Date: 1st December 2024
Location: Enroute near Wellington, New Zealand
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200neo, registration ZK-NHA
Operator: Air New Zealand
Flight Number: NZ-249
Route: Wellington (New Zealand) to Sydney (Australia)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 1st December 2024, Air New Zealand flight NZ-249, an Airbus A320-200neo, experienced an engine issue while cruising at FL360 approximately 280 nautical miles northwest of Wellington. The crew shut down the affected Pratt & Whitney PW1127G engine as a precaution and performed a controlled descent to FL230. The flight was subsequently diverted to Auckland, where it landed safely on Runway 05R approximately 90 minutes after departure from Wellington. There were no reported injuries to passengers or crew.
The aircraft remains grounded in Auckland for inspection and maintenance approximately 10 hours after landing.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A320neo (New Engine Option) is a modern single-aisle airliner designed for improved fuel efficiency and performance. The PW1127G engines are geared turbofan engines known for reduced noise and emissions, though they have faced operational challenges related to reliability.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• Approximately one hour into the flight, cruising at FL360, the crew identified an issue with the right-hand engine (PW1127G).
• The engine was shut down following standard operating procedures.
2. Descent and Diversion:
• The aircraft initiated a controlled descent to FL230.
• The crew declared an emergency and coordinated with air traffic control for a diversion to Auckland Airport.
3. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 05R at Auckland Airport with emergency services on standby.
• Passengers and crew disembarked without incident.
Initial Findings
Possible Causes of Engine Shutdown
1. Mechanical Failure:
• Possible issues include compressor stalls, turbine blade degradation, or oil system anomalies.
2. Sensor Malfunction:
• A faulty sensor could have triggered a false indication, prompting the shutdown as a precaution.
3. Operational Conditions:
• External factors, such as foreign object damage (FOD) or adverse weather, may have contributed to the event.
4. Known Issues with PW1127G Engines:
• The PW1100G series engines have faced reliability challenges, including early wear of certain components.
Maintenance Actions
Following the diversion, the aircraft underwent a thorough inspection, focusing on:
• The affected engine, including its compressor and turbine sections.
• Engine control systems and sensors.
• Oil and fuel systems for contamination or anomalies.
• Aircraft systems linked to single-engine operation and shutdown protocols.
Safety Risks
1. Engine Reliability:
• Single-engine operation increases risks during critical phases of flight, such as landing and go-arounds.
2. Diversion Risks:
• Extended operations on a single engine require precise crew decision-making and increase reliance on remaining systems.
3. Passenger Discomfort:
• An inflight engine shutdown may cause anxiety among passengers and minor disruptions to cabin systems.
Recommendations
1. Engine Inspections:
• Conduct detailed inspections of the PW1127G engine, focusing on components with known wear issues.
2. Operator Guidance:
• Review and enhance procedures for managing engine issues, including crew training on emergency shutdowns and diversions.
3. Monitoring Fleet Trends:
• Analyze operational data for other aircraft in the fleet equipped with PW1127G engines to identify systemic issues.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Continue emphasizing transparent communication to passengers during inflight diversions or emergencies to mitigate concerns.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident underscores the importance of robust engine maintenance and effective crew training in handling engine malfunctions. The successful diversion and safe landing highlight the reliability of Airbus A320neo systems and the crew’s adherence to emergency protocols. Ongoing focus on the PW1100G series engine reliability is crucial to ensure operational safety.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
