Overview
• Operator: Jin Air
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: HL8242
• Flight Number: LJ-371
• Route: Busan (PUS) to Okinawa (OKA)
• Date: 25 February 2025
• Occupants: 183 (Passengers and crew)
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Left-hand engine (CFM56) emitted loud bangs and flames, prompting a return to Busan
Incident Summary
A Jin Air Boeing 737-800, operating flight LJ-371 from Busan (PUS) to Okinawa (OKA), experienced engine trouble during its initial climb from runway 36R.
Shortly after takeoff, the left-hand CFM56 engine emitted a series of loud bangs and visible streaks of flames, prompting the crew to stop the climb at 4,000 feet and enter a holding pattern to burn off fuel.
After approximately 75 minutes in the air, the aircraft returned safely to Busan, landing on runway 36L without further complications.
A replacement Boeing 737-800 (HL8224) was dispatched, completing the flight to Okinawa with a delay of approximately 3.5 hours.
The affected aircraft (HL8242) remains on the ground for further inspection, approximately 15 hours after landing.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The aircraft departed normally from Busan’s runway 36R, with no prior technical issues reported.
In-flight Occurrence:
• During the initial climb, the left-hand engine emitted loud bangs and flames, suggesting:
• Compressor stall or surge
• Fuel or ignition irregularities
• Foreign object ingestion (possible bird strike or debris)
• The crew immediately stopped the climb at 4,000 feet to assess the situation.
Holding & Return to Busan:
• The crew entered a holding pattern to burn excess fuel, reducing landing weight.
• ATC and emergency services were placed on standby.
• The aircraft performed a safe landing on runway 36L approximately 75 minutes after departure.
Aftermath & Passenger Re-accommodation:
• Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which reached Okinawa with a 3.5-hour delay.
• The affected aircraft remains on the ground for further inspections and maintenance.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The root cause of the engine malfunction is still under investigation, but possible factors include:
• Compressor stall or surge, causing backfires and flame bursts.
• Fuel system irregularities, leading to uncontrolled combustion.
• Ingestion of foreign debris or a bird strike, damaging engine components.
• Ignition system fault, leading to unstable combustion patterns.
• Maintenance teams will conduct a borescopic inspection of the CFM56 engine to check for internal damage to the compressor, turbine, and combustion chamber.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Engine trend monitoring and maintenance protocols should be reinforced to detect early signs of compressor instability.
• Pilots should remain vigilant for abnormal engine indications, particularly during takeoff, when compressor stalls are more likely.
• Airport authorities should assess any foreign object debris (FOD) risks on runway 36R to rule out potential ingestion of foreign objects.
• If the issue is related to a fuel or ignition system fault, further fleet-wide inspections of similar CFM56-equipped aircraft may be recommended.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 25 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.”
