Flight Details
Aircraft Type: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner Operator: Avianca Registration: N795AV Flight Number: AV17 Route: Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD), Spain to José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), Medellín, Colombia Date of Incident: 23 April 2025 Total Occupants: Not publicly confirmed; typical Dreamliner capacity approximately 250 passengers plus crew Weather Conditions: No adverse meteorological conditions reported during climb phase
Introduction
On 23 April 2025, an Avianca Boeing 787-8 operating transatlantic flight AV17 from Madrid to Medellín experienced technical difficulties involving the aircraft’s right-hand engine (Rolls-Royce Trent 1000) shortly after departure. While climbing through FL200, the flight crew detected abnormal parameters from the engine, prompting a level-off, entry into a holding pattern, and subsequent return to Madrid. The aircraft landed safely on runway 32L approximately one hour after takeoff.
Emergency services inspected the engine upon landing. There were no injuries reported, and the aircraft remains grounded over 28 hours later at Madrid Barajas Airport.
Sequence of Events
Flight AV17 departed Madrid in the early afternoon hours, with the crew establishing a standard climb profile westward across Spain. As the aircraft passed through FL200 (20,000 feet), cockpit indications suggested a developing issue with the right-hand Trent 1000 engine, prompting the crew to stop the climb.
Abnormal indications may have included:
N1 or N2 rotational speed anomalies Vibration alerts (ENG VIB) Engine oil pressure/temperature fluctuations Inlet temperature exceedances or FADEC warnings
The flight crew coordinated with Madrid ATC and entered a holding pattern near the departure route, maintaining altitude while troubleshooting the issue using the Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures for in-flight engine irregularities.
Following extended checklist actions, the crew elected to return to the departure airport, requesting priority handling. The aircraft landed on runway 32L with airport fire and rescue services on standby.
After rollout and engine shutdown, emergency services conducted a visual inspection of the right engine, though no external damage or visible smoke was reported.
Crew & Communication
The flight crew managed the developing situation in accordance with Boeing and Avianca operational standards, including:
Communicating early with ATC about the developing technical issue Coordinating safe entry into a holding pattern to assess the situation Executing the engine malfunction checklists without progressing to engine shutdown unless absolutely required Advising the cabin crew and making necessary PA announcements Requesting inspection response after landing
The cabin crew remained alert and prepared the cabin for a potential emergency return, while no evacuation was deemed necessary.
Aircraft Systems & Technical Analysis
The Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, which powers the Boeing 787-8, is a high-bypass turbofan known for early reliability concerns in the programme’s history, particularly regarding:
Intermediate pressure turbine blade cracking High-pressure compressor durability Oil system anomalies FADEC sensor and actuator faults
While these issues were largely addressed in fleet-wide retrofit programmes, engine health monitoring (EHM) systems on the Dreamliner continue to monitor for real-time deviations.
Given the decision to hold rather than shut down the engine in-flight, the issue was likely performance-related rather than immediately hazardous, but still outside acceptable operating limits for long-haul overwater flight.
Post-incident maintenance is expected to include:
Borescope inspection of compressor and turbine stages Download and analysis of engine parameter data Oil and filter sampling Vibration analysis and FADEC fault interrogation Confirmation of bleed and anti-ice function
The extended on-ground status of the aircraft in Madrid (still parked over 28 hours post-landing) indicates that the issue may have involved components requiring part replacement or vendor consultation.
Passenger Experience & Cabin Conditions
There were no reports of abnormal noise, vibration, or cabin disturbance. Cabin crew informed passengers of the decision to return to Madrid, and the descent and landing were routine.
Passengers remained calm, and no emergency evacuation was required. Upon arrival, the aircraft taxied under its own power and was met by ground vehicles for standard checks.
Passengers were disembarked at the terminal and rebooked by Avianca. The flight was officially cancelled, with no substitute aircraft reported at time of writing.
Emergency Response & Aftermath
Madrid airport fire and rescue units were deployed along the landing runway and followed the aircraft to its parking position. External inspection of the engine did not reveal visible evidence of damage or leakage.
Lufthansa Technik or an Avianca maintenance partner in Madrid is expected to manage repairs and diagnostics, as Avianca does not maintain a technical base in Spain.
Investigation Status
As this was a technical return without fire, smoke, or shutdown, the event falls under the category of serious incident and may not trigger a formal investigation by Spain’s CIAIAC, unless additional findings warrant further review.
However, Rolls-Royce and Boeing will likely be consulted to review engine health trends and assess whether this is part of a larger reliability issue.
Operators of Trent 1000-powered aircraft remain sensitive to engine health concerns after prior high-profile incidents in the programme’s history.
Root Cause & Contributing Factors (Preliminary)
Primary Cause:
In-flight technical fault affecting right-hand Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engine, possibly involving performance degradation, oil system warning, or vibration exceedance.
Contributing Factors:
High workload operating environment in the early climb phase Potential residual wear on engine modules depending on total flight cycles Sensitivity to EICAS/FADEC alerts triggering return under ETOPS protocol for engine reliability
Safety Recommendations & Industry Impact
While no safety bulletin has been issued yet, the event reinforces:
The importance of early detection and conservative decision-making in ETOPS operations The need for continued oversight of Trent 1000 performance, especially among older airframes or engines nearing overhaul Review of engine behaviour under full climb power conditions in high-temperature or high-density altitude environments
Airlines operating long-haul routes with twin-engine aircraft must remain vigilant for minor technical anomalies which can quickly escalate in complexity or regulatory exposure during transatlantic or transpacific missions.
Conclusion
Avianca flight AV17 returned to Madrid after encountering a right engine anomaly shortly after departure, prompting a precautionary return. The safe and methodical handling by the flight crew, supported by ground services, ensured the situation remained controlled throughout.
While the exact cause remains under internal review, this incident underscores the value of strict adherence to long-haul engine performance monitoring, particularly on routes involving Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) constraints.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information and reports at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided.
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