Overview
On January 4th, 2025, a BA Cityflyer Embraer ERJ-190, registration G-LCAF, operating flight BA-7016 from Florence (Italy) to London Stansted (UK), diverted to Milan Malpensa Airport following an in-flight shutdown of the left-hand engine (CF34). The aircraft landed safely on runway 35R approximately 40 minutes after the engine issue was reported.
Incident Details
Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Embraer ERJ-190
• Registration: G-LCAF
• Operator: BA Cityflyer
• Flight Number: BA-7016
• Route: Florence (FLR) to London Stansted (STN)
• Persons on Board: Not disclosed
Sequence of Events
1. Climb Phase:
• While climbing through FL310 out of Florence, the crew observed issues with the left-hand engine.
2. Engine Shut Down:
• The crew shut down the left-hand engine (CF34) after observing smoke emissions, following engine failure protocols.
3. Diversion Decision:
• The crew declared an emergency and opted to divert to Milan Malpensa Airport as the nearest suitable diversion airport.
4. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 35R at Milan Malpensa Airport. Emergency services were on standby.
5. Post-Incident Status:
• The aircraft remains on the ground at Milan Malpensa approximately 7 hours after landing.
Observations
1. Smoke Emissions:
• Observers reported visible smoke from the left-hand engine, suggesting potential mechanical or oil system failure.
2. Engine Performance:
• The shutdown was executed without further incident, and the aircraft maintained safe operation on the right-hand engine.
Potential Causes
1. Engine Oil Leak
• A leak in the engine’s lubrication system could lead to smoke emissions and a subsequent shutdown to prevent further damage.
2. Compressor or Turbine Failure
• Mechanical failure in the compressor or turbine stages of the CF34 engine could result in visible smoke and loss of performance.
3. Bleed Air Contamination
• A failure in the bleed air system may introduce oil or other contaminants, creating smoke.
4. Foreign Object Damage (FOD)
• The engine may have ingested a foreign object, causing internal damage and smoke.
Crew Actions
• Emergency Protocols:
• The crew followed standard operating procedures by shutting down the engine and declaring an emergency.
• Diversion Planning:
• The diversion to Milan Malpensa Airport ensured quick access to emergency support.
• Safe Landing:
• The landing on a single engine demonstrated effective crew resource management and technical proficiency.
Recommendations
1. Engine Inspection:
• Conduct a detailed examination of the left-hand engine (CF34), focusing on mechanical and lubrication systems.
2. Oil System Review:
• Inspect for oil leaks or contamination, ensuring all components meet operational standards.
3. Fleet Maintenance:
• Perform a fleet-wide review for similar issues with CF34 engines to prevent recurrence.
4. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for single-engine operations and diversions to ensure preparedness in similar scenarios.
Conclusion
The in-flight engine shutdown on BA Cityflyer flight BA-7016 was handled effectively, ensuring the safety of all onboard. While the exact cause remains under investigation, initial observations point to potential mechanical or lubrication system issues within the CF34 engine. The aircraft remains grounded pending further inspections.
Disclaimer
This report is based on facts available at the time of writing. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we apologise for any missed details or inaccuracies. If you are the rightful owner of any associated images and wish for their removal, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
