CA, US & World
Airline Turns Over Black Box Data After Low Rugby Stadium Flyover
South African airline Airlink is turning over black box data to aviation authorities as investigators examine whether safety rules were violated during a remarkably low flyover of a packed rugby stadium in Cape Town.
Two 98-seat Embraer E-190 regional jets flew over DHL Stadium Saturday shortly before a match between South Africa's Springboks and New Zealand's All Blacks. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft descended to about 46 feet above the stadium roof.
Airlink said Wednesday that data from the aircraft's digital flight recorders shows the flights were conducted within the safety altitude and speed limits approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The airline said authorities provided guidance, approval and support for the flyover and that each aircraft was operated by three senior captains, including a safety and technical officer. No passengers were aboard.
The aviation authority is reviewing the flight data and has requested additional information from Airlink. Officials said the review is needed to determine whether the flyover raised any safety concerns.
Airlink conducted a similar flyover over Johannesburg's Ellis Park Stadium the previous week using the same specially painted aircraft. The airline has since withdrawn an application for a third flyover planned for this weekend.
The flyover has been celebrated by many in South Africa, but aviation experts have questioned whether the maneuver was worth the risk. Former National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Pete Goelz told CNN that a flyby at a much higher altitude would still be impressive without creating the same level of risk.
U.S. aviation rules generally require aircraft to remain at least 1,000 feet above congested areas unless specific authorization is granted.
Low-flying aircraft have a long history in South African rugby, including a South African Airways Boeing 747 flyover during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and an Emirates A380 flyover in 2024.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
September 2, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
More than 2,000 rescues — and the year isn’t over yet. Santa Clemente lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the Pacific as they prepare for potentially stronger surf and bigger waves this winter. From Tower Zero, lifeguards monitor the entire beach and use cameras to spot trouble in the water. One of their biggest concerns? Rip currents, which can pull swimmers far from shore. With more rescues already this year than all of last year, lifeguards say the key is simple: be ready before someone needs help. #SanClemente #Lifeguards #OceanSafety #RipCurrents #BeachSafety SurfSafety SouthernCalifornia PacificOcean NBCPalmSprings
The Salton Sea is at a crossroads. From a massive restoration project bringing habitat back to the shoreline, to a potential lithium boom, and the new Salton Sea Conservancy, its future is being shaped right now. We’re taking you behind the scenes to explore what comes next for the Salton Sea. In our newest 30-minute report, go behind-the-scenes with the state’s conservation team, learn about updated timlines from lithium executives, and hear how former political leaders paved the way. Restoring the Salton Sea: Progress, Promise and Pressure. Streaming this Sunday on NBC Palm Springs. #saltonsea #lithiumvalley #saltonseaconservancy #marybono
A few PSUSD students will get a unique opportunity to learn more about careers in Aviation at the Palm Springs Air Museum with the districts launch of their Aviation and Aeronautics Career Exploration Program. Be sure to stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to learn all about this. #palmspringsairmuseum #palmsprings #aviationeducation #psusd #backtoschool
Escape to the mountains without spending a fortune. Looking for a unique getaway? Hicksville Pines Bud & Breakfast in Idyllwild offers themed rooms, retro arcade games, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, nightly camp movies and plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the mountain air. And there’s a special deal for NBC Palm Springs viewers: 15% off your stay 20% off additional nights when available Use code NBCPalmSprings at checkout The adults-only property also offers a relaxed 420-friendly atmosphere and complimentary breakfast, including a memorable cannabis-leaf-shaped waffle. Would you stay here for a mountain getaway? #NBCPalmSprings #Idyllwild #HicksvillePines #MountainGetaway #CaliforniaGetaway WeekendGetaway CoachellaValley TravelCalifornia
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. What’s your go-to breakfast?
A new Sand Cat kitten is receiving its first in-hospital wellness exam. Our Maria Noble Valdez was able to go into the hospital and get a unique behind-the-scenes look at why this is so important. Be sure to tune in at 5 and 6 pm tonight or visit nbcpalmsprings.com to learn more. #thelivingdesert #wildlifeconservation #sandcat #coachellavalley #palmdesert
Social Time with Thalia and Jerry. Does Sept. 1st make you think of fall, or not quite yet?
A judge has officially dropped a second degree murder charge against former Silvercrest CEO William Frank Rodriguez due to insufficient evidence. Rodriguez now faces a felony hit and run charge and driving under a suspended license. Rodriguez is accused of killing 60-year old Cathedral City resident Christina Barrington in a hit and run crash back in October of 2024. Tune in to our evening newscasts as our @newsbyalondra shares details on the preliminary hearing in this case.
It’s been one month since a car crashed into the Burger Box restaurant in Indio. Owner Anthony Ruiz says a lot has been happening behind the scenes since then. With some new, big developments over the past week, Ruiz spoke with NBC Palm Springs’s @maria_nvtv to discuss rebuilding, new details about the investigation taking place, and how the owners are feeling now. Watch the full on update on NBC Palm Springs at 5 & 6, and visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear where things stand, what’s next, and how the Burger Box family is reflecting on this incident as they navigate their new reality. #BurgerBox #update #indio #localbusiness #rebuilding
Social time with Thalia and Jerry and Hayden