Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 7:13PM GMT Thurs, 19 September, 2024

An engine fire on a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 earlier this month, triggered by a fuel leak, has raised serious concerns about the safety of the aircraft, according to a preliminary investigation report. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Hong Kong on a flight bound for Zurich, could have caused significant damage to the plane, which was carrying 348 passengers and crew members.

Hong Kong’s flagship airline grounded several planes following the emergency, which forced the pilots to return the aircraft to Hong Kong due to an “engine component failure.” The affected engine, a Trent XWB-97, was manufactured by British engineering company Rolls-Royce, which is renowned for its aircraft engines.

Early Findings Reveal Fuel Hose Damage

In its preliminary report, Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) pointed to a broken fuel hose as the cause of the fire. The report indicated that the protective layer around the hose had ruptured, resulting in a “discernible hole”. This flaw was identified in one of several damaged hoses in the engine, raising further alarms about the extent of the issue.

There were clear signs of fire in parts of the engine, with soot and burn marks visible in the damaged areas. Investigators revealed that an additional five fuel hoses in the same engine showed similar signs of defect. According to the report, had this fault gone undetected, the situation could have escalated into a more severe engine fire, potentially leading to “extensive damage” to the aircraft.

Cathay Pacific and Rolls-Royce Respond

Rolls-Royce and Cathay Pacific have both been approached for comment on the matter. Cathay Pacific, which has operated Airbus A350s since 2016, is now facing pressure to address safety concerns in its fleet.

Shortly after the aircraft took off, the cockpit received a fire warning from the faulty engine. The pilots swiftly shut down the affected engine and deployed fire extinguishers to control the blaze. The aircraft landed safely back in Hong Kong, but not before the event triggered further inspections across Cathay Pacific’s fleet of Airbus A350s. These checks revealed similar issues on 15 other aircraft.

Aviation Safety Measures Implemented

The AAIA recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) collaborate with Rolls-Royce to develop new inspection protocols for the Trent XWB-97 engines, ensuring the safety of fuel pipes across all affected aircraft. In response to the incident, EASA issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive, mandating inspections of all relevant engines and the removal of any defective components.

This incident has shone a spotlight on Rolls-Royce, one of the leading names in aviation engineering. The Trent XWB engine was specifically designed for the Airbus A350, known for its high efficiency and low operational costs, making it a popular choice among airlines operating long-haul routes globally.

While the XWB-97 variant of the engine powers a smaller portion of the Airbus A350 fleet, concerns linger over its performance. Earlier in 2023, Tim Clark, the President of Emirates, voiced his dissatisfaction with the “durability” of Rolls-Royce engines and the cost of maintenance, putting further pressure on the British engineering company to address ongoing issues.

Despite the concerns, Rolls-Royce is reportedly investing in improving the performance and safety of its engines, including the Trent XWB-97. This development follows other recent issues with Rolls-Royce engines, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation and rigorous safety protocols within the aviation sector.

Ongoing Investigations and Global Implications

While the incident involving Cathay Pacific’s A350 has been contained, the aviation industry remains vigilant. The Airbus A350, a workhorse for long-haul operations, is widely utilized by airlines globally, and any major technical issues could have widespread implications.

Rolls-Royce’s prompt response to the fault, combined with EASA’s stringent directives, reassures the global aviation community that efforts are being made to prevent similar incidents from occurring. Nevertheless, as investigations continue, both Cathay Pacific and Rolls-Royce are under scrutiny for the safety and reliability of their operations, with broader implications for the global aviation market.

As one of the leading aircraft in the industry, the Airbus A350 plays a critical role in connecting global hubs. Ensuring its safety will be a top priority, not only for the airlines using it but also for passengers who rely on air travel for international journeys.

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An engine fire on a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350, caused by a fuel leak in a Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, raised serious safety concerns. The incident could have led to major damage, according to a preliminary investigation report by Hong Kong’s Air Accident Investigation Authority.