Overview
On January 6th, 2025, an Edelweiss Airbus A340-300 (registration HB-JMG) operating flight WK-66 from Zurich, Switzerland, to Male, Maldives, experienced an engine failure while cruising at FL350 over Iraq. The crew performed a descent to FL310 and diverted safely to Dubai International Airport (DXB), landing on runway 12L approximately 90 minutes after the failure. There were no reported injuries among passengers or crew.
Incident Details
Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A340-300
• Registration: HB-JMG
• Engines: CFM56
• Operator: Edelweiss Air
• Flight Number: WK-66
• Route: Zurich (ZRH) to Male (MLE)
• Occupants: Passengers and crew (exact numbers not disclosed)
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL350 over Iraq when the crew observed an engine failure on one of the CFM56 engines.
2. Descent:
• Following standard operating procedures, the crew descended the aircraft to FL310 to reduce engine load and ensure safe handling.
3. Diversion:
• The crew evaluated the situation and decided to divert to Dubai International Airport (DXB).
4. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 12L approximately 90 minutes after descending from FL350. Emergency services were on standby but were not required.
5. Aftermath:
• The aircraft remains on the ground in Dubai, undergoing inspections and maintenance.
Preliminary Findings
Engine Failure Analysis
1. CFM56 Engine Malfunction:
• Initial reports indicate a failure of one of the aircraft’s CFM56 engines.
• Possible causes include:
• Compressor blade damage.
• Oil system issues.
• Overheating or vibration-related failures.
2. No Secondary Damage:
• The crew reported no further anomalies, and the remaining three engines continued to function normally.
Crew Actions
1. Safe Handling:
• The crew demonstrated professionalism by following engine failure protocols, descending to a safe altitude, and initiating the diversion to the nearest suitable airport.
2. Communication:
• All relevant parties, including air traffic control and the airline’s operations centre, were promptly informed.
3. Passenger Safety:
• Passengers were kept informed throughout the diversion, and there were no reports of injuries or significant distress.
Recommendations
Immediate Actions
1. Engine Inspection:
• Conduct a detailed inspection of the failed CFM56 engine, focusing on:
• Compressor blades.
• Fuel and oil systems.
• Engine mounts and vibration levels.
2. Aircraft Maintenance:
• Verify the structural integrity of the airframe and remaining engines following the engine failure.
Long-Term Measures
1. Maintenance Review:
• Investigate recent maintenance records for any indications of recurring issues or oversight during inspections.
2. Engine Performance Monitoring:
• Enhance monitoring systems to detect potential engine failures at an earlier stage.
3. Route Risk Assessment:
• Review routes over high-risk areas with limited diversion options, ensuring contingency plans are robust.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the resilience of the Airbus A340-300 design and the effectiveness of the crew’s emergency response. While the failure of the CFM56 engine warrants further investigation, the successful diversion to Dubai ensured passenger safety and prevented escalation. A comprehensive review of engine performance and maintenance protocols will aid in preventing similar occurrences.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the facts and evidence available at the time of writing. We apologise for any omissions or inaccuracies. For image takedowns, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
