Incident Overview
On January 2, 2025, an Allegiant Air Airbus A319-100, registration N312NV, performing flight G4-65 from Las Vegas, NV to Rapid City, SD, experienced a left-hand engine failure (CFM56) during climb. The crew initiated a precautionary shutdown of the affected engine and returned to Las Vegas for a safe landing on runway 26L, approximately 35 minutes after departure.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The aircraft departed from Las Vegas’ runway 01R and began climbing to its cruising altitude.
2. Engine Malfunction:
• At approximately FL200, the crew reported a malfunction with the left-hand engine, prompting a shutdown in line with standard operating procedures.
3. Emergency Response:
• The crew declared an emergency and coordinated with air traffic control for a return to Las Vegas.
• Emergency services were positioned along the runway to assess the situation upon landing.
4. Landing and Taxi:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 26L without further incident.
• Emergency services inspected the engine externally and found no visible damage.
• The aircraft taxied to the apron under its own power.
Passenger and Crew Impact
• No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
• Passengers were rebooked on a replacement aircraft, which completed the flight to Rapid City with a delay of approximately 13 hours.
Technical Analysis
1. Engine Overview:
• The CFM56 engine is designed to contain internal failures without causing secondary damage to the airframe.
2. Potential Causes:
• Compressor Stall: Could result from disrupted airflow, potentially caused by bird ingestion, debris, or mechanical fault.
• Oil System Malfunction: Contamination or low oil pressure can trigger engine shutdown to prevent further damage.
• Sensor Malfunction: Faulty readings might prompt precautionary action by the flight crew.
3. Post-Incident Inspection:
• Emergency services reported no external signs of damage.
• A detailed maintenance inspection was conducted during the aircraft’s downtime.
4. Preventive Systems:
• The crew’s adherence to established protocols ensured safety. The engine’s fail-safe design contained the issue effectively.
Safety Actions and Recommendations
1. Immediate Maintenance Actions:
• Conduct a detailed teardown of the left-hand engine to identify the root cause of the failure.
2. Fleet-Wide Inspections:
• Evaluate similar engines across the fleet to detect potential systemic issues.
3. Manufacturer Collaboration:
• Work with CFM International to analyze engine performance data and determine if any Service Bulletins or Airworthiness Directives are applicable.
4. Enhanced Crew Training:
• Reiterate procedures for handling engine malfunctions, emphasizing decision-making in precautionary shutdown scenarios.
Conclusion
The Allegiant Air crew’s swift actions and adherence to safety protocols ensured a safe outcome. The precautionary shutdown reflects the airline’s commitment to prioritizing passenger and crew safety. Further analysis of the engine malfunction will inform corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
Disclaimer:
This report is based on available information as of January 11, 2025. Updates may follow pending further investigation. For content concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
