Santa B20J at North Pole on Dec 24th 2018, rejected takeoff due to lack of navi
Last Update: December 24, 2018 / 07:51:22 GMT/Zulu time
Incident Facts
Santa looked at the increasing mountain of presents, scratched his head and asked the load elves: "isn't this just too much for our good ole sleigh?" The load elves, busy sorting the parcels, updating the load lists and tracking mass and balance, looked up in surprise, nodded and became busy again updating their paper work.
Santa insisted: "Haven't we received this beautiful new B320 Regional Jungle Jet to test out this year?" The chief load elf looked up and confirmed: "yes, Santa, we were given this brand new B20J which is a common effort and a combination of all advantages of the Boeing aircraft, the Airbus A320 family, the Bombardier CRJ aircraft and Embraer ERJs."
Santa therefore decided: "So, let's try the B20J out this year!"
The cargo was loaded onto the brand new aircraft, the aircraft positioned onto the runway and power was applied for takeoff.
"STOP!" shouts Santa, "we can't fly without our navigator! Where is Rudolph?" and rejected takeoff.
Frantic panic broke out - Rudolph was nowhere found. Santa decided to check whether Rudolph was at his secret hideout and could see the red nose from some distance already.
"Rudolph, what is up with you?" asked Santa. Rudolph replied "I can't fly on that piece of alloy and plastics compound and without my comrades Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixem. And did you think about that FAA overflight permission, which has been issued to our good ole wooden sleigh and not that piece of alloy and plastics compound?"
Santa scratched his head and thought, Rudolph got a point. The load elves recomputed mass and balance and found the sleigh would remain within limits yet depart at absolute maximum takeoff mass. Hence Santa decided that all cargo was to be reloaded onto the sleigh powered by all reindeer and off they went without further incident.
The FAA inspector told Santa: "Your type rating does not include the B20J!"
Incident Facts
This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
Article source
You can read 2 more free articles without a subscription.
Subscribe now and continue reading without any limits!
Read unlimited articles and receive our daily update briefing. Gain better insights into what is happening in commercial aviation safety.
Send tip
Support AeroInside by sending a small tip amount.
Related articles
AeroInside Monthly Aviation Safety Review February 2026
February 2026 was a busy month in aviation safety. Please find our summary below.All in all, 62 new articles have been published during last month. 6…
Flying to Bali: Tips to secure the best flight deals to this destination
Bali has seen significant popularity growth, and it is now considered by more people worldwide, who have added it to their bucket lists. And we can…
Aviation Trends 2026: A Student Guide to NA vs EU vs Asia
Your semester calendar says “midterms,” but your group chat says “cheap flights.” That tension is the student travel story in…
More Than Passengers: The Hidden World of Air Cargo Operations
Air cargo refers to the commercial transport of goods by aircraft using scheduled or chartered flights, supporting global businesses by moving…
How to Build Long-Term Relationships with Freight Brokers
Quick Answer Building long-term relationships with freight brokers hinges on consistency, clear communication, and mutual respect. Carriers who…
Newest articles
IBC SF34 at Miami on Mar 11th 2026, hydraulic failure, runway excursion
An IBC Airways Saab 340A freighter, registration N631BC performing flight II-101 from Miami,FL (USA) to Nassau (Bahamas) with 2 crew, was climbing…
Commute E145 near Shreveport on Mar 10th 2026, smell of smoke in cockpit
A CommuteAir Embraer ERJ-145 on behalf of United, registration N14148 performing flight UA-4887 from Houston Intercontinental,TX to Knoxville,TN…
Subscribe today
Are you researching aviation incidents? Get access to AeroInside Insights, unlimited read access and receive the daily newsletter.
Pick your plan and subscribePartner
ELITE Simulation Solutions is a leading global provider of Flight Simulation Training Devices, IFR training software as well as flight controls and related services. Find out more.
SafetyScan Pro provides streamlined access to thousands of aviation accident reports. Tailored for your safety management efforts. Book your demo today
AeroInside Blog
Popular aircraft
Airbus A320Boeing 737-800
Boeing 737-800 MAX
Popular airlines
American AirlinesUnited
Delta
Air Canada
Lufthansa
British Airways