Flight G3-7749 | Registration: PR-XMY
Date: 9 April 2025 | Location: Miami International Airport (KMIA), USA
Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-8 MAX Engines: 2 × CFM International LEAP-1B Operator: Gol Linhas Aéreas (Gol Transportes Aéreos) Registration: PR-XMY Flight Number: G3-7749 Callsign: GLO7749 Route: Miami International Airport (KMIA), USA to Brasília International Airport (SBBR), Brazil Date of Incident: 9 April 2025 Total Occupants: Estimated 180 (passengers and crew) Weather Conditions: Visual Meteorological Conditions, dry runway
Introduction
On 9 April 2025, Gol Transportes Aéreos flight G3-7749, a Boeing 737-8 MAX bound for Brasília, rejected takeoff at low speed on runway 08R at Miami International Airport after the left engine (LEAP-1B) experienced a sudden failure, accompanied by a loud bang and visible streaks of flame. The crew immediately aborted the takeoff and vacated the runway safely.
There were no injuries reported. The aircraft taxied under its own power to the apron, and passengers disembarked normally. The flight was cancelled, and the aircraft remains on the ground at Miami as of 12 April 2025 for ongoing inspection and repair.
Sequence of Events
Flight G3-7749 had commenced its takeoff roll on runway 08R in Miami, accelerating through approximately 30 knots ground speed, when the left-hand engine emitted a loud bang followed by visible flame streaks, according to passenger accounts.
The flight crew immediately rejected the takeoff, bringing the aircraft to a controlled stop using manual braking and idle thrust, consistent with Boeing’s low-speed rejected takeoff (RTO) procedure. ATC was informed of the issue, and the aircraft vacated the runway at the next available taxiway.
The flight crew advised the cabin crew to be on standby for potential emergency procedures, but no evacuation was initiated. The aircraft taxied back to the gate under its own power. Upon arrival at the stand, passengers disembarked normally without incident.
The flight was subsequently cancelled.
Crew & Communication
The cockpit crew followed standard rejected takeoff protocols, demonstrating timely decision-making and effective CRM (Crew Resource Management):
Recognition of engine failure indications—likely abnormal EGT, N1/N2 divergence, and auditory signs Immediate RTO initiated below V1 (30 knots) Communication with ATC for runway clearance and return to stand Cabin crew briefed to assume standby position as a precaution
Cabin crew maintained situational control during the return taxi and passenger disembarkation. No distress or injuries were reported.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
The LEAP-1B engine, fitted to the Boeing 737 MAX 8, is a high-bypass turbofan designed for fuel efficiency and low emissions. However, early service history has shown susceptibility to certain compressor instability events, especially under specific environmental or startup conditions.
Symptoms observed—bang, flame, and aborted takeoff—are consistent with a compressor stall or surge, possibly triggered by:
Compressor blade damage Fuel scheduling anomaly Hot-start or ignition event Inlet airflow disruption due to foreign object ingestion (FOD)
As the engine was reportedly producing flames and audible noise during acceleration, engineering teams would likely have conducted:
Borescope inspections of the high-pressure compressor and turbine sections Fuel nozzle and igniter checks ECU/FADEC data download for fault code analysis Oil and vibration monitoring review
The aircraft remained grounded in Miami for at least three days following the incident, suggesting significant diagnostic procedures or component replacement is underway.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
According to passenger reports, the takeoff roll had only just begun when a loud bang was heard, followed by a flash or flames visible from the left engine. The flight crew calmly advised that the aircraft would be returning to the gate, and the cabin crew assumed their safety positions.
There were no signs of smoke, fire, or cabin pressure anomalies. Passengers remained seated, and the disembarkation process was handled normally at the stand.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
As the rejected takeoff occurred at low speed, the aircraft systems remained fully functional, and emergency response was not activated. ATC kept the runway clear for several minutes to inspect for debris and assess the engine’s external condition.
Once at the gate, Gol maintenance engineers and FAA representatives began a preliminary investigation. Passengers were accommodated on alternate flights or rebooked for the next available service to Brasília.
Investigation Status
While the incident did not escalate to a major emergency, the FAA is expected to review maintenance and engine data in coordination with CFM International and Gol’s technical operations. The review will likely focus on:
Engine health monitoring trends Historical service records of PR-XMY’s left LEAP-1B engine Fault code analysis from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) Any evidence of bird ingestion or foreign object debris
At this stage, the event is classified as a minor engine malfunction resulting in a precautionary rejected takeoff.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors
Probable Cause:
Compressor stall or surge in the left-hand LEAP-1B engine during initial takeoff roll, resulting in flame emission and abnormal noise prompting an immediate low-speed RTO.
Contributing Factors:
Potential foreign object ingestion or fan blade anomaly Fuel system fluctuation during throttle advance Compressor instability under transient thermal conditions Possible previous undetected fault or wear
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
This event underscores the importance of:
Early detection systems for compressor anomalies via ECU trend monitoring Recurrent training for low-speed rejected takeoff procedures Continued refinement of the LEAP-1B FADEC logic to manage transient spool-up conditions Close monitoring of engine vibration trends, especially in newer MAX airframes
Although compressor stalls are rare in modern turbofans, they remain critical flight-phase hazards that demand prompt and decisive action—as demonstrated by the crew of flight G3-7749.
Conclusion
The incident involving Gol flight G3-7749 is a textbook example of early-phase engine failure management. The flight crew’s rapid response and successful rejection of takeoff at low speed avoided escalation and ensured passenger safety. The cause is under technical investigation, but the occurrence highlights the ongoing challenges associated with high-efficiency engines, such as the LEAP-1B, and the essential role of flight crew vigilance.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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