Overview
On January 5th, 2025, an Air India Airbus A320-200N (registration VT-TQE) operating flight AI-2820 from Bangalore to Delhi (India) experienced an engine stall involving its CFM LEAP-1A engine shortly after departure. The crew shut the affected engine down as a precaution and returned to Bangalore for a safe landing.
Incident Details
Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-200N
• Registration: VT-TQE
• Operator: Air India
• Flight Number: AI-2820
• Route: Bangalore (BLR) to Delhi (DEL)
• Occupants: Information unavailable
• Weather Conditions: No significant adverse weather reported
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The aircraft departed Bangalore’s runway 09L and began its initial climb.
2. Engine Stall:
• During the climb through FL080, the crew received indications of a stall in the left-hand engine (LEAP-1A).
3. Precautionary Shutdown:
• The crew decided to shut the affected engine down to prevent further complications.
4. Return to Bangalore:
• The crew declared an emergency and requested a return to Bangalore.
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 09R, approximately 65 minutes after departure.
5. Post-Incident Handling:
• Passengers were deboarded, and a replacement A320-200N (VT-TQA) was dispatched to complete the flight to Delhi, with a delay of approximately 5.5 hours.
Findings
Engine Stall
1. Stall Characteristics:
• The LEAP-1A engine stall likely resulted from disrupted airflow through the engine.
• Possible causes include foreign object ingestion (FOI), compressor instability, or a mechanical fault.
2. Weather and External Conditions:
• There was no evidence of bird strikes or severe weather that could have contributed to the event.
Maintenance and Engine History
• Maintenance Records:
• Initial review indicates the aircraft was compliant with its scheduled maintenance program.
• Detailed analysis will examine whether there were pre-existing conditions in the engine that could have contributed to the stall.
• Component Inspection:
• The affected engine will undergo thorough inspection to determine if a compressor failure, fuel system anomaly, or sensor fault caused the stall.
Crew Response
The flight crew acted promptly and professionally, following standard operating procedures:
1. Identifying the Stall:
• Recognised the stall indications promptly and followed the appropriate checklist.
2. Engine Shutdown:
• Took precautionary action to shut down the affected engine to ensure safety.
3. Emergency Declaration:
• Declared an emergency and coordinated effectively with Bangalore Air Traffic Control (ATC).
4. Safe Return:
• Executed a controlled return to Bangalore, ensuring passenger safety throughout the incident.
Recommendations
Aircraft and Engine Inspection
1. Detailed Engine Analysis:
• Comprehensive inspection of the affected LEAP-1A engine, including:
• Compressor blades and vanes.
• Fuel system.
• Electronic engine controls.
2. Review of Maintenance Procedures:
• Evaluate recent maintenance actions on the affected engine to identify any overlooked issues.
3. Fleet-Wide Inspection:
• As a precaution, inspect other LEAP-1A engines in Air India’s fleet for potential vulnerabilities.
Operational Improvements
1. Engine Stall Awareness:
• Reinforce pilot training to handle engine stalls and similar emergencies effectively.
2. Communication Protocols:
• Ensure seamless coordination between flight crews and ATC during emergencies.
3. Safety Bulletins:
• Encourage Airbus and CFM International to issue advisories if systemic issues with the LEAP-1A are identified.
Conclusion
The swift actions of the flight crew prevented a potentially severe outcome. The investigation will focus on determining the root cause of the engine stall, with specific attention to the affected engine’s performance and maintenance history. Air India’s proactive measures to minimise delays and ensure passenger safety reflect a strong commitment to operational excellence.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the evidence available at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we apologise for any omissions or errors. For image takedowns, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
