Overview
On January 5th, 2025, an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9, registration A6-BLN, operating flight EY-461 from Melbourne, Australia to Abu Dhabi, UAE, rejected takeoff at high speed due to an excessive exhaust gas temperature (EGT) indication on the right-hand engine (Genx).
• Aircraft Details: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
• Passengers: 289
• Crew: Unknown
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Burst tyres due to high-speed rejected takeoff
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff Roll
• The aircraft was accelerating for takeoff on runway 34 at Melbourne Airport when the crew observed an EGT overtemperature indication on the right-hand engine.
• The crew made the decision to abort the takeoff in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
2. High-Speed Rejection
• The takeoff was aborted at a high speed of approximately 150 knots (over ground).
• The aircraft came to a safe stop on the runway; however, smoke was observed from the landing gear due to hot brakes.
3. Emergency Response
• Emergency services responded promptly, spraying the landing gear with water to cool the brakes and mitigate fire risks.
4. Post-Incident Actions
• The crew reported the technical issue to the airline, and the aircraft remained on the runway to facilitate tyre replacement and subsequent inspection.
• Two tyres were confirmed to have burst as a result of the high-speed rejected takeoff.
Investigation and Findings
1. Technical Cause
• The rejection was due to an excessive exhaust gas temperature (EGT) warning on the right-hand Genx engine, indicating a potential overheating issue.
2. Operational and Procedural Compliance
• The crew’s decision to reject takeoff was consistent with manufacturer guidelines and Etihad Airways’ SOPs.
• The high-speed rejection was managed effectively, preventing further escalation.
3. Landing Gear and Tyres
• The burst tyres and hot brakes were typical outcomes of a high-speed rejected takeoff, exacerbated by the rapid deceleration required to safely stop the aircraft.
4. ATSB Decision
• The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) collected initial data on the incident but decided not to open a formal investigation, citing adherence to SOPs and no systemic safety concerns identified.
Recommendations
1. Engine Monitoring and Maintenance
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the right-hand engine to identify potential causes of the EGT overtemperature.
• Verify the calibration and functionality of the EGT monitoring systems to prevent false alerts.
2. Landing Gear and Brake Systems
• Inspect the braking system and tyres to confirm no additional damage occurred during the high-speed stop.
• Evaluate procedures for rapid cooling of hot brakes during similar incidents to enhance safety margins.
3. Passenger and Crew Communication
• Reinforce protocols for passenger communication during such events to ensure calmness and compliance.
Safety Impact
This incident highlights the importance of robust engine monitoring systems and the critical role of crew decision-making in preventing potential catastrophic outcomes. The efficient coordination of emergency services and adherence to established protocols contributed to the safe resolution of this event.
Disclaimer
This report is based on information available as of January 8th, 2025. For image takedown requests, contact takedown@cockpitking.com. Further updates will follow as additional findings emerge.
