Incident Overview
• Date: January 20th, 2025
• Aircraft: Airbus A320-200N
• Registration: N350FR
• Operator: Frontier Airlines
• Flight Number: F9-3379
• Route: Philadelphia, PA to Miami, FL (USA)
• Outcome: Safe diversion to Raleigh/Durham International Airport (RDU)
Summary of Events
Frontier Airlines flight F9-3379, operated by an Airbus A320-200N (registration N350FR), was cruising at FL360 approximately 130nm northeast of Raleigh/Durham when the crew encountered a mechanical issue requiring the shutdown of one LEAP engine. The aircraft diverted to Raleigh/Durham (RDU), landing safely on runway 23R approximately 30 minutes after the decision to divert.
A replacement aircraft, another Airbus A320-200N (registration N380FR), was dispatched to continue the flight to Miami, reaching the destination with a delay of about 6 hours.
Timeline of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was cruising at FL360 when the crew identified an issue with one of the LEAP engines, prompting them to shut it down as a precautionary measure.
2. Decision to Divert:
• The crew made the decision to divert to Raleigh/Durham, prioritizing safety.
3. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed uneventfully on runway 23R, with emergency services on standby.
4. Replacement Aircraft:
• Frontier dispatched a replacement A320-200N to transport passengers to Miami, mitigating delays.
5. Aircraft Status:
• The occurrence aircraft (N350FR) remains grounded at Raleigh/Durham for further inspection and maintenance.
Aircraft and Crew Actions
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A320-200N
• Equipped with LEAP engines, known for fuel efficiency and reliability, but subject to occasional mechanical issues.
• Crew Response:
• The crew acted swiftly and professionally, adhering to safety protocols by shutting down the affected engine and diverting to the nearest suitable airport.
Passenger Impact
• Safety:
• All passengers and crew disembarked safely, with no injuries reported.
• Delays:
• The flight was delayed by approximately 6 hours, with passengers rebooked on the replacement aircraft.
Initial Findings
• Engine Shutdown:
• Frontier Airlines attributed the diversion to a mechanical issue, likely involving one of the aircraft’s LEAP engines.
• Inspection Pending:
• Engineers will conduct detailed diagnostics to determine the cause of the engine issue.
Safety Considerations
1. Engine Redundancy:
• The Airbus A320-200N is designed to operate safely with one engine, allowing the crew to divert without compromising passenger safety.
2. Proactive Measures:
• The crew’s decision to divert highlights the effectiveness of Frontier’s safety training and operational protocols.
Next Steps
• Investigation and Repairs:
• Maintenance teams will investigate the engine issue, including potential mechanical or software-related causes.
• Aircraft Status:
• The occurrence aircraft (N350FR) remains grounded at Raleigh/Durham for repairs and further inspections.
Conclusion
This incident demonstrates the importance of redundant safety systems and well-trained flight crews in ensuring passenger safety during unexpected technical issues. The crew’s prompt and professional response minimized risk, and Frontier’s operational support helped mitigate delays for passengers.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 20th, 2025. For copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
