Turkish Airlines Boeing 737 Aborts Takeoff in Bologna Due to Engine Failure

Bologna, Italy – On July 7th, 2024, a Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration TC-JZF, was forced to abort its takeoff from Bologna’s Guglielmo Marconi Airport after experiencing a failure in its right-hand engine. The aircraft, operating as flight TK-1326, was scheduled to fly from Bologna to Istanbul, Turkey, with passengers onboard when the incident occurred.

Incident Overview

The Boeing 737-800 was accelerating down runway 12 at Bologna Airport when the flight crew detected an issue with the right-hand engine, a CFM56 model. The crew promptly initiated a rejected takeoff procedure, safely bringing the aircraft to a stop from a speed of approximately 90 knots over ground. After the aircraft decelerated, it vacated the runway and taxied back to the apron.

Passenger Reports and Inspection

One of the passengers reported observing through the window that at least three fan blades in the right-hand engine appeared bent and damaged. Following the incident, ground crews conducted an inspection of the engine, confirming the visible damage.

Due to the engine failure and the subsequent inspection, the flight was canceled. Passengers were rebooked onto other flights to continue their journeys.

Operational and Safety Implications

Engine failures during takeoff are considered critical events in aviation, requiring swift and decisive action by the flight crew. In this instance, the crew’s prompt decision to reject the takeoff ensured the safety of everyone on board. The rejection occurred at a relatively low speed, allowing the aircraft to come to a stop with minimal risk.

The cause of the engine failure will likely be the subject of an investigation by both Turkish Airlines’ maintenance teams and relevant aviation safety authorities. The investigation will focus on determining whether the engine failure was due to a mechanical issue, foreign object damage, or another factor. The results of this investigation could lead to recommendations for engine inspections or maintenance procedures across the fleet to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion

The aborted takeoff of Turkish Airlines flight TK-1326 at Bologna Airport highlights the importance of the rigorous safety protocols that are in place to handle engine failures. The flight crew’s quick response to the situation ensured that the incident ended without injury, and all passengers were safely accommodated on alternate flights.

As investigations continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that both pilot training and aircraft maintenance play in ensuring the safety of air travel.