SpaceX Starship launches are currently suspended as the Federal Aviation Administration investigates a mishap during the rocket’s recent test flight. The booster experienced engine failures during its return to Earth, resulting in a hard landing instead of a controlled splashdown. The spacecraft, however, successfully completed its mission, orbiting the Earth and performing a planned splashdown in the Indian Ocean, carrying 20 mock satellites. This mega rocket, designed for Mars missions, is also crucial for NASA’s lunar landing plans.
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United Airlines Flight 1980 reported encountering a drone at approximately 3,000 feet while approaching San Diego International Airport. While the flight crew initially reported striking the drone, subsequent statements from United Airlines indicated there was no indication of a strike, and a thorough inspection revealed no damage to the aircraft. The FAA stated the crew believed they saw a drone 1,000 feet below them, prompting an investigation by the FBI into the incident, which occurred in airspace where drone operation is restricted.
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Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is facing calls for resignation following a deadly crash at LaGuardia Airport. The incident, which killed two Air Canada pilots and injured dozens, is reportedly being investigated by the FAA in relation to air traffic control staffing levels. Critics argue Duffy has not adequately addressed these staffing issues, pointing to a previous fatal crash in 2025 and several near-misses as evidence of a systemic problem. The secretary’s recent public appearances, including travel to New York and media interviews, have drawn further criticism for being perceived as politically motivated rather than focused on the crisis.
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JetBlue flight 1230 from Cancun to Newark was diverted to Tampa International Airport after experiencing a sudden drop in altitude, leading to an emergency landing. Approximately 15 people were transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the FAA is investigating a potential “flight control issue” on the Airbus A320. JetBlue has stated that the aircraft is out of service for inspection and that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause. The incident occurred amidst heightened stress in air travel due to the government shutdown, impacting staffing and potentially contributing to delays, and took place just after a strong cold front had passed through Florida.
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A DeHavilland DH-6 Twin Otter carrying 20 passengers and crew crashed near the Tullahoma Regional Airport in Tennessee on Sunday afternoon. Three individuals were airlifted, and one was transported by ground, for treatment of serious injuries, while others received on-site medical attention for minor injuries. No fatalities resulted from the crash, and no ground injuries were reported. The FAA is currently investigating the incident, which involved significant damage to the plane’s tail section.
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A United Airlines flight nearly collided with a SkyWest flight on May 13th at San Francisco International Airport due to an unauthorized left turn by the United aircraft during takeoff from a parallel runway. The close call, resulting in a minimal lateral and vertical separation of 1950 and 275 feet respectively, prompted an evasive maneuver by the SkyWest crew. The FAA is investigating the incident, focusing on the United crew’s actions leading up to the unauthorized turn. Both airlines are cooperating with the investigation.
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An Army Black Hawk helicopter’s deviation from established flight paths near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) forced two commercial airliners to execute go-arounds, aborting their landings. This incident, occurring just three months after a deadly mid-air collision involving a Black Hawk and a passenger jet near DCA, prompted outrage from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who deemed the helicopter’s actions “unacceptable.” The FAA and NTSB are investigating, while Duffy plans to address the Defense Department regarding the disregard for safety protocols. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the risks of helicopter operations in the congested airspace around DCA.
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Following a fatal helicopter crash that killed a pilot and a Spanish family of five, the FAA announced the immediate closure of New York Helicopter Tours and a review of its safety record. This action followed Senator Schumer’s call for the company’s operating permits to be revoked and for increased safety inspections across the industry, citing a history of fatal incidents. The crash, which occurred Thursday, renewed concerns about the safety of New York City’s helicopter sightseeing tours. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
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On Thursday, two American Airlines planes collided on the Reagan National Airport runway, with one wing clipping another. Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Nick LaLota, Grace Meng, and Adriano Espaillat were passengers on one of the affected flights, reporting no injuries. The FAA will investigate the incident, which occurred while the planes awaited takeoff. This event follows recent concerns regarding staffing levels and safety at the airport, prompting calls for a thorough investigation and renewed attention to air traffic control resources.
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A near-miss occurred Friday afternoon between a Delta Air Lines flight departing Reagan National Airport and a US Air Force T-38 Talon jet, prompting an onboard alert and corrective actions from air traffic control. The incident, which occurred near the site of a previous fatal collision, involved the military jet passing within close proximity to the Delta aircraft at a high rate of speed. The FAA will investigate this close call, which follows recent congressional hearings concerning numerous prior near-misses between military and commercial aircraft in the same area. This event underscores ongoing safety concerns regarding military aircraft operations near Reagan National Airport.
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John Q. Hosedrinker