in Venezuela this week and released only after the crew had handed over fruit juices.

In a statement on its website, CAL said that the report by CNC 3 was “devoid of fact” and called on the television station, “to immediately retract the incorrect story carried in its newscast on Tuesday” night.

“This type of tabloid journalism has far-reaching consequences and Caribbean Airlines is asking CNC 3 to be more responsible in how it presents news stories,” the airline said.

The newscast had reported that the aircraft had been surrounded by Venezuelan soldiers who were demanding fruit juices as the Spanish-speaking country continue to feel the impact of an economic downturn occasioned by low oil prices.

Original article can be found here: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com

Vero Beach Regional Airport (KVRB), Indian River County, Florida: Four months after launching flights here, Vero Beach becomes Elite Airways’ best market

VERO BEACH — Deidre Renehan might have been no more than a screen face to Ellie Carson were it not for Elite Airways landing at Vero Beach Regional Airport four months ago with direct flights to Newark, New Jersey.

Instead, 7-month-old Ellie, of New York City, has been able to visit Renehan, her grandmother, at Renehan's Vero Beach home at least once a month, thanks to the 2 ½-hour flight she takes here with her mom, Meghan Carson.

"We wouldn't be down here as often without this flight," said Carson, who has made four round-trips since December. "It's so convenient."

Renehan, who was among the 50 passengers on Elite's inaugural Vero-to-Newark flight on Dec. 10, has made four trips herself. Other family members also have made multiple trips to New York.

"We're here all the time," Renehan said. "It's the closest thing to a private airplane experience."

Maine-based Elite returned commercial flights to Vero Beach in December after almost 20 years with Sunday and Thursday direct flights to Newark Liberty International Airport. The 50-seat planes have been consistently more than 80 percent full, with most flights sold out. The airline in February added round-trips to Naples Municipal Airport. Elite temporarily added Monday and Friday flights to Newark in March. Those flights ended April 1.

"We have had a lot of demand for additional flights," said Elite Airways President John Pearsall. "They in turn have had a very high load factor."

In fact, the flights have developed their own following, with passengers such as the Carsons and Renehans becoming regular, repeat customers.

New Jersey resident Nevins McCann has flown Elite twice to visit his mother, Virginia McCann, in Vero Beach.

"I'll come more often because of this flight," he said.

In just four months, Vero Beach has become Elite's most successful market, Pearsall said. The community support of businesses clamoring to partner with the airline, and passengers booking reservations, has played a role in the airline's Vero Beach success, he said.

"It's been great. It's made all the difference in the world," he said. "It's worked out well."

Costa d'Este Beach Resort & Spa noticed customer demographics shifted this year to a more northeastern market, although it is unknown if that's because guests are using Elite to get to the Vero Beach beachside hotel, said Marketing Director Maggie O'Briant. In January, however, the hotel increased advertising in New York and New Jersey because of Elite's new presence here.

"We want to spread the word about Vero Beach in that market," O'Briant said.

The hotel is working with Elite to develop a travel package that would allow visitors to book a flight, car rental and hotel room with one click, she said. But the hotel also wants to work with Elite in bringing future residents to the Treasure Coast.

"We know people come down to Vero Beach and then stay," she said.

Pearsall also has plans for a long-term relationship with Vero Beach. By winter, Pearsall said, he hopes to expand Elite's Vero Beach schedule with flights four or five days a week to Newark and, possibly to other destinations.

While Vero Beach will never become a connection hub on its own, Pearsall said, there's market opportunity in the small airport. But he wants to keep the focus on direct flights.

"That's the key — nonstop flights," he said. Passengers like not having to change planes or walk through a large airport to get to their next flight, he said. Vero is the perfect airport for that business model, he said.

There's a five-minute wait to get through TSA security, no hassles at baggage claim, leather seats on the planes and there is free short- and long-term airport parking in Vero.

"It makes the trip so easy. It's like flying privately," said McCann.

This summer, when seasonal residents have returned north, could determine the sustainability of Vero Beach flights.

"We definitely want to be careful in the summer," Pearsall said. Few changes could be made to the airline's Vero flights, he said, but officials will be monitoring booking and repeat customers to see how the airline fares in the slower summer months.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.tcpalm.com

Piper PA-22-160 Tri Pacer, N8842D: Accident occurred April 05, 2016 in Palmer, Alaska

http://registry.faa.gov/N8842D

FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Anchorage FSDO-03

NTSB Identification: GAA16CA185
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Wednesday, April 06, 2016 in Palmer, AK
Probable Cause Approval Date: 06/01/2016
Aircraft: PIPER PA 22-160, registration: N8842D
Injuries: 1 Uninjured.

NTSB investigators used data provided by various entities, including, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration and/or the operator and did not travel in support of this investigation to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that during the takeoff roll on an off airport airstrip the airplane hit a soft spot, and he elected to abort the takeoff. He further reported that he was unable to stop prior to impacting a group of alder trees at the end of the airstrip.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. 

According to the pilot there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, resulting in a runway over-run and collision with trees.

Air India Pilot Insists For Particular Woman Co-Pilot, Delays Flight

NEW DELHI:   As many as 110 passengers onboard an Air India aircraft were forced to sit in the plane for two and half hours today after its commander insisted for a "particular woman" co-pilot to operate the flight.

The incident happened at Air India's flight to Male from Chennai via Thiruvananthapuram, sources said.

In between, the commander also complained of high blood pressure and was treated for the same, they said.

Interestingly, the Commander quit Air India last week and is serving a six-month notice period, the sources said.

According to the sources, the commander insisted roster section yesterday to schedule the woman flight officer along with him on flight AI 263/264 for today.

"Roster section, however, informed him that his demand can't be met as she was already scheduled for a Delhi flight," a source said.

Later the commander called up roster section and threatened to report sick, if the particular woman pilot was not assigned the duty with him.

"When the roster section did not oblige, he reported sick yesterday. But this morning when he turned up to operate the flight he again insisted for the same co-pilot, forcing the airline to arrange his favourite co-pilot," one of the sources alleged.

But in the process, the flight was delayed as it departed at 9.13 am against its schedule time of 7 am, the sources said.

Airline spokesperson was not available for comments.

Original article can be found here:  http://www.ndtv.com

Cessna 310R, N969S, Helt Engineering Inc: Incident occurred April 06, 2016 in Fresno County, California

HELT ENGINEERING INC: http://registry.faa.gov/N969S

Date: 06-APR-16
Time: 00:05:00Z
Regis#: N969S
Aircraft Make: CESSNA
Aircraft Model: 310
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: None
Damage: None
Flight Phase: TAXI (TXI)
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Fresno FSDO-17
City: FRESNO
State: California

AIRCRAFT ON TAXI STRUCK A TAXIWAY LIGHT, FRESNO, CALIFORNIA.

Poughkeepsie man who shouted ‘jihad’ and rushed cockpit on United Airlines flight gets nine months in prison

(NBC NEWS) -- A New York man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for disrupting a United Airlines flight by trying to get into the cockpit and yelling "jihad!"

David Patrick Diaz, 36, of Poughkeepsie was sentenced to nine months in prison and three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $22,152 to United in restitution and to complete mental health and substance abuse treatment.

U.S. District Judge Anthony Trenga said Diaz "terrorized the passengers and endangered the safety of everyone on the plane."

Diaz admitted that he disrupted a flight from Washington, DC's Dulles Airport to Denver on March 16, 2015. Investigators say less than a minute after it took off, he ran to the front of the plane, pulled on the cockpit door handle, and shouted, "The plane is not going fast enough. We need to go faster. It's going to go down. We are going down."

After three passengers and a flight attendant tackled him, he yelled that there was something in the belly of the plane and the words "jihad" and "bomb."

The plane returned to Dulles, and Diaz was arrested. He pleaded guilty in January to a charge of interfering with the flight crew.

In court documents, prosecutors said he had alcohol abuse and mental health problems. While awaiting trial and sentencing, he was arrested three times for drunk driving and public intoxication. "The defendant has a history of using drugs and/or alcohol and then engaging in reckless conduct that could harm others," government lawyers said.

Investigators said Diaz boarded then left two Virgin America flights before getting on the United flight to Denver. On March 15, 2015, he boarded a flight to Dallas, walking back and forth before deciding he wanted to fly the next day and left the plane.

On March 16, he boarded a different flight to Dallas but was so noncompliant with crew instructions that the pilot taxied back to the gate and ordered Diaz off the plane. Prosecutors said before boarding the United flight, he had consumed 14 alcoholic drinks at airport bars.

Original article can be found here: http://www.valleynewslive.com

Ultralight: Incident occurred April 05, 2016 in Groveland, Lake County, Florida

Date: 05-APR-16
Time: 19:20:00Z
Regis#: UNREG ULTRA
Event Type: Incident
Highest Injury: Serious
Damage: Unknown
Flight Phase: UNKNOWN (UNK)
FAA Flight Standards District Office: FAA Orlando FSDO-15
City: GROVELAND
State: Florida

UNREGISTERED ULTRALIGHT, MAKE MODEL UNKNOWN, CRASHED UNDER UNKNOWN CIRCUMSTANCES, NEAR GROVELAND, FLORIDA