Overview
An Air Serbia Airbus A319-100, registration YU-APD, operating flight JU-142 from Belgrade, Serbia, to Budapest, Hungary, encountered a significant issue shortly after departure. During the climb, the crew noticed abnormal indications from the left-hand engine and decided to return to Belgrade. Ground inspection revealed that a large panel from the engine’s reverser had detached during the flight.
Key Details
• Aircraft:
• Type: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: YU-APD
• Operator: Air Serbia
• Engine Type: V2524
• Flight Number: JU-142
• Route: Belgrade (Serbia) → Budapest (Hungary)
• Date: December 26th, 2024
• Passengers and Crew:
• 67 passengers
• 5 crew members
• Location of Incident: Approximately 9460 feet above sea level during the climb phase.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The aircraft departed from Belgrade’s runway 30 enroute to Budapest.
2. Loud Noise and Indications:
• At around 9460 feet, the crew reported hearing a loud noise originating from the left-hand engine. Simultaneously, abnormal indications from the engine were observed on the cockpit displays.
3. Emergency Procedures:
• The crew executed the appropriate checklists for engine anomalies.
• A decision was made to return to Belgrade as a precautionary measure.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 30 at Belgrade Airport approximately 35 minutes after departure.
5. Post-Flight Inspection:
• Ground personnel discovered damage to the left-hand engine, specifically the inner casing of the right thrust reverser.
• A panel measuring approximately 1 by 2 meters had detached and fallen off during flight.
Investigation and Findings
• Investigating Authority:
Serbia’s Traffic Accident Investigation Center (STAIC) classified the incident as a serious occurrence and initiated a detailed investigation.
• Damage Identified:
• The missing section of the thrust reverser caused damage to the engine’s casing.
• The detached panel likely fell to the ground during the climb phase.
• Cause Analysis:
• Early indications suggest a possible structural failure of the engine reverser panel, but further analysis is required.
Impact and Response
• Flight Disruption:
• The return to Belgrade resulted in a delay for passengers, but they were safely disembarked.
• Safety Measures:
• Air Serbia and the relevant authorities have grounded the aircraft pending repairs and further inspections to prevent recurrence.
• Ongoing Investigation:
• STAIC is analyzing maintenance records, operational procedures, and the design of the thrust reverser system to identify the root cause of the panel detachment.
Conclusion
The incident underscores the importance of thorough maintenance and structural integrity checks on critical engine components. The swift response of the flight crew ensured the safety of all passengers and crew aboard. Further findings from the STAIC investigation will provide valuable insights into preventing similar occurrences.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of January 15th, 2025. If you are the rightful owner of any associated media or details and wish for them to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
