Welcome to our June Aviation News blog! It’s been an eventful past few weeks in aviation and we’ve got all the information right here. Take a look at what’s been happening in the world of aviation.
Engine Fire Forces United Airlines Flight to Abort Takeoff at O'Hare
A United Airlines flight from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport aborted its takeoff after an engine caught fire, disrupting Memorial Day travel. United Flight 2091, an Airbus A320 bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, encountered the emergency around 2 p.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport spokesman confirmed the situation was resolved safely, and United Airlines reported that the plane was towed back to the gate where all 148 passengers and five crew members deplaned without injury. United Airlines is arranging alternative travel plans for the affected customers. This incident coincided with a ground stop issued at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, further compounding travel delays on a busy holiday weekend. Read more on the incident here.
Excessive Back Pressure Leads to Cessna 172 Accident in Lancaster, New York
A flight instructor’s demonstration of a soft-field takeoff at Lancaster Airport in New York turned into an incident when her student failed to follow instructions. During the takeoff roll, the student applied excessive back pressure on the control yoke. Despite the instructor’s repeated directions to reduce the back pressure, the student maintained a tight grip and excessive right rudder once the Cessna 172 lifted off, causing the plane to veer left. When the instructor took command, the student blocked her control. Though the instructor managed to reduce the pitch, she lost directional control, resulting in the left wing hitting the runway. The plane departed the runway and flipped over, causing substantial damage to the wings and airframe. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) cited the probable cause as the student’s excessive pitch and failure to relinquish controls when instructed, leading to the loss of control and impact with terrain. More details from General Aviation News here.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Provisions in Farm Bill Welcomed by Industry Leader
Alison Graab, Executive Director of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, praised the inclusion of sustainable aviation provisions in the recent Farm Bill markup. Graab highlighted the bill's affirmation of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as an advanced biofuel and its call for greater USDA collaboration on SAF initiatives. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, SAF made from renewable biomass and waste resources can match the performance of petroleum-based jet fuel while significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
This development not only supports airlines in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also provides new revenue streams for American farmers. By growing biomass crops for SAF production, farmers can boost their income during the off-season and benefit their land through reduced nutrient losses and improved soil quality. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, which represents the entire SAF value chain, sees these provisions as a crucial step forward in promoting sustainable aviation and environmental stewardship. Learn more here.
Quick Decision-Making and Skill Save Lives in Sydney Plane Incident
A pilot's quick decision-making, airmanship, and perhaps a bit of luck resulted in the best possible outcome for a Cessna 210 pilot and passenger at Bankstown Airport in Sydney, Australia. Shortly after takeoff, pilot Johannes Swanepoel encountered engine trouble and decided to turn back to the airport. Opting to leave the partially retracted gear up likely played a critical role in the outcome. A News 7 helicopter in the vicinity captured the entire incident on video, showing the Cessna 210 barely clearing hangars and scraping along a taxiway. Despite the tense moments, neither Swanepoel nor his passenger, identified as Karin, sustained injuries. The aircraft, though damaged, may be repairable. In an off-camera interview, Swanepoel mentioned that the plane brushed trees and narrowly missed hangars, underscoring the skill and composure required to avert disaster. Watch the video here.
Avfuel Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Access in France Ahead of Paris Olympics
In preparation for the Paris Summer Olympic Games, Avfuel has announced the establishment of permanent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplies at three key French airports: Paris Le Bourget, Bordeaux-Mérignac, and Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne. These locations will offer Avfuel’s customers a 30% SAF blend, produced in France, which provides a 2.5-tonne reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions per 4,000-liter upload.
“Providing meaningful opportunities to reduce carbon emissions is incredibly important to Avfuel and, increasingly so, to its customers,” said C.R. Sincock II, the company's executive vice president. Avfuel’s expansion into the European market aims to broaden SAF access beyond North America, reflecting the company's global sustainability focus.
Avfuel also supplies SAF to 17 FBOs and airports in the U.S. and invests in next-generation SAF feedstock technologies. The company’s in-house sustainability program, AvfuelZero, assists customers in emissions assessment, reduction, and compliance. For the third consecutive year, Avfuel has achieved the National Air Transportation Association's (NATA) Sustainability Standard for Aviation Businesses, reaching Tier 2 status for its comprehensive sustainability efforts and carbon footprint reduction. Learn more from Aviation International News here.
That’s all for our June Aviation News! Stay tuned for more news and information in July’s Aviation News Brief!
