Aloha Airlines Flight 243

On the 28th of April 1988, Aloha Airlines Flight 243, a scheduled flight from Hilo (ITO/PHTO) to Honolulu (PNL/PHNL) in Hawaii, experienced a catastrophic event. The Boeing 737-297 serving the route underwent severe damage due to an explosive decompression mid-flight, caused by part of the fuselage rupturing from poor maintenance and metal fatigue. Remarkably, the aircraft managed a safe landing at Kahului Airport (OGG/PHOG) on Maui. The incident resulted in one fatality, flight attendant Clarabelle "C.B." Lansing, who was ejected from the airplane, and injuries to another 65 passengers and crew. The significant damage from the decompression, the loss of a crew member, and the aircraft's safe descent marked this as a pivotal moment in aviation history, influencing future aviation safety regulations and practices.

Following a standard takeoff and climb, the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of 24,000 feet (7,300 m). At approximately 13:48, while 23 nautical miles (43 km; 26 mi) south-southeast of Kahului on Maui, a portion of the left side roof ruptured, emitting a "whooshing" sound. The captain experienced the aircraft rolling left and right, with the controls becoming unresponsive. The first officer observed fragments of grey insulation in the cockpit. The cockpit door was dislodged, revealing "blue sky where the first-class ceiling had been." An extensive section of the roof, spanning the entire upper half of the aircraft from just behind the cockpit to the forward wing area, measuring about 18 feet (5.5 m), had detached.

The plane was a Boeing 737-297, the 152nd Boeing 737 constructed at the Renton assembly plant. Built in 1969 and initially named King Kalaniopuu after Kalaniʻōpuʻu, it was delivered new to Aloha Airlines and registered as N73711, with serial number 20209. It was later leased to Air California / Air Cal, during which time its original name was transferred to N728AL. Upon its return to Aloha, it was renamed Queen Liliuokalani in honor of Liliʻuokalani. Prior to the accident, the airframe had logged 35,496 flight hours and nearly 90,000 flight cycles, primarily from short-haul flights, far exceeding its intended design limit. At that point, Aloha Airlines operated the two Boeing 737s with the highest number of flight cycles globally, with this aircraft ranking second.

Qatar Airways cabin crew steals a passenger's phone

Qatar Airways has terminated a cabin crew member following a confirmed theft incident on a business class flight from Doha International Airport (DOH/OTHH) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN/WSSS). The passenger, whose phone was stolen from a lavatory, has filed formal complaints with aviation authorities after claiming the airline’s compensation offer was insufficient.

QATAR AIRBUS A380-861 A7-API (MSN 235)

The victim reports significant disruption to their business trip, including cancelled meetings and security concerns, while Qatar Airways offered only the replacement cost of the device despite acknowledging the theft through their Security Investigations Manager.

The March 28th incident occurred when a business class passenger briefly left their phone in a lavatory shortly before landing in Singapore. Upon returning only moments later, the phone had disappeared.
Despite asking cabin crew several times if they have it or have seen it, the phone disappeared. Tracking technology later placed the device at a crew hotel in Singapore before it was transported to the Philippines.

Qatar Airways’ investigation confirmed the theft and resulted in the dismissal of the responsible crew member. However, the airline’s customer service response has been characterized by delays, inconsistent communication, and what the passenger describes as inadequate compensation that fails to address the broader impact of the theft.

The airline initially ignored the passenger’s inquiries for weeks before offering SGD 949 (approximately £560 or A$1,144) to cover only the device’s replacement cost. Further communication from Qatar Airways reportedly mischaracterized the confirmed theft as simply “unattended personal belongings,” contradicting their own investigation findings.

Fustrated by the airline’s handling of the situation, the affected passenger has escalated the matter to both the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority and Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAS). These formal complaints highlight not just the theft itself but the subsequent customer service failures that compounded the incident.

The passenger, who switched to Qatar Airways after years of loyalty to Singapore Airlines (SQ), expressed disappointment in the airline’s response to a serious security breach by their own staff member. Despite reaching out to the CEO’s office and senior management, the passenger reports no satisfactory resolution has been achieved.

Another passenger recently filed a lawsuit against Qatar Airways, alleging a flight attendant stole A$600 from her designer handbag while she slept in a QSuite Business Class seat. The incident occurred on the 26th of February 2025, during flight QR738 from San Francisco to Doha, operated by an Airbus A350-1000.

The lawsuit, filed in a California district court, states that the passenger boarded with $4,100 in cash. After waking from sleep, she discovered her handbag missing and subsequently found it on the lavatory floor alongside a Qatar Airways flight attendant. A check of her belongings revealed $600 missing from an envelope containing dollar bills.

Remembering China Airlines Flight 140

CHINA AIRLINES AIRBUS A330-302 B-18305 (MSN 0671)

 

China Airlines Flight 140 was a regularly scheduled passenger flight from Taipei-Chiang Kai Shek International Airport (TPE/RCTP), Taiwan to Nagoya-Komaki International Airport (NGO/RJNN), Japan

On the 26th of April 1994, the Airbus A300B4-622R was completing a routine flight and approach, when, just seconds before landing at Nagoya Airport, the takeoff/go-around setting (TO/GA) was inadvertently triggered. The pilots attempted to pitch the aircraft down while the autopilot, which was not disabled, was pitching the aircraft up. The aircraft ultimately stalled and crashed into the ground, killing 264 of the 271 people on board.

It was nighttime and Nagoya airport weather at the time was reported as winds from 280 degrees at 8 knots, visibility of 20 kilometers, cumulus clouds at 3,000 feet and a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. During the initial phase of the approach, both autopilot systems (AP1 and AP2) were engaged as well as the auto throttles. After passing the ILS outer marker and receiving landing clearance, the first officer, who was the pilot flying, disengaged the autopilot system and continued the ILS approach manually. 

When passing through approximately 1,000 feet on the approach glidepath, the first officer inadvertently triggered the GO levers placing the auto throttles into go-around mode, which led to an increase in thrust. This increase in thrust caused the aircraft to level off at approximately 1,040 feet for 15 seconds and resulted in the flight path becoming high relative to the ILS glideslope. The captain recognised that the GO lever had been triggered and instructed the first officer to disengage it and correct the flight path down to the desired glide slope. While manually trying to correct the glide path with forward yoke, the first officer engaged the autopilot, causing it to be engaged in the go-around mode as well. As he manually attempted to recapture the glide slope from above by reducing thrust and pushing the yoke forward, he was providing pitch inputs to the elevator that were opposite the autopilot commands to the THS, which was attempting to command pitch up for a go around.

Passing through approximately 700 feet, the autopilot was disengaged but the THS remained at its last commanded position of -12.3 degrees. Also at this time, due to the thrust reduction commanded by the first officer, the airspeed decreased to a low level, resulting in an increasing angle of attack (also termed alpha, or AOA). As a result, the automatic alpha floor function of the aircraft was activated, causing an increase in thrust and a further pitch-up. The alpha floor function of the A300 is an AOA protection feature intended to prevent excessive angles of attack during normal operations. Because of the greater size of the THS relative to the elevator (approximately three times greater in terms of surface area), the available elevator control power or authority was overcome as the aircraft neared 570 feet on the approach. Upon hearing the first officer report that he could not push the nose further down and that the throttles had latched (alpha floor function engaged), the captain took over the controls unaware of the THS position.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: China Airlines

Code: CI/CAL

Aircraft: Airbus A300B4-622R

Registration: B-1816

Serial Number: 580

Engines: 2 Pratt & Whitney PW4158

First Flew: 30/10/1990

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AS THEY REMEMBER LOVED ONES TODAY

Stunt pilot dies in crash at Langley AFB ahead of air show

Famous stunt pilot Rob Holland was killed when his plane crashed on approach at Langley Air Force Base (LFI/KLFI) Thursday morning, Holland's official Facebook page confirmed.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says they are "investigating the crash of an experimental MX Aircraft MXS." Based on initial gatherings, the plane crashed while "on approach" to Langley Air Force Base.

This crash happened days before the biennial Air Power Over Hampton Roads air show. Holland had recently performed at the 2023 Air Power show and is a frequent sight at air show events. Officials confirmed on Friday they expect to continue on with the air show.

Just after 4 p.m., officials with Joint Base Langley-Eustis said they were canceling a media scheduled for Thursday afternoon with U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds pilots "due to unforeseen circumstances."

The base confirmed the fatal crash at 11:39 a.m., and said it was related to the air show.

“Today we lost a friend of our Air Force family,” said Col. Matthew Altman, Joint Base Langley-Eustis commander. “On behalf of our entire JBLE team, I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this incredible aviator.”

An NTSB investigator is expecting to arrive Friday at Langley to begin looking into the cause of the crash.

The below message was taken from his Facebook account

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I am sharing that Rob Holland lost his life today, 24 April 2025, in an accident at Langley AFB, VA. The cause of the crash is not known at this time, and is under investigation by the FAA, NTSB, and DOD.

Rob was one of the most respected and inspiring aerobatic pilots in aviation history. Even with an absolutely impressive list of accomplishments, both in classical competition aerobatics and within the air show world, Rob was the most humble person with a singular goal to simply be better than he was yesterday.

We would greatly appreciate your respect to the privacy of his family and friends.

And remember…. Never ever give up on your dreams.

Aircraft Information:

Owner / Operator: Rob Holland Ultimate Airshows LLC

Aircraft: MX Aircraft MXS-RH

Registration: N530RH

Serial Number: MX-001

Engine: Lycoming AEIO-540 SER

First Flew: 17/07/2019

Age: 5.9 Years

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. 

ANZAC DAY 2025

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

LEST WE FORGET

Anzac Day is a National Day of Remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served". Observed on the 25th of April each year, Anzac Day was originally devised to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. (1914–1918) Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Pitcairn Islands, and Tonga, and previously was a national holiday in Papua New Guinea and Samoa. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first campaign that led to major casualties for Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. 

The acronym ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same Remembrance Day but making reference to both countries in its name. When war broke out in 1914, Australia and New Zealand had been dominions of the British Empire for thirteen and seven years respectively. World War One was one of the deadliest conflicts in the history of the human race, in which over 16 million people died. The total number of both civilian and military casualties is estimated at around 37 million people. The war killed almost 7 million civilians and 10 million military personnel. Two out of three soldiers died in battle; the rest died due to infections or disease. The Spanish flu also killed a lot of people in prisoner camps.

For Australia
The First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted, of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.

For New Zealand
The First World War was one of the most significant events of the 20th Century and had a seismic impact on New Zealand society. Just under ten percent of their then population of 1.1 million served overseas, of which more than 18,000 died. There were also over 40,000 hospitalisations due to injury or illness. Nearly every New Zealand family was affected by the impact of the war.

The Red Poppy

The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance the world over. People in many countries wear the poppy to remember those who died in war or are serving in the armed forces. In many countries, the poppy is worn on Armistice Day (11th November), but in Australia and New Zealand it is most commonly seen on Anzac Day, 25th April.

In Flanders fields
The red or Flanders poppy has been linked with battlefield deaths since the Great War (1914–18). It was one of the first plants to grow and bloom on battlefields in the Belgian region of Flanders. The connection was made most famously by a Canadian medical officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, in his poem, ‘In Flanders fields’.

On this ANZAC Day, we pause to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of our veterans— past and present.

Thank you for your service, your courage, and the freedoms you have safeguarded for future generations. We remember those who gave their lives and those who returned forever changed.

Your legacy lives on in our hearts and continues to inspire unity, resilience, and gratitude across Australia and New Zealand.

                            LEST WE FORGET

All photos taken from the internet and story taken from different websites.

Virgin Australia leaves passengers stranded overnight at airport

Virgin Australia passengers faced significant travel disruptions during the Easter weekend when their Sydney (SYD/YSSY) bound flight from Queenstown (ZQN/NZQN) was cancelled, leaving approximately 120 travellers with no accommodation options.

As the delays mounted, the Virgin flight crew reached their maximum allowable duty hours under Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. These safety rules limit how long crew members can work continuously, ultimately forcing the airline to cancel the flight entirely.

“The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority. We sincerely apologise to our guests for the disruption to their travel plans.” a Virgin spokesperson said.

The Easter holiday period left stranded passengers with no hotel options in Queenstown, a popular tourist destination. This accommodation shortage forced travellers to spend the night on the airport terminal floor.

“No accommodation provided, offered or available in Queenstown, so 120 people slept on the carpet at the airport.” One affected passenger reported via email, questioning whether such a situation was legal

Problems continued the following day when the replacement flight scheduled for 1:50 PM New Zealand time on Sunday didn’t depart until 5:20 PM, creating additional frustration for already inconvenienced travellers. One passenger criticised the airline’s ability to handle such situations, stating-

“The airline has such a skeletal staff here in NZ, it is entirely incapable of dealing with these delays.”

Virgin Australia’s guest compensation policy states that in cases of cancelled flights, the airline will transfer passengers to the next available Virgin Australia flight “without charge.” When suitable arrangements cannot be made, customers may request either a travel credit or a refund for their impacted flight.

Airport authorities make jaw-dropping discovery

Late last month, customs officials at the Kempegowda International Airport (BLR/VOBL), an international airport serving Bengaluru, India, intercepted 24 year-old Vinayagamoorthy Kottesvaran and his luggage upon landing from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The airport officials received a tip-off and searched his luggage, finding four siamangs and two Northern pig tailed macaques inside them.

These Southeast Asian primates, whose conservation statuses are endangered and vulnerable, respectively, were found in cardboard boxes inside two large suitcases, expected to be passed off to Kottesvaran's handler, known as Ansari. The airport officials suspect that these trafficked primates were headed to private zoos in India.

According to the officials, this bust was a violation of India's Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) - both stipulations regulating the import and trade of certain wildlife species in India.

Punishable offenses carry an imprisonment term of up to seven years. For one, wildlife trafficking usually targets endangered or rare species-as seen in this case-which removes wildlife from their natural habitats and pushes them closer to extinction. 

Biodiversity loss, driven by human actions like the illegal removal of wildlife and habitat destruction, such as deforestation, disrupts food chains and can upset entire ecosystems.

If these wildlife species are successfully brought into a new space, they could still pose a threat to the ecological balance of their new habitat, overtaking the space as an invasive species.

Sadly, many of these trafficked animals do not survive transport because of the horrible conditions they are transported in, such as a case where eastern box turtles were all squished into boxes of almonds and chocolate cookies, and died during transportation.

Wildlife trafficking is on the rise globally. In Latin America reports estimated that there were about 2,200 wildlife seizures and poaching incidents between 2017 and 2024.

Interpol and the World Customs Organization seized nearly 20,000 live animals globally last year.