Air India Express A320 Suffers Engine Fire Shortly After Takeoff from Bangalore

Bangalore, India – On May 18th, 2024, an Air India Express Airbus A320-200, registration VT-ATF, experienced a serious engine fire shortly after takeoff from Bangalore’s Kempegowda International Airport. The aircraft, operating flight IX-1132 from Bangalore to Kochi, was carrying 179 passengers and 6 crew members when the incident occurred.

Incident Overview

The aircraft departed from runway 27R at Bangalore at 17:32 UTC and began its climb. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew heard a loud bang from the right side of the aircraft, followed by a brief fluctuation in the N1 RPM of the right-hand engine (engine number 2) and a momentary hydraulic system fault. Although the crew did not initially receive a fire warning in the cockpit, they were alerted by the cabin crew at the rear of the aircraft to visible flames coming from the right-hand engine.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the flight crew declared a “MAYDAY” emergency and decided to return to Bangalore immediately. The climb was stopped at 6,000 feet, and the crew worked through the appropriate emergency checklists, including shutting down the affected engine and discharging both fire extinguishers. Despite their efforts, the fire continued to burn.

The aircraft made a swift return to Bangalore and landed on runway 27L approximately 12 minutes after departure. After landing, the aircraft vacated the runway, and flames were still visible from the right-hand engine as it came to a stop at a taxiway. An emergency evacuation was promptly initiated, and all passengers and crew safely exited the aircraft using the evacuation slides. Ground fire services quickly responded and were able to extinguish the fire using foam.

Emergency Response and Aftermath

Thanks to the quick actions of the flight and cabin crews, all 179 passengers and 6 crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft. Ten passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, primarily while using the slides, but were treated at a local hospital and declared fit to travel.

Investigation and Preliminary Findings

India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) launched an investigation into the incident, classifying it as a serious incident. The preliminary report, released on July 10th, 2024, provides an overview of the events leading to the engine fire and subsequent emergency landing.

The report indicates that during the initial climb, the right-hand engine (a CFM56) experienced a stall, which was followed by a fire. Despite the absence of a direct fire warning in the cockpit, the visual confirmation of the fire by cabin crew led to the immediate decision to return to the departure airport. The report also noted that both fire extinguishers were deployed but were unable to completely extinguish the fire, which persisted until fire services intervened after landing.

A post-incident examination of the aircraft revealed no visible external damage to the engine or aircraft structure. However, a more detailed boroscopic examination of the engine revealed the presence of magnetic chips on the magnetic chip detector and metallic strands in the scavenge screen plugs, indicating potential internal engine damage. The examination also found that the high-pressure turbine (HPT) aft blade strainer outer seal had become dislodged from its position.

Safety Implications and Next Steps

This incident highlights the critical importance of effective crew communication and rapid decision-making in the face of an in-flight emergency. The flight crew’s prompt response to the engine fire and the successful evacuation of all passengers underscore the effectiveness of the training and procedures in place.

The ongoing investigation by the AAIB will focus on determining the exact cause of the engine failure and fire, as well as reviewing the response of the onboard systems and crew. The findings from this investigation will be crucial in preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring the continued safety of commercial flight operations.

Conclusion

The Air India Express A320 engine fire incident on May 18th, 2024, serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with in-flight engine failures. Thanks to the quick actions of the flight and cabin crew, a potentially catastrophic situation was managed without loss of life, and all passengers were safely evacuated. The incident will undoubtedly contribute valuable insights into aviation safety and emergency response protocols as the investigation progresses.