AVIATION NEWS BRIEFS

*The NTSB has issued a brief update on an incident involving a DELTA AIRLINES Boeing 767 near Atlanta, Georgia, on October 27, 2009. On that date, Delta Flight 21 was on International Service from Paris, France, to Atlanta, and encountered moderate turbulence while on approach to Atlanta. The aircraft was able to land without incident. Media reported that 1 Flight Attendant was transported to hospital with unknown injuries. The NTSB reports that the 767 was descending between 18000 and 10000 feet, with seat belt signs on and the cabin crew securing the galley, when the aircraft was shook by the turbulence. 1 Flight Attendant bumped into another, causing the 2nd Flight Attendant to bump her head and fracture a rib. The NTSB said that there was no significant weather at the time of the incident and that there were no reports of turbulence in the region. The NTSB also reported that the 767 was not damaged. The investigation continues.

*A MESABA AIRLINES CRJ200 had to make an emergency landing at Grand Rapids, Michigan, yesterday, due to problems with its flaps. Flight 3408 was on Domestic Service on behalf of NORTHWEST AIRLINES from Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota, to Grand Rapids, with 47 passengers and crew onboard, when the incident took place. While on approach at 4000 feet, the crew requested to abandon its approach and circle, in attempt to troubleshoot an unspecified problem with the flaps. Shortly thereafter, the crew declared an emergency and reported that they would have to do zero flaps landing. The CRJ was able to land without incident about 20 minutes later. The aircraft was then removed from service for inspection and repair.

*A CONDOR A320 had to divert within Germany yesterday, due to faulty gear. Flight 6988 was on International Service from Hanover, Germany, to Fuerteventura, Spain, and was not able to retract its landing gear after takeoff. The crew requested to divert, and the A320 landed at Berlin, Germany without incident. The aicraft was then removed from service for inspection and possible repairs.

*A HOLA AIRLINES Boeing 737 had to make an emergency return to Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. Flight 15 was on Domestic Charter Service from Barcelona to La Coruna, Spain, with the FC Barcelona Football team onboard when the incident took place. The crew reported cabin pressurization problems while climbing out of Barcelona, and requested return. The 737 landed back at Barcelona without incident, about 40 minutes after its initial departure. Ground staff were able to identify the problem as being caused by a cargo door not being properly closed. After about 90 minutes on the ground, the 737 was cleared to resume its flight, and reached La Coruna without incident.

*A MESA AIRLINES CRJ220 had to make an emergency return to Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday, December 4. Flight 7208 was on Domestic Service to Chicago OHare, on behalf of UNITED AIRLINES, with 39 passengers and crew onboard, when the incident took place. The CRJ was climbing thru 18000 feet, when they reported a hydraulics failure and requested return. The CRJ landed back at Grand Rapids about 15 minutes later without incident.

*A DONAVIA Boeing 737 had to reject takeoff from Chulman, Russia, on Friday, December 4. Flight 626, on Domestic Service to Novosibirsk, rejected takeoff close to V1 at high speed. The crew was able to stop the aircraft on the runway. The Airline did not say why the takeoff was rejected, however the 737 in question was removed from service.