A self-declared 'free citizen' flying an unlicensed plane almost caused a midair crash, feds say

Tech Insider : Politics
A Piper PA-28-181 Cherokee
The plane was facing in the direction of incoming air traffic at the time of the incident, feds say. Photo used for illustration purposes only

aviation-images.com / Contributor / Getty

From mishaps to tragedies, the flight industry has already had a rough 2024

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Here are eight flight incidents passengers faced in early 2024, from the tragic crash in Japan to plane engines catching on fire.

The Boeing 787 that suddenly dropped mid-flight and injured at least 50 people is a stark reminder: Always wear your seatbelt.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
A man pulling his seatbelt tight on an airplane.
The Latam plane that plunged midair is a reminder to always wear your seatbelt when flying.

ATHVisions/Getty Images

A passenger jet smashed into runway lights as it took off, flew for 60 minutes, then landed with a gaping hole in its fuselage

Tech Insider : Travel
AirSerbia Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
An AirSerbia Airbus A330-200 aircraft. On Sunday, an AirSerbia Embraer E195 collided with runway lights during take-off, forcing it to later make an emergency landing.

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The pilot of the Japan Airlines plane didn't know it was on fire until alerted by cabin crew: report

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A Japan Airlines plane on fire on a runway of Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2, 2024
A Japan Airlines plane on fire on a runway of Tokyo's Haneda Airport on January 2, 2024.

STR/JIJI PRESS/AFP via Getty Images

The Japan Airlines evacuation succeeded even though the intercom broke and 5 of 8 emergency exits were unusable

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Plane
A fire engine is seen beside a Japan Airlines (JAL) passenger plane on the tarmac at Tokyo International Airport at Haneda on January 2, 2024.

RICHARD A. BROOKS

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