Overview
• Operator: Caribbean Airlines
• Aircraft Model: ATR-72-212A
• Registration: 9Y-TTC
• Flight Number: BW-1541
• Route: Trinidad to Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago)
• Date: 27 January 2025
• Occupants: 68 passengers, 4 crew
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: None reported
Incident Summary
A Caribbean Airlines ATR-72-212A, operating flight BW-1541, experienced a left-hand engine failure (PW127M) while on final approach to Port of Spain’s runway 10. Despite the engine failure, the flight crew continued the approach, and cabin crew instructed passengers to brace for landing. The aircraft landed safely without further incident.
Sequence of Events
1. Final Approach Phase
• The aircraft was on short final to runway 10 at Port of Spain.
• The left-hand Pratt & Whitney PW127M engine failed.
2. Crew Response
• The flight crew managed the failure and continued the approach.
• The cabin crew issued a brace command to passengers in preparation for landing.
3. Landing & Ground Operations
• The aircraft safely touched down on runway 10 at Piarco International Airport (POS).
• The aircraft remained under full control, and no emergency evacuation was required.
4. Post-Incident Status
• The aircraft was inspected post-landing, and Caribbean Airlines’ maintenance team initiated troubleshooting.
• As of 17 hours after landing, the aircraft remains grounded in Port of Spain.
Investigation and Safety Considerations
• Engine failures during final approach are critical situations requiring immediate response.
• The failure mode of the PW127M engine will be examined, including potential causes such as fuel system issues, compressor stalls, or component malfunctions.
• Investigators will review flight data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) data to assess the crew’s response and aircraft performance.
• The airline will likely conduct a fleet-wide check of ATR-72 engines to ensure there are no systemic issues.
Recommendations
• Engine Inspection & Maintenance Review: A detailed teardown inspection of the left engine is necessary to determine the cause of the failure.
• Crew Training & Procedural Review: Caribbean Airlines may conduct simulated engine-out landing drills to reinforce emergency handling.
• Passenger Communication Procedures: Ensuring clear and concise brace commands to passengers in engine-failure scenarios enhances safety readiness.
Aircraft Status & Operational Impact
• The affected ATR-72 remains grounded in Port of Spain for maintenance evaluation.
• Caribbean Airlines has not reported any schedule disruptions, and no injuries were recorded.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 28 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
