The United Kingdom’s aviation regulatory body has determined the cause of an engine fire incident on a Boeing 767 during a transatlantic flight last year and is now calling on its American counterpart to take action against the aircraft manufacturer.
The report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch sheds light on the events of a February 2023 incident, where flames erupted from an engine of a Boeing 767-332 shortly after departing from Edinburgh Airport.
In response, the AAIB, responsible for investigating civil aircraft incidents in the UK, has issued a safety recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), urging them to ensure Boeing’s planes meet certification requirements for large transport aircraft.
Shortly after takeoff from Edinburgh Airport, passengers aboard Delta Airlines flight DAL209 witnessed flames coming out of one of the Pratt & Whitney-designed turbofan engines of the plane.
Investigations revealed that a high-pressure turbine blade in the 767’s right engine had fractured, causing damage to five more blades due to vibrations from the unbalanced turbine. This led to a rupture in a wing section, resulting in fuel leakage that ignited with the engine’s exhaust.
The pilots diverted the flight to Glasgow, as per air traffic control’s recommendation, and the fire was extinguished before the safe landing at Prestwick Airport. Passengers were promptly disembarked without their luggage, attended by emergency services due to the leaking fuel.
Although there were no injuries, the AAIB highlighted the potential for a more severe incident. It warned of the risk of fuel ignition from the leaking wing’s proximity to hot brakes following an overweight landing.
The report raised questions about the impact of the engine vibrations on the Boeing 767’s “slat track housing drain tube.” The AAIB concluded by recommending the FAA ensure Boeing demonstrates compliance with certification requirements post this incident.
While Boeing has initiated a review of the drain tube design for enhancements, the AAIB stressed the need for FAA oversight to verify that there is no increased risk regarding a failed drain tube leading to catastrophic consequences.
The FAA’s evaluation of Boeing’s findings is awaited, with ongoing concerns regarding the certification of the aircraft’s drain tube.