Flight WL-291 | Registration: N802WA
Date: 31 March 2025 | Location: Havana, Cuba
Introduction
On 31 March 2025, a World Atlantic Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-83, registration N802WA, operating as flight WL-291 from Havana José Martí International Airport (MUHA), Cuba to Tampa International Airport (KTPA), United States, experienced an engine surge in the left-hand JT8D engine during initial climb. The crew halted the climb at approximately 3,000 feet and initiated a return to Havana for a safe landing on the same runway it had departed from.
There were no reported injuries among passengers or crew, and the aircraft landed without further incident. A replacement aircraft was dispatched, reaching Tampa approximately 21 hours later.
Flight Details
• Aircraft Type: McDonnell Douglas MD-83
• Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney JT8D-219
• Operator: World Atlantic Airlines
• Tail Number: N802WA
• Flight Number: WL-291
• Departure Airport: Havana José Martí International Airport (MUHA), Cuba
• Destination Airport: Tampa International Airport (KTPA), Florida, USA
• Date of Incident: 31 March 2025
• Phase of Flight: Initial climb
• Altitude at Time of Surge: ~3,000 feet
• Runway Used: 06 (departure and return)
• Occupants: Estimated 150 (not officially confirmed)
• Time from Takeoff to Landing: ~25 minutes
• Aircraft Ground Time Post-Incident: >48 hours (as of 2 April 2025)
Sequence of Events
Departure and Engine Surge
Shortly after departing from runway 06 in Havana, flight WL-291 was climbing through a low altitude band when the flight crew reported an abnormal event from the left-hand engine. Preliminary reports suggest a classic engine surge—a rapid disruption in airflow through the compressor—potentially accompanied by loud bangs or compressor stall effects.
Recognising the severity of the event and in accordance with emergency procedures, the crew discontinued the climb at approximately 3,000 feet and declared an emergency with air traffic control.
Return and Landing
The aircraft executed a circuit and returned to land on the same runway (06) about 25 minutes after takeoff. Emergency services were likely placed on standby, although no fire or external signs of engine failure were observed during or after landing.
The aircraft vacated the runway safely and was towed to a remote stand or maintenance apron for inspection.
Technical Background
JT8D-219 Engine Overview
The JT8D-219 engine is a low-bypass turbofan originally certified in the early 1980s. Although reliable, the design is decades old, and MD-80 family aircraft like the one involved in this incident are increasingly rare in passenger service.
Engine surge, especially on older powerplants, can occur due to:
• Compressor blade damage
• Ingestion of foreign objects (FOD)
• Rapid throttle movements during takeoff
• Sensor or control unit failures
The engine’s Electronic Engine Control (EEC), if fitted, may detect pressure or vibration anomalies, triggering a surge protection mode or requiring crew response.
Investigation and Airline Response
World Atlantic Airlines has not publicly released technical findings, but a full engine inspection is expected. Components such as the high-pressure compressor and fuel control units will be examined for irregularities or wear.
The FAA and Cuban civil aviation authorities are likely to coordinate to retrieve and analyse data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Quick Access Recorder (QAR) to understand engine parameters prior to the event.
The aircraft, N802WA, remains grounded in Havana as of 2 April 2025 for technical evaluation.
Replacement and Passenger Handling
• Replacement Aircraft: N801WA, a sister MD-83, was dispatched to complete the route.
• Delay: ~21 hours
• Passenger Impact: Passengers were accommodated overnight, either in Havana or upon arrival in Tampa depending on the status of customs and visa arrangements.
World Atlantic Airlines is expected to file a mandatory incident report with the FAA, and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney may also be consulted.
Summary and Safety Considerations
This incident underscores the continued operational challenges of ageing aircraft types like the MD-83, particularly regarding engine performance under high-power demands. Engine surge events, while rare, are potentially hazardous and require prompt decision-making by flight crews.
In this case, the crew’s timely identification of the issue and immediate return resulted in a safe outcome, with no injuries reported and minimal disruption. The incident remains under investigation, and findings may inform continued airworthiness checks for the carrier’s remaining MD-80 fleet.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available data and operational reports as of 2 April 2025. Information is subject to change pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. If you are the rightful owner of any content and wish for it to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
