ITA Airways Bombardier C-Series Returns to Genoa After Engine Smoke Detected

On August 4th, 2024, an ITA Italia Trasporto Aereo Bombardier C-Series CS-300, registration EI-HHI, operating flight AZ-1380 from Genoa to Rome Fiumicino, Italy, was forced to return to Genoa after passengers reported seeing smoke emanating from one of the engines. The aircraft had been climbing out of Genoa’s runway 10 when the smoke was observed from the engine (PW1524G).

Incident Overview:

• Engine Smoke Detected: During the initial climb to FL140 (14,000 feet), passengers aboard the flight noticed smoke coming from one of the engines. Upon becoming aware of the issue, the flight crew acted swiftly, stopping the climb and deciding to return to Genoa Airport as a precautionary measure. While there was no fire reported, smoke emission from an engine can indicate potential mechanical issues or overheating.
• Safe Return to Genoa: The crew promptly turned the aircraft back to Genoa and performed a safe landing on runway 28 approximately 20 minutes after departure. Emergency services were on standby, but the landing occurred without further incident. There were no reports of injuries or further complications.

Aftermath:

• Passengers Re-Routed: Following the safe landing, the passengers were transported to Milan Linate by bus and subsequently flown to their final destination in Rome. The diversion and delay likely caused inconvenience, but ITA Airways ensured alternative travel arrangements were made.
• Aircraft Grounded: The affected aircraft has remained grounded in Genoa for approximately 37.5 hours since the incident, pending inspection and potential repairs. Engineers are likely conducting a thorough examination of the engine to determine the cause of the smoke emission before the aircraft can return to service.

Conclusion:

The quick actions of the flight crew ensured the safety of all passengers and crew aboard the ITA Airways Bombardier C-Series after the detection of engine smoke. While the cause of the smoke is still under investigation, the aircraft remains grounded for detailed inspection. This incident underscores the importance of caution in aviation, with safety being the top priority when engine malfunctions or anomalies are detected.