Date: 24th November 2024
Location: Enroute between Minsk, Belarus, and Kaliningrad, Russia
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-195, registration EW-400PO
Operator: Belavia
Flight Number: B2-949
Flight Route: Minsk National (Belarus) to Kaliningrad (Russia)
Passengers and Crew: Not disclosed
Summary of Events
On 24th November 2024, Belavia Flight B2-949, operating an Embraer ERJ-195, returned to Minsk National Airport after the captain’s windshield developed a crack while cruising at FL300. The crew, prioritizing safety, descended to FL200 and initiated a return to Minsk. The aircraft landed safely without further incident.
A replacement aircraft completed the flight to Kaliningrad with a delay of approximately 9 hours. The occurrence aircraft remains grounded in Minsk as of 25th November 2024, pending maintenance and inspection.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The Embraer ERJ-195 is a regional jet known for its reliability and efficiency on short-haul routes. The specific aircraft, registration EW-400PO, has been in service with Belavia for several years.
The flight crew acted decisively and professionally, adhering to safety protocols to ensure a safe return to Minsk.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise and Detection:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL300 approximately halfway into its flight when the captain’s windshield developed visible cracks.
2. Decision to Return:
• Recognizing the potential safety risk, the crew decided to return to Minsk.
• The aircraft descended to FL200 to reduce stress on the cracked windshield during the return flight.
3. Safe Landing:
• The ERJ-195 landed safely at Minsk National Airport without further complications.
4. Operational Recovery:
• A replacement Embraer ERJ-195 (registration EW-513PO) was dispatched to complete the flight to Kaliningrad, resulting in a significant delay.
Initial Investigation and Analysis
1. Windshield Damage
The cause of the windshield cracking is under investigation. Potential contributing factors include:
• Thermal Stress: Rapid changes in temperature and pressure during flight can cause thermal stress fractures.
• Manufacturing Defects: Microscopic flaws in the windshield material may develop into cracks over time.
• Foreign Object Impact: Unreported impacts during ground handling or bird strikes can weaken the windshield.
2. Maintenance Records
Investigators are reviewing the aircraft’s maintenance history to determine if prior reports of windshield issues were recorded or addressed.
3. Environmental Factors
Weather and turbulence during the flight are being examined to assess their potential role in the incident.
Passenger and Crew Impact
All passengers and crew remained unharmed. Belavia ensured that passengers were accommodated during the delay and provided alternate travel arrangements.
Conclusions
The return of Belavia Flight B2-949 due to a cracked windshield highlights the importance of prompt decision-making and adherence to safety protocols. The flight crew’s actions ensured the safe outcome of the flight, minimizing risk to passengers and crew.
Pending further investigation, the findings are expected to inform maintenance practices and operational guidelines for similar aircraft.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Windshield Inspections:
• Implement more frequent and rigorous inspections of cockpit windshields to identify and address potential flaws early.
2. Material Testing and Certification:
• Manufacturers should reassess testing protocols for windshield materials, focusing on resilience to thermal and mechanical stress.
3. Operational Training for Windshield Failures:
• Provide flight crews with additional simulator training to manage scenarios involving windshield damage.
4. Incident Reporting and Analysis:
• Share findings with industry stakeholders to enhance collective knowledge and safety measures for similar incidents.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident underscores the critical role of proactive maintenance and operational preparedness in mitigating in-flight anomalies. The findings will likely contribute to improved materials testing, inspection protocols, and crew training programs, enhancing overall aviation safety.
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