Cathay Pacific A35k at Hong Kong on Sep 2nd 2024, engine fire

Last Update: September 6, 2024 / 12:37:37 GMT/Zulu time

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Photo of Cathay Pacific B-LXI — Cathay Pacific B-LXI (Photo credit: HawkeyeUK / Flickr / License: CC by-sa)

Incident Facts

Date of incident
Sep 2, 2024

Classification
Incident

Cause
Engine fire

Airline
Cathay Pacific

Flight number
CX-383

Departure
Hong Kong, China

Destination
Zurich, Switzerland

Aircraft Registration
B-LXI

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000, registration B-LXI performing flight CX-383 from Hong Kong (China) to Zurich (Switzerland), was climbing out of Hong Kong's runway 07R when the crew stopped the climb at 9000 feet after receiving a right hand engine (Trent XWB) fire warning. The crew worked the related checklists shutting the engine down and discharging one fire bottle with the fire warning ceasing, dumped fuel and returned to Hong Kong for a safe landing on runway 07L about 70 minutes after departure.

A replacement A350-1000 registration B-LXR reached Zurich with a delay of about 4 hours.

On Sep 3rd 2024 the airline reported following the activation of the engine fire warning, that they have identified an engine component failure and took all their 48 A350s (A350-900 and A350-1000) out of service for a precautionary inspection. A number of such components have been identified needing replacement. A number of flights have been cancelled as result.

According to information The Aviation Herald received a flexible fuel line was damaged, damaged flexible fuel lines were also found in engines of other A350 aircraft during the inspections.

Hong Kong's AAIA reported they are investigating a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1041 No. 2 engine serious incident during takeoff from Hong Kong Airport on Sep 2nd 2024.

On Sep 5th 2024 EASA stated they are planning to require a one time inspection of the Trent XWB engines after flight CX-383 on Sep 2nd 2024 suffered an engine fire shortly after takeoff, the fire was promptly detected and extinguished.

On Sep 6th 2024 EASA released their Emergency Airworthiness Directive EAD_2024-0174-E_1 requiring inspections within 3, 7 or 30 days depending on engine hours, engine cycles and shop visits. EASA reasons:

Damage of a fuel manifold flexible tube was reported, leading to a controlled, temporary engine fire and heat damage to the exterior and interior of the engine nacelle (thrust reverser C-ducts). The occurrence resulted in a commanded in-flight shut down. The investigation is ongoing to identify the root cause of the event.

This condition, if not detected and corrected could, in combination with additional failures, lead to a more severe engine fire and resulting damage to an aeroplane.

To address this potential unsafe condition Rolls-Royce issued the NMSB to provide inspection and corrective action instructions.

For the reason described above this AD requires a one-time visual and dimensional inspection of the fuel manifold main fuel hoses.

This AD is considered an interim action and further AD action may follow.

The airline reported the inspection of their other A350s resulted in identification of 15 more damaged fuel lines.

The occurrence aircraft is still on the ground in Hong Kong about 72 hours after landing back.