Delta Jet Flips, Navy Jet Crashes – More Mishaps Stack Up

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Good morning! Just when you think we’ve had more than our share of aviation mishaps over the last few weeks, more continue to add up. Aviation is an inherently dangerous business (and I’m all for living on the edge), but every checklist, procedure and safety briefing exists for a reason—many of them written in blood. Whether you’re flying off an aircraft carrier or landing your Cessna at an uncontrolled field, please stay safe up there! Check your six, trust your training and never skip the basics. 🛩️
-Rob Roy

In today’s email:

• Delta Plane Flips Over During Landing

• Navy E/A-18G Growler Crash

• Around the Skies: FAA puts ‘men’ back in NOTAM, Utah’s electric aircraft push, NATCA rejects retirement extension, B-29 Superfortresses will soon reunite, Alaska’s latest aviation tragedy, Altaport upgrades hangar rental, Runway mishap ends in tragedy

• PilotTube: The Navy’s Wildest Aviation Experiment

THE BUSINESS OF AVIATION

Delta Jet Flips on Toronto Runway

A Delta Air Lines CRJ-900 flipped upside down while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, yet miraculously, everyone onboard survived with only 17 reported injuries. The flight from Minneapolis encountered blowing snow and gusty winds up to 40 mph, but what exactly caused it to end up on its roof is still unknown. Video footage captured the aftermath—firefighters dousing the aircraft as passengers walked away, stunned but safe. Investigators are now digging into why the plane lost a wing and whether wind conditions played a larger role than initially suspected.

This marks the fourth major aviation accident in North America in just three weeks, adding to a troubling trend. While the CRJ-900 is a proven workhorse, it’s almost unheard of for a commercial jet to end up fully inverted. Canadian and U.S. safety boards are now piecing together what went wrong, analyzing flight data, cockpit voice recordings and wreckage. For pilots, this is yet another stark reminder that weather, preparation and fundamentals always matter.

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Routine Flight Turns Emergency over San Diego

A U.S. Navy E/A-18G Growler crashed into the ocean off the San Diego coast during a routine go-around maneuver, forcing both crew members to eject. The aircraft, which had just taken off from a naval base, remained airborne for several minutes before plunging into the water in a dramatic 80-foot plume of debris. The pilots were quickly rescued and transported to a hospital, where they were reported in stable condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The Growler, a twin-seat electronic warfare jet, is a critical asset in naval aviation, specializing in radar jamming and electronic attack capabilities. The incident highlights the risks associated with high-performance military aircraft operations, particularly during complex landing and takeoff procedures. The crash comes months after a similar Navy aircraft went down in Washington state, raising further questions about the demands placed on these advanced jets and their crews.

As the Navy works to determine what went wrong, the Coast Guard has secured the crash site in San Diego Harbor and aviation safety experts will analyze flight data to prevent future mishaps. While military pilots train for emergency scenarios like this, the incident underscores the fine line between routine operations and disaster. Fortunately, thanks to their quick ejection and recovery, this mishap ended with both the pilot and NFO safely back on solid ground, albeit with a few more stories to tell.

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AROUND THE SKIES

🛩️ The FAA has officially restored "Notice to Airmen" (NOTAM) after a brief stint as "Notice to Air Missions," a change made for inclusivity under the previous administration. The move reverses a 176-page rule, but the purpose of NOTAMs remains unchanged—keeping pilots informed about crucial flight conditions.

🛩️ Utah is partnering with Beta Technologies and 47G to position itself as a leader in electric aviation ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics. The collaboration will introduce electric aircraft, like Beta’s Alia CTOL, and charging infrastructure across the state, beginning with key routes. The initiative aims to gradually integrate air taxis and other electric aircraft, with a focus on making Utah a hub for air mobility.

🛩️ The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) isn’t buying Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s plan to raise the ATC retirement age, calling it an ineffective fix for staffing shortages. The union argues real solutions lie in better hiring, training and retention. With the FAA far short of its staffing targets, NATCA insists more investment is needed—not just keeping controllers past their prime.

🛩️ The last two airworthy B-29 bombers, Doc and FIFI, will reunite at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2025 from July 21-27. These legendary Superfortresses (Superfortressi?) will be on display at Boeing Plaza, with flight experiences available from Appleton International Airport. EAA calls it an “only at Oshkosh” moment, celebrating two of the most iconic warbirds ever built.

🛩️ A commuter plane crashed on Alaska’s sea ice, killing all 10 aboard in one of the state’s deadliest aviation accidents. Rescuers found the wreckage near Nome, but recovery efforts were hindered by unstable ice. With no distress signal and a sudden altitude loss, investigators are working to determine the cause.

🛩️ Altaport is modernizing airport operations with a short-term hangar rental platform, debuting at Truckee Tahoe Airport. The system helps airports monetize vacant hangars while giving pilots a much-needed overnight option. CEO Cory Cozzens says the goal is to replace outdated methods with tech-driven solutions. With demand for hangar space soaring, this platform offers a win-win for both airports and transient operators.

🛩️ A Learjet 35A veered off the runway at Scottsdale Airport, colliding with a parked Gulfstream G200, killing one and injuring three. Investigators blame a landing gear failure for the accident. While the jet is registered to Motley Crue’s Vince Neil, he wasn’t on board. The NTSB and FAA are investigating further.

PilotTube

In this video, we learn about the U.S. Navy’s ambitious experiment with massive airships for long-range Pacific scouting, dating back almost 100 years. With Japan’s naval power rising, Admiral William Moffett saw airships as the ultimate “scout cruisers of the air.” The USS Akron and USS Macon, equipped with onboard fighters, aimed to revolutionize reconnaissance—pushing military aviation into bold new territory.

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