Overview
On January 4th, 2025, an EasyJet Europe Airbus A320-200, registration OE-IJZ, operating flight U2-1851 from Bordeaux (France) to Tenerife South (Spain), diverted to Porto (Portugal) following a possible engine failure. The crew declared a PAN PAN and safely landed at Porto’s runway 17 after completing three holding circuits.
Incident Details
Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-200
• Registration: OE-IJZ
• Operator: EasyJet Europe
• Flight Number: U2-1851
• Route: Bordeaux (BOD) to Tenerife South (TFS)
• Persons on Board: Not disclosed
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL370 about 130nm east of Porto, still within Spanish airspace.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• The crew declared a PAN PAN, reporting a possible engine failure.
3. Descent and Holding:
• The aircraft commenced an emergency descent towards Porto and performed three holding circuits while coordinating the approach.
4. Ground Support Request:
• The crew requested a ground power unit (GPU) due to an inoperative auxiliary power unit (APU), as the aircraft had been dispatched under minimum equipment list (MEL) conditions.
5. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 17 at Porto about 40 minutes after leaving FL370. Emergency services were on standby.
Observations
1. MEL Dispatch:
• The aircraft had been operating with an inoperative APU, a permissible condition under MEL, increasing reliance on engine-driven power systems.
2. Engine Performance:
• The declaration of PAN PAN indicates a suspected degradation in engine performance, warranting a precautionary diversion.
3. Operational Management:
• The crew demonstrated effective resource management, safely executing the diversion and landing.
Possible Causes
1. Engine Malfunction
• A technical failure, such as issues with fuel flow, turbine performance, or sensor anomalies, may have triggered abnormal engine behavior.
2. APU Dependency
• The absence of a working APU increased operational complexity, potentially impacting auxiliary systems like engine start or electrical power.
3. Sensor or Indication Fault
• False readings from engine monitoring systems may have led to a precautionary shutdown or alert.
4. Environmental Factors
• External conditions, such as icing or foreign object ingestion, could have contributed to engine performance issues.
Crew Actions
• Emergency Declaration:
• The PAN PAN declaration ensured timely coordination with air traffic control and emergency services.
• Holding Patterns:
• Holding at a safe altitude allowed the crew to assess the situation and prepare for landing.
• Ground Support Coordination:
• The advance request for a GPU demonstrates proactive operational planning.
Recommendations
1. Engine Inspection:
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of the affected engine to identify any mechanical or performance-related anomalies.
2. APU and MEL Review:
• Evaluate the operational challenges posed by dispatching aircraft with inoperative APUs under MEL conditions.
3. Sensor Diagnostics:
• Verify the accuracy of engine monitoring systems to rule out sensor malfunctions.
4. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for engine-out operations and handling MEL dispatch conditions to maintain preparedness.
Conclusion
The diversion of EasyJet flight U2-1851 was managed effectively, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. The incident highlights the challenges of operating under MEL conditions and underscores the importance of proactive planning and technical diagnostics. Further investigation will clarify the root cause of the suspected engine failure.
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.
