This week in Midweek Updates
It's not too late to join this year's Oshkosh adventure!
Aero South Africa - The future of aviation is now!
Aero Club Communique # 13 of 2026 .
Super Tucano aircraft to help Togo address terror threats.
Evektor Harmony receives type certification in Germany.
Boeing's MQ-28 logs first international flights in allied airspace.
ITPS Canada orders Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers.
Robinson Helicopter Company to add Crewchief, digital aircraft management and maintenance intelligence to future aircraft.
EgyptAir Takes Delivery of First Boeing 737 MAX Jet.
This week in history - 1 June 1943 BOAC DC-3-194, Douglas DC-3 Shot down.
Worldwide Incidents and Accidents
Bonus video - Goerapan Day Heli Safari Day Three
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THIS YEAR'S OSHKOSH ADVENTURE!
AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 - a busy schedule ahead! This year's AirVenture Oshkosh airshow schedule once again promises to be a busy - The Red Arrows, Red Bull's P-38 and DC 6, the B-29 "Doc" and the Pioneers of Flight collection representing aircraft from the first 25 years of aviation. Plus the two night airshows, the Valdez type STOL contest ... a week is just not long enough to take it all in!
Good news is that it's not too late to join. Limited space is still available on packages ex South Africa and ex Chicago. Our campsite, on the airfield, offers the most cost effective, convenient and fun way to visit the event - catered camping, organised travel arrangements, the kick of being part of the largest overseas group at the airshow and no daily travelling!
If you have not yet joined, don't delay, secure your spot on this year's week of aviation fun tour!
The SA Campsite - close to all the action, night and day!
Neil +27 84 674 5674 info@airadventure.co.za www.airadventure.co.za
AERO SOUTH AFRICA - THE FUTURE OF AVIATION IS NOW!
Electric aircraft from Kyleworth and advanced drones from SSASS Holdings are shaping the future of flight. From next-generation eVTOL concepts to advanced airspace integration solutions from uAvionix and SSASS Holdings, this is where the future of aviation is taking shape.
See it all in action from 10-12 June only at AERO South Africa.Free trade visitor registration below.
SSASS Holdings will present a comprehensive range of advanced technologies from uAvionix Corporation, focused on the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into shared airspace.
SSASS Holdings will showcase innovative solutions designed to enhance airspace awareness, improve safety and support the future of BVLOS drone operations across Africa.
Featured UAS Solutions
uAvionix's renowned "ping" range of compact Mode S ADS-B transponders for drones provides real-time electronic conspicuity for unmanned aircraft operating in increasingly complex airspace environments. These systems ensure drones are visible to both air traffic control and nearby aircraft, significantly enhancing operational safety and situational awareness.
SSASS Holdings will also feature its own custom manufactured ping mounting kits for various DJI Enterprise drone models.
uAvionix's next-generation cockpit and surveillance products, including:
• AV-20 and AV-30 multi-function cockpit displays
• tailBeaconX Mode S ADS-B transponder
• SkyEcho 2 portable ADS-B transceiver
• pingStation 3 ground-based ADS-B receiver
General Aviation Technologies
We are entering a new era where civilian vertical take-off and landing aircraft will redefine how people and cities connect. Since the Wright brothers' first flight in 1903, aviation has continuously evolved. Today, KYLEWORTH AERO is leading the next great leap in civil aviation - pioneering the future of electric flight and transforming regional and urban mobility.
KYLEWORTH AERO AVIA E6 eVTOL
The Avia E6 defines a new class of aircraft-uniting high performance with emotionally resonant, human-centered design. Its aerodynamic form blends efficiency with visual elegance, redefining the experience of air travel.
Configuration
Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL)
Capacity
6 seats (1 pilot + 5 passengers)
Range
300 km (VFR operations)
Cruise Speed
320 km/h
200 mph / 147 knots
Emissions
Zero operating emissions
Join us to connect with industry leaders, discover innovations, and gain valuable aviation insights.
We look forward to welcoming you to AERO South Africa 2026!
REGISTER HERE! www.app.messereg.com/events/visitor/aero-south-africa-2026
OUR DEDICATED SALES TEAM
Louise Olckers - Show Director
Tel: +27 (0)10 599 6150 Louise.Olckers@za.messefrankfurt.com
Valentia Madube - Sales Executive
Tel: +27 (0)82 362 8138 Valentia.Madube@za.messefrankfurt.com
Important Information
Please note: AERO South Africa is a trade show, and children under the age of 15 will not be permitted entry.
Aero Club Communique # 13 of 2026
Good day to all our Aero Club members and the GA Industry. I trust you are well. After an absence of a few weeks, we are back with some information for you - our general aviation community.
12-Year Engine Rule
We all are aware of the process that was followed to get the amendments to Parts 91 and 43 approved at the Civil Aviation Regulations Committee (CARCom). These amendments were strongly supported by the Aero Club and approved at CARCom on the 20th of April 2026. There were unconfirmed reports that the amendments had been sent by the SACAA to the Department of Transport (DoT) for signature by the Minister to officially promulgate the amendments.
On Monday, the 25th of May, the Minister of Transport was a guest on Radio 702. She was asked by a caller to the radio station about the promulgation of Part 91. The minister replied that she had not seen the proposed amendment but would investigate the matter.
This is very disappointing and frustrating news, given that on the 25th of May it was 5 weeks after the CARCom meeting. The disappointment is compounded further by not receiving any information about the progress to get the amendments through the regulatory process and promulgated. I and some others are attempting to get information and will advise as soon as we hear anything.
85th Annual General Meeting of the Aero Club of South Africa NPC
The 2026 Annual General Meeting was held on the 6th of May 2026. The meeting convened with 34 paid up members in good standing present at the meeting and the necessary quorum requirements being met. The acting chairman, Walter Doubell, presented an overview of the past year's activities. The financial position was reported by our treasurer, Iaan Myburgh.
Once the previous year's reports and minutes were finalised, a council meeting convened in a breakaway Teams meeting. This breakaway meeting is held in terms of the Aero Club Constitution. The sole purpose of this council meeting is to elect an Exco for the next year.
The only nomination received for council was for Marie Reddy. It is disappointing that there were not more nominations for council positions. Walter Doubell and Iaan Myburgh were available for re-election. Louis Stanford was not available for re election but will remain as an exco member till the end of July to assist then exco.
The Council elected the following exco members:
Chairman: Walter Doubell
Vice-Chairman: Marie Reddy
Treasurer: Iaan Myburgh
The AGM then reconvened, the new exco was announced and the AGM adjourned. The AGM presentation for this year's AGM that includes the minutes of the 84th AGM held last year plus the chairman's and treasurer's reports are available on our website at www.aeroclub.org.za under Governance on the top right of the launch page.
Other Aero Club information
The 2026 Aero Club membership renewal commenced on the 1st of December. Please visit the Aero Club website renewal portal at https://aeroclub.org.za/membership/ to renew or to register as a new member.
Please also see below the information on our Aero Assist system whereby you can easily renew your Authority to Fly.
The contact numbers for the SACAA for confidential hazard reporting and the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre are also listed below.
Have a safe week, regards
Walter Doubell, Chairman,
Chairman Aeroclub SA
31 May 2026
This year, Togo is expected to receive four Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft worth $82 million. Designed for low-intensity conflicts, the Brazilian aircraft is expected to bolster Togo's fight against the al-Qaida-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) terror group, which has expanded its operations from Burkina Faso and other parts of the Sahel region toward coastal West Africa.
The A-29 deal includes pilot training and technical maintenance assistance. The aircraft, known for their effectiveness in counterinsurgency operations in difficult terrain, will operate mainly out of the northern Niamtougou Fighter Base to increase surveillance and firepower in an area of savannahs and forests where terrorists lurk. The aircraft performs well at forward operating bases and in rugged terrain with poor runways.
It is not clear when the four turboprop Super Tucanos will be delivered, but the purchase represents "the most significant modernization of the Togolese Air Force in decades," and "a deliberate and accelerating transition in Togolese military doctrine: from passive border monitoring toward an active, precision-capable counter-insurgency strike posture," wrote researchers with the African Security Analysis website.
A-29s are used in several African countries, including Nigeria, which received a dozen Super Tucanos in July 2021. By August 2024, the Nigerian Air Force had logged 10,000 flight hours on the aircraft, which it uses in counterterror operations against Boko Haram and other groups. Nigeria received the aircraft from the United States in a $500 million deal that included spare parts to support several years of operations, contracted logistics support, munitions and a multiyear construction project to upgrade infrastructure at the Kainji base in Niger State.
Super Tucano Features
The A-29 features a reinforced airframe and self-sealing fuel tanks to repel small-arms fire from the ground, the kind of munitions commonly employed by JNIM. It includes a 1,600-horsepower engine that can carry a 1,550-kilogram payload across five hardpoints.
The Super Tucanos are a move away from the Socata TB-30 Epsilon training aircraft that Togolese forces have used since the 1980s. The Epsilons offered basic air-to-ground capability, but lacked endurance and sensor integration.
The A-29's sensors include optronic pods, which are electro-optical and infrared sensor systems used for reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting operations. These pods will help Togolese crews identify and track targets at long distances.
"This capability fundamentally alters the tactical dynamic in the Savanes region, where JNIM units have exploited the limitations of Togo's existing reconnaissance and strike assets to conduct hit-and-run operations with relative impunity," according to African Security Analysis.
The JNIM Threat
Among other areas, JNIM operates from the southeastern Burkina Faso province of Kompienga, which borders Togo. Due to the porous border, the Togolese prefecture of Kpendjal has been increasingly targeted by terror attacks, although violence began spreading away from the borderlands last year.
In a study for the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, security specialist Mathias Khalfaoui said in August 2025 that JNIM's expansion into Togo was "becoming clear." There have been no major JNIM attacks reported this year in Togo, but more than 60 people, including 54 civilians and eight soldiers, were killed in 15 terror incidents between 1 January and 30 July 2025.
Togolese political scientist Madi Djabakate told Agence France-Presse that the northern Togolese prefectures of Kpendjal and West Kpendjal are particularly vulnerable due to an absence of state forces.
"Civil servants posted to these areas perceive their assignment as a punishment, given the harsh living conditions and the absence of public services," Djabakate said.
A shift in JNIM's terror playbook unfolded in April 2025, when the terrorists used for the first time a kamikaze drone in a Savanes region attack that injured six Soldiers. The group is also known to conduct suicide bombings, and use improvised explosive devices and advanced military equipment seized from national forces, particularly those from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
Written by Africa Defense Forum and republished with permission. The original article can be found here. www.adf-magazine.com/2026/05/super-tucano-aircraft-to-help-togo-address-terror-threats/
EVEKTOR HARMONY RECEIVES TYPE CERTIFICATION IN GERMANY
Evektor-Aerotechnik is proud to announce that the the UL version of the Harmony LSA - popular for sport flying and flight training in aviation schools across the USA, Australia, South America, and other countries - has received German type certification from DULV in accordance with the latest LTF-UL 2019 regulation for 600 kg MTOW aircraft.
This important milestone paves the way for Harmony's expansion into additional European markets that recognize German type certification. The aircraft had already previously received type certifications from the aviation authorities in the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Sweden and Finland.
Harmony follows the successful path of the legendary EV-97 Eurostar from Evektor. With approximately 1,000 aircraft delivered worldwide and more than 130 units supplied to Germany alone, the Eurostar ranked among the best-selling imported low-wing aircraft in its category.
The aircraft has been approved with the Rotax 912 ULS and the fuel-injected Rotax 912iS Sport2 engine options. Thanks to its low empty weight, Harmony offers one of the highest useful loads in the 600 kg MTOW UL category on the market.
Its robust all-metal structure, proven in intensive flight school operations worldwide, outstanding flight characteristics of a training aircraft, combined with modern design, the latest avionics and range up to 1400 km, make Harmony popular not only for pilot training in flight schools but also for cross-country flying by sport pilots.
BOEING'S MQ-28 LOGS FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS IN ALLIED AIRSPACE
The MQ-28 recently completed three operational flight tests on the Point Mugu Sea Range at U.S. Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, California, to validate autonomous operations and demonstrate rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied location.
The deployment is the Australia-developed MQ-28's first international operation in allied airspace and signals growing global interest in uncrewed autonomous combat capability.
Why it matters: This testing shows the MQ-28's ability to operate seamlessly from allied facilities, which helps Boeing demonstrate the aircraft's maturity and potential export opportunities to international customers outside Australia.
"The activity at Point Mugu is part of Boeing's ongoing flight test program to mature the MQ-28 and demonstrate operations from allied locations," said Glen Ferguson, MQ-28 global program director. "MQ-28 is using this location to further prove the maturity of the program and inform future exportability."
How they did it: Tests at Point Mugu validate autonomous systems while following required airspace, range safety and regulatory approvals.
MQ-28 took flight three times, each for a specified amount of time, over the Pacific Ocean.
Range safety procedures, certified range assets and coordination with authorities are used to mitigate risk.
MQ-28 continues its flight operations testing in the U.S. to validate autonomous operations and demonstrate rapid deployment and sustained operations from an allied location.
The big picture: MQ-28 is part of a broader Boeing family of systems designed to be modular, affordable and to reduce risk to crewed platforms. Developed by Boeing Australia and supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, the aircraft's flexible design underpins diverse mission sets and payload integration, enabling customers to tailor capabilities to their requirements.
ITPS CANADA ORDERS LEONARDO M-346 T BLOCK 20 ADVANCED JET TRAINERS TO MEET EVOLVING TACTICAL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
With a rapidly growing number of air forces dealing with the need to deliver modern training to the next generation of fighter pilots to cope with evolving operational requirements, and as combat air technology becomes more and more sophisticated, the ITPS Canada is responding with the introduction of Leonardo's advanced capabilities and integrated training solutions for the task into its aircraft fleet.
ITPS Executive Chairman Giorgio Clementi signed a contract for six M-346 T Block 20 lead-in jet trainers - with options for an additional six aircraft - at a signing ceremony at Venegono in Italy which also included a final evaluation flight of the aircraft. Clementi stated that "The M346 continues Italy's illustrious track record of producing world leading jet trainer aircraft. The new trainers are expected to enter service at the company's International Tactical Training Centre base in North Bay (Ontario) starting in 2029, providing a major contribution to the first capability enhancement project of the ITTC fleet, currently active in providing training to several international customers and to meet advanced tactical training service demand from in excess of ten different air forces globally.
With more than 25 years of experience delivering advanced and specialist flight test and military tactical training in Canada to over 29 air arms to date, ITPS has been active in providing innovative solutions to satisfy the evolving operational requirements of modern air forces.
In October 2025, ITPS CEO Dave Lohse conducted an airborne evaluation of the Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainer in the airspace north of Ottawa International Airport.
Following the evaluation flight, Lohse said: "The M-346 is an exceptionally capable advanced jet trainer that aligns closely with the operational requirements of modern fighter pilot training. The aircraft's performance, digital flight control system, and advanced training architecture make it an ideal platform to support the next phase of growth for the International Tactical Training Centre.
As allied air forces look to expand training capacity and interoperability, the M-346 will help enable ITTC to welcome pilots from Canada and partner nations to train together in a modern and operationally focused environment."
The M-346 is the core element of a cutting-edge and continuously evolving advanced flight-training system that has already demonstrated its effectiveness: a success story that has logged over 160,000 hours in flight with more than 160 aircraft sold to date, enabling several air forces in Europe and worldwide to train pilots for flying high-performance fighters such as, among others, the Eurofighter Typhoon, F-35 and next-generation 'combat air systems'.
Twenty countries - including Canada - already train their pilots on the M-346 or have selected the aircraft, in the multirole light fighter version. Thanks to its high-performance, capabilities and manoeuvrability, the M 346 has also been selected by the Italian Air Force as the future aircraft for the "Frecce Tricolori", Italy's national aerobatic team.
Robinson Helicopter Company To Add Crewchief, Digital Aircraft Management And Maintenance Intelligence To Future Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter Company, (RHC) will implement Crewchief Systems next-generation digital aircraft management capabilities across the future R66 NxG and R88 helicopters, along with all legacy R22's, R44's and aircraft sent in under the new RHC trade in program.
Adding the Crewchief platform to future and legacy Robinson helicopters offers owners and operators a secure, cloud-based digital infrastructure with lifetime visibility into each aircraft's operational and maintenance history. The initiative replaces fragmented, paper-based logbooks and disconnected systems with a secure, structured digital environment that delivers real-time operational and maintenance intelligence.
For decades, aircraft records have been stored in physical logbooks and disparate databases, creating an administrative burden and proactive maintenance planning. Crewchief enables real-time trend analysis and next-generation maintenance tracking, allowing operators and service teams to monitor component history, inspection intervals, airworthiness directives, and service bulletin compliance with greater precision. Records can then be consolidated within a centralized system featuring redundancy safeguards, version control, and structured data organization to ensure accuracy, traceability, and long-term preservation.
"The integration of Crewchief Systems into our helicopters represents a shift in how we support owners and operators. We aren't just delivering reliable aircraft; we are providing a digital nervous system that supports the safety, efficiency and ease of maintenance for the life of the helicopter," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. "By supporting the transition away from paper logbooks, we are giving our customers the real-time intelligence they need to stay ahead of the maintenance curve and prolong the life of their helicopter."
The platform also provides immediate visibility with A.I. assistance in airworthiness directives, inspection requirements, and maintenance status, keeping documentation organized and audit-ready. This proactive digital approach allows operators to continuously monitor aircraft health, strengthening regulatory adherence and operational confidence.
"Our role is to ensure that every record, inspection, component change, and operational input is organized, traceable, and accessible in real time while maintaining the highest standards of verification and quality assurance," said Aaron de Zafra, CEO of Crewchief Systems. "This partnership with Robinson reflects a shared commitment to safety, compliance, and long-term asset integrity."
Crewchief Systems provides modern aircraft management solutions that digitize and unify critical data intelligence for pilots, fleet operators, and maintenance professionals. The platform offers real-time aircraft operations tracking, comprehensive maintenance history, airworthiness compliance monitoring, and digital records management accessible via secure mobile and web architecture. Crewchief Systems partners with leading aviation organizations, including Garmin, Epic Aircraft, FlightAware, and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). For more information, visit www.crewchiefsystems.com.
EGYPTAIR TAKES DELIVERY OF FIRST BOEING 737 MAX JET
Boeing (NYSE: BA) and EgyptAir announced today the Egyptian national airline took delivery of its first 737 MAX. The 737-8 is the first of 18 airplanes leased from SMBC Aviation Capital to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Egypt.
"The delivery of our first Boeing 737 MAX marks a significant milestone in our fleet modernization strategy. By integrating the 737-8 into our operations, EgyptAir Holding is committed to providing our passengers with a superior travel experience while achieving greater operational efficiency," said Captain Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EgyptAir Holding Company. "This aircraft's advanced technology and reduced environmental footprint align perfectly with our vision for sustainable growth and our dedication to maintaining a young, state-of-the-art fleet that connects Egypt to the world."
Boeing and EgyptAir announced today the Egyptian national airline took delivery of its first 737 MAX. The 737-8 is the first of 18 airplanes leased from SMBC Aviation Capital to be delivered and represents the first 737 MAX in Egypt.
The 737-8 complements EgyptAir's fleet of 30 Next-Generation 737 jets with operational commonality and enhanced efficiency, reducing fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes it replaces. As part of its fleet renewal program, EgyptAir will deploy the new aircraft on short- and medium-haul routes to destinations such as Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and Vienna.
"We are delighted to support EgyptAir as it welcomes its first 737-8 and advances its fleet modernization strategy," said Barry Flannery, chief commercial officer at SMBC Aviation Capital. "This delivery underscores our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our commitment to providing EgyptAir with efficient, next-generation aircraft that enhance operational performance and deliver a better passenger experience."
Passengers aboard EgyptAir's 737 MAX jets will experience a new level of comfort with the Boeing Sky Interior, which features advanced LED lighting, larger windows and spacious overhead bins.
"The delivery of EgyptAir's first 737 MAX marks an important step toward the airline's modernization goals and kicks off a new era for Egypt," said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa. "The 737 MAX offers the efficiency, range and passenger comfort airlines need as they grow and enhance their operations. With this delivery, we build on 60 years of partnership with EgyptAir and welcome them as a 737 MAX operator."
EgyptAir is one of Africa's largest and longest-serving operators of the 737 family - dating back to 1975 when the airline first ordered the airplane type. The carrier also operates five 777 and eight 787 Dreamliner jets.
1 June 1943 BOAC DC-3-194, Douglas DC-3 Shot down
Flight 777-A was a scheduled passenger flight from Lisboa-Portela de Sacavém Airport, in neutral Portugal, to Whitechurch Airport, Bristol, England. The airplane was a Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.V. (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines) Douglas DC-3-194 twin-engine, 21-passenger commercial airliner.
The DC-3 had been delivered to KLM by ship. The airliner was assigned Netherlands registration PH-ALI and named Ibis. It was the first of ten DC-3s ordered by KLM, and it regularly flew a London-Amsterdam-Berlin schedule.
When Germany invaded Holland in May 1940, Ibis was flown to England and was then leased to BOAC. Once in England, it was re-registered G-AGBB. Although it remained a civil aircraft, Ibis was painted in the standard Royal Air Force dark green, dark brown and grey camouflage. The original KLM flight crew continued to fly the airliner for BOAC.
At about 12:45 p.m., a flight of eight Junkers Ju 88C fighters, which were patrolling the Bay of Biscay to protect transiting U-boats, encountered the camouflaged DC-3 and shot it down.
All those aboard, 13 passengers and 4 crew members, were killed. Actor, director and producer Leslie Howard, who portrayed "Ashley Wilkes" in the 1939 motion picture, "Gone With The Wind," and R. J Mitchell, designer of the Supermarine Spitfire, in 1942's "First of the Few," was one of the passengers who died.
Ibis had been attacked by German fighters on two previous occasions. On 15 November 1942 a Messerschmitt Bf-110 twin-engine fighter damaged it. On 19 April 1943, six Bf-110s attacked. Both times the DC-3 had been damaged but was able to land safely.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 20 NM ENE of Sarajevo: Eurowings flight EW635 from Rhodes to Cologne, operated by an Airbus A320-200, D-AEWS, encountered severe wake turbulence while near Sarajevo. 4 passengers and a flight attendant suffered various injuries. The aircraft landed safely in Cologne. The injured passengers were transported to hospital and the CVR & FDR were secured. Eurowings flight EW635 from Rhodes to Cologne, operated by an Airbus A320-200, D-AEWS, encountered severe wake turbulence while near Sarajevo. 4 passengers and a flight attendant suffered various injuries. The aircraft landed safely in Cologne. The injured passengers were transported to hospital and the CVR & FDR were secured. While cruising at flight level 376, approximately 20 Nautical Miles East-Northeast of Sarajevo, EW635 was about 7.6 Nautical behind Emirates flight EK1, A Airbus A380, when the aircraft encountered severe and sudden wake turbulence. A flight attendant, who was up at the time, was thrown into the ceiling. The accident occurred as the aircraft was cleared to climb to FL380. ICAO recommendations state that a A380 and a A320 at the same altitude should have a separation of 7 Nautical Miles at minimum.
Netherlands, Zundert: During an aerial baptism per air balloon, a passenger jumped out of an Ultramagic N-250 above the Dutch village of Zundert. The pilot alerted emergency services, who after a short search located the body of the passenger in the garden of a house at the Elzenstraat, near the sports hall of the village. The balloon had taken off near Galder on the Dutch-Belgian border at 19:45 LT. Around 20:10 LT it was at al altitude of around 900 ft over Zundert.
UK, Old Warden Aerodrome (EGTH), Old Warden, Bedfordshire: An Avro Triplane IV (replica) is suspected to have lost power on takeoff from runway 20 during the Wings & Wheels Airshow at The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Airfield (EGTH), Old Warden, Bedfordshire. The airframe ended in some trees on the south side. The pilot reported he was OK, though attended the hospital for checks, and the aircraft received substantial damage.
USA, San Francisco International Airport, CA (SFO/KSFO): Netjets flight EJA864 from San Francisco to Van Nuys, was involved in a runway incursion event while taxiing for take-off. The aircraft attempted to cross runway 28R without permission from ATC. Subsequently, N17ZP, A Cessna Citation 680+, had to abort its take-off roll and a United Airlines flight, United Airlines flight UA2262, had to go around.
USA, near Dawsonville, GA: A Robinson R66 Turbine, N4488H, was destroyed when it impacted heavily wooded terrain near Dawsonville, Georgia. The pilot and one-pilot rated passenger sustained fatal injuries, and one passenger sustained serious injuries. The purpose of the flight was to fly the newly wed passengers from The Revere Wedding & Events Venue in Dawsonville back to Atlanta, Georgia. The pilot rated passenger was reportedly concerned about the accident flight due to visibility conditions. The helicopter departed the venue and proceeded south at low altitude before disappearing over a heavily wooded rugged area. According to weather reports, there were scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms along with heavy rainfall, mist, and low visibility reported in the general area surrounding two nearby airports.
Yemen, Marib Governorate: On 29 May 2026, a United States Air Force MQ-9A Reaper drone was shot down by Houthi rebels while flying over Marib Governorate. Footage of the downed aircraft was published by Houthi media. At least one and at times up to three of these $28 million to $32 million drones are shot down in trouble spots per month.
