Spanair

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Investigators: Doomed Plane's Flaps Failed

Alarm that should have alerted pilots to problem never did

(Newser) - Wing flaps that help lift a plane on takeoff failed on the Spanair flight that crashed last month, and an alarm to warn pilots never sounded, according to an initial report released today on the accident that killed 154 people. Investigators did not say whether they believe the flap problem...

Flap Error May Have Caused Spanair Crash

Electrical failure kept pilots from getting warning, investigators believe

(Newser) - Pilots of the Spanair jet that crashed last month didn't extend the aircraft's flaps before takeoff—and an electrical malfunction likely kept them from getting a warning about it, the Wall Street Journal reports. The flaps, on the backs of wings, are needed for an extra lift when an aircraft...

3rd Spanair Flight Suffers Technical Problems

Issues force second diversion in 2 days for airline

(Newser) - Technical issues forced Spanair to divert one of its jets today, the second consecutive day that’s happened for the Spanish airline rocked by last week’s deadly crash in Madrid, the AP reports. An MD-80 jet—the same series as Wednesday’s ill-fated aircraft—returned to Granada after communications...

Pilots' Union Warned Spanair: Operations Are a 'Disaster'

Union told management fleet was too old as early as 2007

(Newser) - Pilots at Spanair, operator of the MD80 airliner that crashed in Madrid this week, killing 153, warned management repeatedly that passenger safety was compromised by the “chaotic” way the airline was operated, the Times of London reports. Emails from the Spanish pilots union claimed the fleet  wasn’t being...

Passenger on Doomed Flight Denied Exit

Crew refused to let concerned man out before Madrid takeoff

(Newser) - The cabin crew of the Spanish flight which crashed on take-off yesterday denied a passenger’s request to leave the plane after it experienced technical problems, the Times of London reports. The man texted his wife about the plane’s malfunctions two hours before the accident at Madrid’s airport,...

Clues Sought in Madrid Crash
 Clues Sought in Madrid Crash 
Aug 21, 2008 6:03 AM CDT

Clues Sought in Madrid Crash

Black boxes found; authorities rule out foul play in crash that killed 153

(Newser) - Investigators are searching through wreckage for clues to why a passenger jet bound for the Canary Islands crashed shortly after takeoff from Madrid yesterday killing 153 passengers, the BBC reports. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion before the crash but officials say foul play has been ruled out. The voice recorders...

153 Dead, 19 Survivors: 'Closest Thing to Hell'

MD-82 had technical issues earlier in the day; sister jet also had problems

(Newser) - The death toll from today's crash of a jetliner in Madrid reached 153—with only 19 survivors—as investigators sought to figure out what happened. The Spanair plane had aborted one takeoff because of an unspecified technical glitch, and passengers were warned they might have to disembark and change aircraft,...

149 Confirmed Dead in Spain Crash
 149 Confirmed Dead
 in Spain Crash
UPDATED
Aug 20, 2008 1:44 PM CDT

149 Confirmed Dead in Spain Crash

Bodies too hot to touch after fiery disaster; 26 survive

(Newser) - The Spanish government confirms that 149 people died when a Spanair jet crashed shortly after takeoff from Madrid's airport today, the AP reports. Only 26 survived the horrific crash, which tore the aircraft apart to the point that rescue workers said the wreckage didn’t look like a plane and...

Spain Crash Toll May Be 150
 Spain Crash Toll May Be 150
UPDATED
Aug 20, 2008 11:53 AM CDT

Spain Crash Toll May Be 150

Witnesses say jet carrying 173 burst into flames just after Madrid takeoff

(Newser) - The death toll in today’s crash of a Spanair jet in Madrid is about 150, the Telegraph reports, with witnesses saying one of the aircraft’s engines exploded just after it took off, bound for the Canary Islands. Though the government is only confirming 45 dead, the Guardian says...

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