An engine problem that forced Cathay Pacific to ground its entire A350 fleet for inspection earlier this month could have escalated into “extensive damage,” CNN reports, citing Hong Kong aviation investigators.
The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) revealed on Thursday that their inspection of the affected aircraft, which returned to Hong Kong shortly after takeoff on September 2, uncovered a “discernible hole” in the fuel hose, along with black soot indicating signs of a fire.
The AAIA report states that fuel could have leaked through the ruptured hose, potentially igniting and spreading to surrounding engine parts. “If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation, along with further failures, could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft,” the report warns.
Further evidence of a potential fire was found in the form of burn marks under the aircraft’s reverse thrusts, which are used for braking after landing.
The AAIA has recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency require Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer for the popular A350 long-haul jets, to issue “continuing airworthiness information” on the problem.
Cathay Pacific grounded its entire A350 fleet in early September after the engine issue forced the Zurich-bound flight to return to Hong Kong. The airline inspected all 48 of its A350 aircraft and replaced components on 15 of them.
