Hong Kong Report Reveals Potential Danger in Cathay Pacific A350 Engine Defect
A report by Hong Kong's air safety authority highlights a critical engine component defect in a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350. The incident, occurring over a year ago, prompted widespread inspections and safety measures.
One year and 17 days ago, on September 2, 2023, a Cathay Pacific Airways Airbus A350 experienced an engine malfunction that could have resulted in severe consequences. Hong Kong's Air Accident Investigation Authority has recently released a report detailing the incident, which forced a Zurich-bound flight to return to Hong Kong.
The investigation revealed that a ruptured steel braided sheath of a fuel hose connecting to a fuel spray nozzle was the primary cause of the engine fire. This defect, if left undetected, could have led to "extensive damage" to the aircraft. The report also noted soot presence in the core engine section, indicating fire signs.
Alarmingly, five additional fuel hoses in the affected jet were found to have "frayed metal braids or collapsed structures," highlighting a potentially widespread issue. This discovery prompted Cathay Pacific to conduct a fleet-wide inspection of its 48 Airbus A350 aircraft, a model known for its fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The incident's ripple effects extended beyond Cathay Pacific. Other carriers, including Japan Airlines, initiated inspections on similar models in their fleets. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) responded by issuing a directive requiring a one-time fleet inspection for certain A350s, based on safety recommendations from Hong Kong's authority.
Rolls-Royce, the manufacturer of the Trent XWB-84 and XWB-97 engines powering the Airbus A350 jets, has been called upon to provide more comprehensive information on inspection requirements for the affected components. This move aims to ensure the continued serviceability and safety of these advanced aircraft.
The Airbus A350, a long-range, wide-body jet airliner, has been in service since its first flight on June 14, 2013. Cathay Pacific received its first A350 in May 2016, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet modernization efforts. As of 2024, over 1,000 Airbus A350 aircraft have been ordered by various airlines worldwide, underscoring the model's popularity and importance in global aviation.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous monitoring in the aviation industry. While the Airbus A350 is renowned for its advanced technology and efficiency, this event highlights that even the most modern aircraft require vigilant maintenance and inspection procedures to ensure passenger safety.
"Following the incident, Cathay Pacific immediately contacted the aircraft and engine manufacturers as well as the regulator. As a precautionary measure, it proactively initiated a fleet-wide inspection of its Airbus A350 aircraft that cleared the aircraft for operation."
The aviation community will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the outcomes of these inspections and any subsequent recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the industry continues to evolve with more advanced and efficient aircraft, the balance between innovation and safety remains paramount.
