Date: 6th December 2024
Location: Male International Airport, Maldives
Aircraft: Airbus A350-1000, registration A7-ANP
Operator: Qatar Airways
Flight Number: QR-920
Route: Doha, Qatar, to Auckland, New Zealand
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 6th December 2024, Qatar Airways flight QR-920, operated by an Airbus A350-1000, encountered a technical issue while cruising at FL330 approximately 40 nautical miles southeast of Male, Maldives. The crew decided to divert to Male International Airport, where the aircraft landed safely on runway 36 about 35 minutes later.
Following the diversion, passengers reported an announcement by the crew indicating a minor technical problem. Ground inspections revealed that the left-hand engine’s doors were opened for further examination.
A replacement Airbus A350-1000 resumed the flight to Auckland, arriving with a delay of approximately 15 hours. The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Male for about 26 hours before being ferried back to Doha.
Aircraft Information
The Airbus A350-1000 is a long-range, twin-engine widebody airliner equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. Known for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology, the A350-1000 is commonly utilised for ultra-long-haul routes.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was en route at FL330 over the Indian Ocean, southeast of Male, when the crew identified a technical issue.
2. Diversion Decision:
• The flight crew opted to divert to Male as a precautionary measure.
3. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on Male’s runway 36 approximately 35 minutes after the decision to divert.
4. Post-Landing Inspection:
• Ground engineers opened the left-hand engine doors for detailed inspection.
5. Replacement Aircraft:
• A second Airbus A350-1000, registration A7-ANI, was dispatched from Doha to Male to continue the journey to Auckland.
6. Aircraft Positioning:
• The occurrence aircraft was ferried back to Doha after approximately 26 hours on the ground in Male.
Initial Findings
Engine Issue
• The exact nature of the technical issue has not been disclosed. However, the decision to open the left-hand engine doors suggests an inspection of the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engine was required.
Passenger and Crew Safety
• The diversion was precautionary, with no reported injuries to passengers or crew.
Safety Risks
1. Engine Reliability:
• Engine malfunctions, even minor, can disrupt operations on long-haul flights and necessitate diversions.
2. Passenger Impact:
• Diversions can cause delays, inconvenience, and increased passenger stress.
3. Operational Challenges:
• Managing diversions to remote or less-equipped airports like Male requires precise logistical coordination.
Recommendations
1. Detailed Inspection:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the left-hand engine and related systems to identify and rectify the root cause of the issue.
2. Enhanced Monitoring:
• Implement additional in-flight engine performance monitoring for early detection of potential anomalies.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training for handling engine-related diversions, especially on long-haul operations.
4. Communication Protocols:
• Ensure clear communication with passengers during technical diversions to alleviate concerns and maintain trust.
Safety Lessons
This incident demonstrates the importance of proactive decision-making in response to technical anomalies. The crew’s swift action ensured passenger safety and highlighted the effectiveness of diversion protocols for long-haul flights.
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