Major Airbus A350 Engine Defect Revealed

HONG KONG: A serious engine defect affecting the Airbus A350 has raised alarms following a comprehensive investigation by Hong Kong authorities, which warns that the situation could lead to "extensive damage." This crucial report, unveiled on Thursday, September 19, comes in response to the untimely cancellation of numerous Cathay Pacific flights earlier this month.

Incident Timeline

On September 2, a Cathay Pacific flight bound for Zurich was forced to turn back to Hong Kong, triggering an immediate inspection and temporary grounding of the airline’s entire fleet of A350s. This preventive measure was vital, as the investigation revealed alarming findings: significant faults were detected in components of 15 aircraft within the 48-plane A350 fleet, all powered by Rolls-Royce engines, specifically the Trent XWB series.

Inspection Findings

Officials noted during their inspections that there was a "discernible hole in the (fuel) hose" and troubling signs of potential fire hazards, including "black soot" observed on the rear section of the core engine and distinct burn marks. If these issues had gone undetected, the risk of a severe engine fire could have escalated, potentially leading to catastrophic damage to the aircraft.

Preliminary Nature of Findings

The investigation report, however, clarified that its findings should be regarded as preliminary. To ensure passenger safety, the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) has called upon the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to implement new inspection protocols for the engines in question, particularly regarding the secondary fuel manifold hoses.

Broader Impacts on Airlines

In the wake of Cathay’s incident, other airlines across Asia, including major operators with A350-900 and A350-1000 models, have initiated similar precautionary inspections. The EASA has also mandated inspections of the A350-1000 variant, highlighting that there are currently 86 such aircraft in service globally.

Operators and Manufacturer Response

Among the operators of the A350-1000, Qatar Airways leads with a fleet of 24, followed closely by Cathay Pacific and British Airways, each with 18. The mounting scrutiny on these aircraft models has put manufacturers Airbus and Rolls-Royce under the spotlight, although both companies have stated they are cooperating with ongoing investigations.

Conclusion

As travelers worldwide grow increasingly concerned about airline safety, this incident underscores the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and inspection protocols. With passenger safety as a priority, the aviation industry must remain vigilant in addressing potential risks. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops!