Overview
• Operator: Hawaiian Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A330-200
• Registration: N375HA
• Flight Number: HA-22
• Route: Honolulu (HI) → Seattle (WA), USA
• Date: 9 February 2025
• Occupants: 278 people on board
• Nature of Incident: Fuel leak from left-hand engine
Incident Summary
Hawaiian Airlines flight HA-22 departed Honolulu’s runway 08R bound for Seattle when the crew identified a continuous fuel trail from the left-hand engine (Trent 772) during the initial climb. The crew requested to level off at 3,000 feet before making an immediate return to Honolulu.
Upon landing on runway 08L approximately 15 minutes after departure, the engines were shut down, and the APU was not activated due to concerns about the ongoing fuel leak. Emergency services confirmed visible fuel leakage from the left-hand engine.
A replacement Airbus A330-200 (N360HA) was dispatched, reaching Seattle with a delay of 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Climb & Fuel Leak Detection
• Shortly after departure, the flight crew observed a continuous fuel trail from the left engine.
• The crew requested to stop the climb at 3,000 feet and return to Honolulu.
2. Emergency Precautionary Measures
• The crew declared an emergency and coordinated with ATC for a priority landing.
• The APU was not started, and both engines were shut down upon landing to minimize fire risk.
3. Landing & Emergency Response
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 08L about 15 minutes after takeoff.
• Emergency services confirmed an active fuel leak from the left-hand engine.
4. Passenger Accommodations
• A replacement A330-200 (N360HA) was dispatched to complete the flight to Seattle.
• The delay amounted to approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes.
FAA & Investigation
• The FAA confirmed that flight HA-22 safely returned to Honolulu after reporting an engine issue.
• An investigation has been opened to determine the cause of the fuel leak.
Aircraft Status
• The affected A330-200 (N375HA) remained grounded for 22 hours before being cleared for service.
Potential Causes & Analysis
Fuel leaks can occur due to several factors, including:
1. Fuel Line or Connection Issues
• Loose, cracked, or improperly torqued fuel line fittings.
2. Fuel Nozzle or Seal Failure
• Deterioration of seals leading to leaks under high pressure.
3. Structural Damage or Component Fatigue
• Wear and tear on fuel manifolds, injector systems, or seals over time.
4. Engine Vibration or Overpressure
• Excessive engine vibration or pressure fluctuations causing stress fractures in fuel lines.
Given that the leak was immediately visible post-departure, it is likely a fuel line or connection failure rather than a long-term degradation issue.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
• Inspection of Trent 772 engine fuel systems for potential recurring issues.
• Enhanced pre-flight fuel system checks on Hawaiian Airlines’ A330 fleet.
• Routine monitoring of engine vibration data to detect any irregularities before takeoff.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 11 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
