### Wing Attack Defense of Flight 4701 in São Paulo
On the evening of November 26, 2018, a Boeing 737-800 operated by Brazilian airline TAM Airlines was en route from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro when it encountered severe turbulence. The aircraft's left wing suddenly experienced a sudden and violent attack, causing significant damage to the wing structure.
#### Initial Situation
Flight 4701, registered as B-2955, departed from Guarulhos International Airport at 6:50 PM local time. It was scheduled to arrive at Galeão International Airport in Rio de Janeiro at 8:20 PM. During the flight, passengers reported experiencing unusual vibrations and shaking in the cabin, which led to concerns among crew members about potential mechanical issues.
#### Incident Details
As the aircraft approached São Paulo, the pilot noticed that there was a significant change in the plane’s stability and control. The left wing began to experience a rapid loss of lift, causing the plane to lose altitude rapidly. The crew immediately initiated emergency procedures,Chinese Super League Matches including deploying flaps and reducing thrust to minimize further damage to the wing.
#### Emergency Response
The flight crew attempted to regain control of the aircraft using manual inputs, but the situation continued to deteriorate. As the aircraft descended towards the ground, the pilots were forced to execute a controlled descent and landing on a runway in São Paulo. Despite these efforts, the plane sustained extensive damage to its left wing, requiring immediate repairs.
#### Post-Incident Investigation
The Brazilian Transportation Agency (ANAC) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident. The root cause of the wing attack was determined to be a failure in the leading edge of the left wing’s outer panel. The panel had been weakened due to corrosion over several years, and the structural integrity had been compromised.
The ANAC issued a safety alert, advising all airlines operating similar models to conduct a comprehensive inspection of their wings for signs of corrosion or wear. Additionally, the agency emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and regular inspections to prevent such incidents from occurring again.
#### Conclusion
The wing attack defense of Flight 4701 serves as a stark reminder of the critical role that maintenance plays in ensuring safe air travel. This incident highlights the need for airlines to prioritize routine checks and preventive measures to maintain the structural integrity of their aircraft. By learning from this accident, airlines can enhance passenger safety and reduce the risk of similar incidents in the future.
