Thu Sep 19 06:55:16 UTC 2024: ## Engine Defect on Cathay Pacific A350 Could Have Led to Major Fire, Investigation Finds
**Hong Kong, October 25, 2024** – A Hong Kong investigation into a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 engine defect that grounded dozens of flights in September has revealed the potential for a serious fire. The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) report, released Thursday, found a hole in a fuel hose and black soot on the engine, indicating signs of a fire and burn marks.
The investigation was sparked by a Zurich-bound flight that was forced to turn back to Hong Kong on September 2nd. Subsequent inspections found components on 15 of Cathay Pacific’s 48 A350s, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, needed to be replaced.
“If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation… could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft,” the AAIA report stated.
The authority emphasized that the preliminary report is tentative and recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) require Rolls-Royce to develop inspection requirements for the engine’s fuel manifold hoses.
The incident prompted other Asian airlines operating A350-900 and A350-1000 models with Rolls-Royce engines to conduct similar checks. EASA also mandated inspections for A350-1000s, of which 86 are in service worldwide. Major operators include Qatar Airways (24), Cathay Pacific (18), and British Airways (18).
Airbus and Rolls-Royce have confirmed their cooperation with Cathay Pacific but declined to comment further pending the investigation.
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