BREAKING NEWS

FAA issues fire warning for lithium batteries

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

OCTOBER 9, 2010 03:16

WASHINGTON — Federal aviation officials urged air carriers Friday to voluntarily take steps to reduce the risk of cargo fires caused by overheated lithium batteries, an indication of regulators' growing concern about the threat posed by air transport of the batteries.

The Federal Aviation Administration acknowledged publicly for the first time in Friday's safety directive that the Boeing 747-400 was carrying a large quantity of lithium batteries. Smoke from a fire in the plane's main cabin, which was used for cargo, was so thick that the pilots told air traffic controllers they couldn't see their instruments as they struggled to land the plane.

The warning follows last month's crash of a United Parcel Service plane in Dubai that killed both pilots.

Dubai authorities are leading an investigation of the accident with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board and FAA. The cause of the crash hasn't yet been determined.

Israel Air Force strike kills six in Rafah

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

04/20/2024 05:58 AM

US Senate has agreement on FISA reauthorization, vote on Friday

By REUTERS

04/20/2024 04:59 AM

Iran says it will respond at 'maximum level' if Israel acts against it

By REUTERS

04/20/2024 02:43 AM

Five high school students wounded in Maryland shooting

By REUTERS

04/20/2024 01:36 AM