Video clip from CNN showcasing Steven Chealander of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) discussing the last moments of the crash of Continental flight 3407.

The NTSB indicates the plane rolled violently before the crash in Buffalo, New York, USA.

Aviation Herald is reporting a Colgan Air De Havilland Dash 8-400 on behalf of Continental Airlines, registration N200WQ performing flight 9L-3407/CO-3407 from Newark, NJ, USA to Buffalo, NY, USA with 44 passengers and 4 crew, crashed into a home in a surburb of Buffalo about 5 nm (10km) from the airport and burst into flames while on approach to Buffalo's Niagara Airport at about 10:17pm local time (03:17 GTM). All 48 occupants and one person on the ground died.

This is the second accident Continental is suffering in recent past. On December 20, 2008, a Continental Boeing 737 crashed at Denver airport.

The airplane was on the approach frequency, had been cleared down to 2300 feet, guided via radar vectors (heading 330 then heading 310) and cleared for an ILS approach to runway 23 and had just been handed over to the tower. The crew confirmed the frequency change, but didn't contact the tower anymore and also could not be reached on the approach frequency about one minute after hand over. A following Delta flight 1998 could not see the Dash 8 due to being in cloud, but also could not see the plane on their TCAS.

The home on 6050 Long Road is reported to be completely destroyed and reduced to rubble. Twelve homes along Long Road, Goodrich Road and Clarence Center Road near Clarence Town Hall in Clarence Center had to be evacuated. Two more residents on the ground were treated for injuries and brought to a hospital. Fire fighters were on the scene within seconds since their fire house on Clarence Center Road just next to the crash site.

A witness on the ground saw the airplane flying low with the left wing slightly low before it impacted ground.

The tower controller reported, that the airplane dropped off his radar without any anomaly beforehand.

Following the recognition, that the airplane was on the ground, the tower checked the ILS equipment of the airport sending Delta 1998 into a hold, found the ILS in the clear but transmitted a warning to all aircraft on tower and approach frequencies. Delta 1998 coming from the North reported upon request by the approach, that they were not building any significant ice, however reported a quarter of an inch. Another airplane, Cactus 1452 (US Airways/America West) coming from the South like the crashed Colgan Air, reported that they were picking up some ice for about 10 minutes for about 20nm. Subsequently Delta 1998 was commanded to not perform an autoland for possible localizer fluctuations.

The aircraft is new and was delivered 16th April 2008.

Relatives and friends of those traveling on flight 3407 who want to give or receive information about those on board may telephone the family assistance number at 1-800-621-3263.

Hear ATC conversation at Buffalo at the time of the accident.

For an edited version click here.

Following the successful bio-fuel test at Air New Zealand just 9 days ago, Continental Airlines, became the first U.S. airline to conduct a successful bio-fuel test yesterday, January 7.

The test at Continental was very similar to the one at Air New Zealand. The air-frame manufacturer was Boeing, at Continental it was a Boeing 737-800, while at Air New Zealand it was a Boeing 747. The technologist was UOP in both cases. The fuel was the same 50 per cent Jatropha mixed with 50% Jet A-1. The engine manufacturer at Continental was CFM, while at Air New Zealand it was Rolls Royce.

I applaud the efforts of Virgin, Air New Zealand, and Continental, and other participants in the bio-fuel tests, and exhort other airlines to also move towards aviation bio-fuels, most especially, Indian carriers. India is a major source of Jatropha, a major source for one the components of the aviation bio-fuel.

Thanks to the global economic slowdown, the price of oil may be low today, but it will rise once again, in the future. For much too long, the world has entrusted it's complete energy needs, in the hands of one of the most volatile regions on earth, the middle east, and Russia, a nation reverting back to it's pushy Soviet-era bullying.

We have to develop and implement alternatives sources of energy, if for no other reason, economic security. The savings and benefits to our planet, is an added bonus.

The flight designated CO9990 was conducted from Houston (KIAH) airport. Taken up to FL380 (38,000 ft), and descended as low at 4,300 feet, and was tested at varying altitudes and speeds, and with normal and non-normal flight maneuvers.

The full track of the flight can be seen here, image is below.


The full press release by Continental provides the full details.

Continental Airlines Flight Demonstrates Use of Sustainable Biofuels as Energy Source for Jet Travel

HOUSTON, Jan 07, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today is demonstrating the use of sustainable biofuel to power a commercial aircraft for the first time ever in North America. The demonstration flight -- which is being conducted in partnership with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM International, and Honeywell's UOP -- marks the first sustainable biofuel demonstration flight by a commercial carrier using a two-engine aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 equipped with CFM International CFM56-7B engines.

"This demonstration flight represents another step in Continental's ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Larry Kellner. "The technical knowledge we gain today will contribute to a wider understanding of the future for transportation fuels."

The biofuel blend includes components derived from algae and jatropha plants, both sustainable, second-generation sources that do not impact food crops or water resources or contribute to deforestation. The algae oil has been provided by Sapphire Energy, and the jatropha oil by Terasol Energy. This is the first time a commercial carrier will power a flight using fuel derived in part from algae.

Continental's Boeing 737-800, tail number 516, will depart from and return to Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport operating under a specially-issued "Experimental" aircraft type certificate, and will carry no passengers.

During the flight, which will last approximately two hours, Continental test pilots will engage the aircraft in a number of normal and non-normal flight maneuvers, such as mid-flight engine shutdown and re-start, and power accelerations and decelerations. A Continental engineer will record flight data onboard.

The flight will operate with a biofuel blend, which consists of 50 percent biologically-derived fuel and 50 percent traditional jet fuel, in the No. 2 engine. This biofuel blend will result in a significant net decrease in carbon emissions relative to traditional jet fuel, as both jatropha and algae consume carbon during their lifecycles.

The aircraft's No. 1 engine will operate on 100 percent traditional jet fuel, allowing Continental to compare performance between the biofuel blend and traditional fuel. As Continental has worked with Boeing, GE Aviation/CFM and UOP for more than nine months to carefully evaluate and test the biofuel in engines on the ground, no difference in performance is expected.

The biofuel is a "drop-in" fuel, and no modifications to the aircraft or engine are necessary for the flight to operate. The biofuel meets and exceeds specifications necessary for jet fuel, including a flash point and a freezing point appropriate for use in aircraft.

Following the flight, Continental will participate with its partners in post-flight engine analysis to ensure that the effect on the engine and aircraft, in addition to performance, is substantively no different between biofuel and traditional fuel.

"Through their leadership Continental Airlines is helping aviation pioneer a greener, more diverse fuel supply for the future," said Billy Glover, managing director, Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Having a broader, more sustainable fuel portfolio is vital to our industry and demonstrating the viability of these renewable fuels addresses that goal, while potentially helping to further reduce environmental impacts."

"UOP's goal with renewable technology is to produce real fuels that perform as well as or better than their petroleum-based alternatives and that leverage the existing fuel infrastructure and fleet technology to lower capital costs and simplify adoption," said General Manager of UOP Renewable Energy and Chemicals Jennifer Holmgren. "With our proven technology and the commitment of aviation leaders like Continental and Boeing, sustainable biofuels for aviation are a real near-term option. We believe that production levels could reach hundreds of millions of gallons per year by 2012."

"We still have a lot of work to do in terms testing various biofuels but we are very pleased with, and encouraged by, the results we have achieved to date," said Eric Bachelet, president and CEO of CFM International. "What we have found is that the second generation fuel being tested today comes closer to simulating the characteristics of traditional jet fuel in terms of engine performance and operability, such as fuel consumption, engine start and other parameters. We have also found that engines running this mix emit less smoke even than those fueled by traditional jet fuel."

"The simple combination of sunlight, CO2 and algae to produce a carbon-neutral, renewable fuel source has the potential to profoundly change the petrochemical landscape forever," said Jason Pyle, Sapphire Energy CEO. "Today's flight puts us one step closer to moving away from fossil fuels and energy dependency, and with no impact on the transportation infrastructure, food sources or the environment."

"We are excited to be pioneering the development of bio-based jet fuels along with Continental Airlines," said Sanjay Pingle, president, Terasol Energy. "Jatropha is one of several next generation fuel sources that we are working on in order to develop sustainable, scalable and renewable alternatives to petroleum-based products."

About Continental

Continental has a company-wide commitment to environmental responsibility. On average, Continental burns approximately 18 gallons of fuel to fly one mainline revenue passenger 1,000 miles, which represents a 35 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption since 1997. This is due in large part to the efforts of its employees in streamlining operational procedures and to an investment of more than $12 billion to acquire 270 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft and related equipment. Continental remains committed to further improving fuel efficiency in the decade to come, including investing in its fleet with orders for more than 50 Boeing 737-900 Next Generation aircraft, and 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Continental has also reduced, by 75 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions from ground equipment at the carrier's largest hub in Houston through switching to electric ground service equipment and other new technology. This technology is now being tested for use in cold climates.

Through these investments and other projects, including the construction of airport facilities in an environmentally responsible manner, the testing of alternative fuels in ground service equipment, offering a credible carbon offsetting program based on the actual fuel burn of the Continental fleet, and an expansive recycling program, Continental will continue to manage the environmental impact of its business.

Continental Airlines is the world's fifth largest airline. Continental, together with Continental Express and Continental Connection, has more than 2,500 daily departures throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia, serving 134 domestic and 131 international destinations. More than 675 additional points are served via alliance partners. With more than 43,000 employees, Continental has hubs serving New York, Houston, Cleveland and Guam, and together with Continental Express, carries approximately 69 million passengers per year.

Continental consistently earns awards and critical acclaim for both its operation and its corporate culture. For the fifth consecutive year, FORTUNE magazine named Continental the No. 1 World's Most Admired Airline on its 2008 list of World's Most Admired Companies. For more company information, go to continental.com.

In a second incident involving a commercial jet mishap at a major airport in just about twelve hours, as per Reuters, a Continental Airlines Boeing 737 plane went off the runway and caught fire at Denver International Airport at 18:18 December 20, (01:18 GMT December 21).

Less than 12 hours earlier, at 13:51 GMT, December 20, a Gulf Air Airbus 321 plane caught fire at Mumbai airport.

None of the injuries at Denver were life-threatening, but the injured passengers were taken to area hospitals, as per DIA spokesperson, Kim Day at a news conference, but CBS Denver is reporting one critical injury.

As in Mumbai, Denver airport reported significant flight delays after the crash, as some runways were shut down.

There were 112 passengers and crew on flight CO 1404, which was taking off Denver International Airport for Houston.

It wasn't immediately known why the plane crashed, but the right side of the plane caught fire after it landed in a ravine between two runways on the west side of the airfield. Denver assistant fire chief Steve Garrod said the plane "crashed, caught fire" and flames extended into the cabin. He said the right wing was cracked, as was the fuselage.

Despite freezing temperatures, officials felt "ice was not a factor".

As a regular flier around the world, I would always experience the mental shock of coming down the levels as I transited from my Singapore Airlines flight, on to a domestic US carrier. It did not matter whether it was American, Continental, Delta, United, or US Airways, it did not matter if the transition was from economy to economy, or from Business class to domestic First class, it was a always a jarring, thud of a drop. Never mind that I was probably the only person in the domestic First class who had actually paid a First class fare, compared to my upgraded cabin mates.

In my life, with over a million flown miles on Singapore Airlines, and the highest level of frequent flier (Solitaire PPS) achieved after 5 continuous years of loyalty, I have been upgraded only once.

I am not complaining. It was this fanatical devotion to non-dilution of their premium classes, and slavish offering of the best customer service, that put the premium classes of foreign airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Air, Virgin Atlantic, and others, way way above, their full service "cheap" US carriers, even on international routes.

The US "full service" carriers led the world in, to the glamorous world of air travel, and also in, to the decline of mediocrity, with their generally poor service, all the way from the reservation till baggage collection, or in many a case, attempted baggage collection. Distributing free class upgrades like candy, only lowered the quality of service in the premium classes, and with it, brand equity, even further.

Twice, I have faced drinking water rationing on an international flight, both with a US carrier, both in Business or First class. Once with United ex Heathrow to JFK, and once on Delta from LAX to Tokyo. 8 or 10 hours with one small bottle of water ?!?! Why ? The catering department forget to load enough water!!!! Compare this with Emirates which offers its First class passengers showers on-board its Airbus A380.

Global road warriors will agree that Emirates and Singapore Airlines are the two airlines which epitomise the highest levels of commercial aviation passenger comfort and customer focus, in all classes. If Emirates is the King of full service carriers, Singapore Airlines is surely the Queen.

Photo by : Lianhe Zaobao
I was shocked to read, the queen has decided to move its guests out from her full service 5 star palace. On November 4, Singapore Airlines announced it has decided to start charging passengers a US$50 surcharge for confirmed exit row seats in economy class. On the same date the same airline also announced it was lowering its fuel surcharges.

This follows most US airlines deciding to charge for "options" like check-in baggage, flight attendants are resisting US Airways' moves to charge for soft drinks, US Airways even charges for pillows and blankets. What aspect of these airlines' actions would even remotely, make us consider them "full service" ? "Full dis-service" may be.

Many of us have seen this spoof of an airline announcement by MAD TV. In 2007 we all laughed at the ludicrousness of this announcement. No more.

In India, in their quest to show low "airfares", airlines have taken "componentisation" of the total fare to extremes. Basic airfare, fuel surcharge, congestion surcharge, transaction fee, and the list goes on. Gentlemen, we know our basic math, and can total up all the charges. Treat us as adults.

Coming back to Singapore Airlines. Previously, the economy class exit rows were normally occupied by the Krisflyer members. At a time when company budgets are shrinking and executives are required to fly economy, the additional legroom of an exit seat is one of the soft perks the loyal, but harried traveller, can look forward to.

With only 2 to 8 seats per flight, even Singapore Airlines' spokesman Stephen Forshaw will agree, it is not a revenue raiser. My question to CEO Cheong Choong Kong, why risk the alienating your passengers by this move ?

There could be logic in this move, but customer perceptions do not follow logic. Either you are a "5 Star" airline or you are not.