Flight AA-3128 | Registration: N650AW
Date: 24 March 2025 | Location: 30 NM East of Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
Introduction
On 24 March 2025, an American Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N650AW, operating scheduled passenger service AA-3128 from Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport (MKE), Wisconsin, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas, experienced an in-flight shutdown of its right-hand engine while cruising at FL300. The crew declared a Mayday and diverted to Tulsa International Airport (TUL), Oklahoma, where the aircraft landed safely on runway 18L approximately 30 minutes after the failure.
The aircraft remained on the ground in Tulsa as of 28 March 2025 pending inspection and potential engine replacement. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Flight Overview
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-232
• Engines: 2 × IAE V2527-A5 turbofans
• Operator: American Airlines
• Tail Number: N650AW
• Flight Number: AA-3128
• Route: Milwaukee (MKE) to Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
• Date of Occurrence: 24 March 2025
• Occupants: 150 (estimated – not officially confirmed)
• Cruising Altitude at Time of Event: FL300
• Incident Location: Approx. 30 nautical miles east of Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Declared Emergency: Mayday due to right engine failure
• Landing Runway: 18L at Tulsa International (KTUL)
Sequence of Events
Cruise and Engine Anomaly
At approximately 14:10 local time (19:10 UTC), while en route at FL300 over northeastern Oklahoma, the flight crew of AA-3128 observed abnormal indications from the right-hand engine (V2527). Engine performance parameters reportedly fluctuated, leading the crew to reduce thrust and begin troubleshooting per the Airbus ECAM (Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring) procedures.
As a precaution, the flight crew initiated a diversion to Tulsa International Airport, coordinating with ATC and company dispatch. Weather at the time was VFR with light surface winds and minimal turbulence reported.
Mayday Declaration and Engine Shutdown
While descending towards Tulsa, the situation escalated with complete failure of the right-hand engine. The crew declared a Mayday, citing a single-engine condition. The engine was formally secured, including fuel shutoff and fire handle activation as per Airbus SOPs.
The aircraft remained stable throughout the descent, and the crew maintained full control with the left-hand engine operating normally.
Landing and Ground Handling
At approximately 14:40 local time, the aircraft conducted a single-engine landing on runway 18L at Tulsa International. The landing was reported as smooth and within normal performance margins. Emergency response units were placed on standby but were not required to intervene.
The aircraft vacated the runway and taxied to a remote stand under its own power. Passengers disembarked normally and were provided alternate travel arrangements to Dallas.
Technical Background
Engine Type: IAE V2527-A5
The V2527-A5 engine is a widely used turbofan in the A320 family, known for reliability and performance efficiency. Typical causes of in-flight shutdowns may include:
• Compressor stalls or surges
• Oil system contamination or low pressure
• Uncontained internal failure
• Fuel system issues or FADEC malfunctions
In this case, engine shutdown appeared to be controlled and did not involve fire or uncontained damage.
The airline has not released a preliminary cause pending full inspection and download of engine and aircraft data.
Investigation & Follow-Up Actions
• FAA Involvement: The FAA has opened an investigation into the engine shutdown in coordination with American Airlines’ maintenance team.
• Engine Inspection: Initial findings suggest a possible mechanical or control system fault in the right engine; however, borescope inspection and data analysis are ongoing.
• Aircraft Status: As of 28 March 2025, N650AW remains grounded at Tulsa awaiting engineering assessment.
• Passenger Rebooking: All passengers were accommodated on later flights or rebooked through Dallas/Fort Worth. No injuries or medical issues were reported.
Safety & Operational Considerations
Single-engine operations in commercial aircraft, while rare, are thoroughly trained for and supported by extensive redundancy in modern twinjets. Airbus A320-series aircraft are fully certified under ETOPS regulations, allowing them to divert safely under such scenarios.
The incident demonstrated:
• Effective Crew Resource Management (CRM)
• Correct adherence to emergency checklists
• Safe single-engine diversion and landing under non-ideal circumstances
Conclusion
American Airlines flight AA-3128 experienced a failure of its right-hand engine while cruising at FL300 over Oklahoma on 24 March 2025. The crew declared a Mayday, diverted to Tulsa, and landed safely without injuries. The incident remains under investigation, with the aircraft grounded pending further diagnostics.
This occurrence highlights the robustness of modern twin-engine commercial aircraft and the professionalism of the flight crew in handling high-stress abnormal operations scenarios.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information and operational data as of 28 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure factual accuracy, the content may be subject to revision as new information emerges. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish for them to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
