Introduction
On 8 March 2025, an Air Astana Airbus A320-200neo, registered EI-KBM, operating flight KC-858 from Aktau (SCO) to Almaty (ALA), Kazakhstan, experienced an engine shutdown shortly after departure due to an oil indication warning. The crew stopped the climb at FL210 and returned to Aktau for a safe landing on Runway 29 approximately 40 minutes after departure.
A replacement Airbus A320neo, registration EI-KBO, was dispatched to complete the journey, arriving in Almaty 10 hours behind schedule. The affected aircraft remained grounded for 54 hours before returning to service.
The airline confirmed the left-hand engine (PW1127G) experienced a low oil level indication, prompting the crew to shut down the engine as a precautionary measure.
Sequence of Events
Pre-Flight and Departure
• The Airbus A320neo, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1127G geared turbofan engines, was scheduled for a routine domestic flight from Aktau to Almaty.
• Weather conditions at Aktau were favourable, with no known technical issues reported before departure.
• The aircraft departed from Runway 29 at Aktau International Airport, and the initial climb appeared normal.
In-Flight Incident: Engine Oil Warning and Shutdown
• At approximately FL210, the crew received a low oil level warning on the left-hand engine (engine #1).
• As per Airbus and airline procedures, the crew shut down the affected engine to prevent potential damage.
• The aircraft levelled off and initiated a return to Aktau, coordinating with air traffic control (ATC) for an emergency landing.
Safe Landing and Passenger Transfer
• The A320neo landed safely on Runway 29 at Aktau International Airport, where emergency services were on standby.
• Passengers disembarked normally, and arrangements were made for their onward travel to Almaty via a replacement aircraft.
• A technical inspection of the aircraft was initiated to determine the cause of the oil warning.
Investigation Findings
1. Engine Oil System Malfunction
• The left-hand PW1127G engine displayed a low oil level warning, prompting the automatic shutdown procedure.
• Post-flight inspections revealed no catastrophic engine failure, but further examination of the oil system was required before returning the aircraft to service.
2. Crew Decision-Making and Emergency Handling
• The crew followed Airbus standard operating procedures (SOPs) for an engine oil-related warning, ensuring a controlled return to Aktau.
• Single-engine landings in the A320neo are designed to be routine in such scenarios, and the pilots executed a textbook approach and landing.
3. Aircraft Maintenance and Return to Service
• Engineers conducted an extensive inspection of the affected engine, addressing any potential leaks, oil contamination, or sensor malfunctions.
• The aircraft was cleared for service after 54 hours, confirming that the issue had been resolved before resuming operations.
Key Safety Analysis and Recommendations
1. Engine Oil Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance
• Enhanced monitoring of engine oil trends through predictive analytics could help detect early signs of oil degradation or potential leaks.
• Airlines should continue leveraging real-time engine health monitoring systems to anticipate maintenance needs proactively.
2. Crew Training for Engine-Related Emergencies
• The incident highlights the importance of rigorous crew training for engine failures and emergency landings.
• The flight crew’s decisive actions ensured passenger safety, and continued simulator-based training for such scenarios remains essential.
3. Pratt & Whitney PW1100G Engine Reliability Considerations
• The PW1100G series engines have faced multiple challenges related to oil system performance.
• Regulatory authorities and engine manufacturers should continue evaluating these issues and implementing refinements where necessary.
Conclusion
The Air Astana Airbus A320neo experienced an engine oil warning shortly after departure from Aktau, leading to a precautionary engine shutdown and return to the departure airport. The aircraft landed safely without incident, and passengers were accommodated on a replacement flight.
A thorough technical inspection confirmed no major engine failure, and the aircraft resumed operations after 54 hours. The incident underscores the importance of real-time engine health monitoring and standardised crew training for in-flight engine shutdown procedures.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available investigation findings as of 12 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish for them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
