Overview
• Operator: Volaris
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A321-200N
• Registration: N543VL
• Flight Number: Y4-381
• Route: Hermosillo → Mexico City, Mexico
• Date: 21 January 2025
• Occupants: Undisclosed
• Nature of Incident: Engine Fire
Incident Summary
Volaris flight Y4-381, operated by an Airbus A321-200N (N543VL), experienced a right-hand engine fire (PW1133G) shortly after takeoff from Hermosillo (HMO). The crew received an engine fire warning on the ECAM, heard the fire alarm, and immediately stopped the climb at 4,000 feet.
Following standard emergency procedures, the crew discharged a fire suppression bottle, declared Mayday, and returned to Hermosillo for a safe landing on runway 23 approximately 10 minutes after departure.
Mexico’s Accident Investigation Board (AIB) classified the occurrence as a serious incident, launching a full investigation into the cause.
Sequence of Events
Takeoff and Climb
• The aircraft departed from Hermosillo’s runway 23 bound for Mexico City.
• At an altitude of 4,000 feet, the ECAM displayed an engine fire warning for engine #2 (right-hand engine).
• The fire alarm sounded in the cockpit, prompting the crew to take immediate action.
Emergency Response & Landing
• The crew discharged a fire suppression bottle into the affected engine.
• A Mayday call was declared, informing air traffic control of the emergency.
• The aircraft returned to Hermosillo, where it landed safely on runway 23 within 10 minutes of departure.
• Emergency services were on standby but did not report any visible external fire upon landing.
Investigation and Aircraft Status
• Mexico’s AIB confirmed the occurrence as a serious incident and launched an investigation.
• The aircraft remained grounded for inspection and maintenance before returning to service on 6 February 2025, 16 days after the incident.
Potential Causes & Technical Analysis
Possible Causes Under Investigation
• Engine Malfunction: A failure within the Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engine could have led to overheating and fire detection.
• Oil or Fuel Leak: A possible leak near hot components might have triggered the fire warning.
• Faulty Fire Detection System: Investigators will determine if the fire warning was an actual event or a sensor malfunction.
PW1100G Engine History of Issues
The Pratt & Whitney PW1100G series has been known for:
• Premature wear of turbine components
• Combustion instability leading to overheating
• Oil leakage in high-pressure compressor sections
If similar patterns emerge in this case, corrective actions may be required for Volaris’ fleet.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
• Thorough Engine Inspections: The PW1133G engine should undergo rigorous examination to determine any systemic defects.
• Review of Fire Suppression System: An assessment of fire detection sensors should ensure that warnings are triggered accurately.
• Fleet-Wide Checks: If a fault is found, other A321-200N aircraft in the Volaris fleet should be inspected to prevent recurrence.
• Pilot Training & Emergency Handling: The crew’s response was swift and correct, highlighting the importance of continuous simulator training for engine fire scenarios.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 7 February 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.
