A388, en-route, southwest Greenland, 2017

A388, en-route, southwest Greenland, 2017

Summary

On 30 September 2017, an Airbus A380-800 en-route over Greenland suffered a sudden explosive uncontained failure of the number 4 engine shortly after thrust was increased to adjust the cruise level to FL 370. Following recovery of a crucial piece of ejected debris, the Investigation was able to determine that the failure was attributable to a specific type of fatigue failure within a titanium alloy used in the manufacture of the engine fan hub. This risk had not been identifiable during manufacture or in-service and had not been recognised by the engine manufacturer or during the engine certification process.

Description

On 30 September 2017, an Engine Alliance GP7270-powered Airbus A380-800 (F-HPJE) being operated by Air France on a scheduled international passenger flight from Paris CDG to Los Angeles as AF066 was in the cruise FL370 and beginning an intended cruise-climb to FL 380 in day VMC when the number 4 engine suddenly suffered an explosive and uncontained failure. Secondary damage to the airframe, engine 4 pylon and the right wing was minor and no debris penetrated the cabin. After drift down, the crew elected to divert to Goose Bay and this was accomplished without further event.

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