CAL addresses erroneous flap asymmetry indication issues

Cayman Airways Limited (CAL) confirms that flight KX792 destined to New York from Grand Cayman on August 10, 2024, landed safely at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 10:36pm (EST) after encountering a flap indication issue during its final approach.

In keeping with the airline’s stringent and abundantly cautious operating procedures, Captain Basil Hamaty, assisted by First Officer Felton Beneby, declared an emergency with the knowledge that the aircraft was perfectly capable of landing safely at a higher speed than normal without the use of flaps on JFK’s very long runway, and without any potential need for excessive deceleration. Additionally, in a procedural abundance of caution, the Captain ordered that the passengers be prepared for such an event. This incident involved the same aircraft that previously experienced a similar issue on August 8, 2024 during flight KX481’s approach to Grand Cayman from Los Angeles.

This aircraft had previously been removed from service on August 8th following a flap lockout caused by a false flap asymmetry indication during the flight from Los Angeles. A defective sensor was identified and replaced, and after extensive and successful checks, the aircraft was returned to service. The aircraft conducted four flights on August 10th without issue before the flap indication error reoccurred on approach to JFK.

Given the repeat occurrence of this issue, the aircraft was immediately removed from service in JFK for further investigation. Cayman Airways is working closely with Boeing and has received new and additional troubleshooting steps to be taken before the aircraft is cleared for further flights.

To ensure continued service to passengers, Cayman Airways positioned a different aircraft at JFK early this morning. This replacement aircraft successfully operated flight KX793 from New York to Grand Cayman today, albeit with a delay. Passengers travelling on CAL’s jet service today can expect some delays across the network, and affected passengers will be contacted directly with updates.

Cayman Airways President and CEO, Fabian Whorms, stated: “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority at Cayman Airways. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of operational safety and reliability and will not compromise on these standards. We understand the concern this situation must have caused, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. We assure our passengers and the public that we are taking every necessary step to resolve this issue swiftly and thoroughly.”