Thu Sep 19 06:20:57 UTC 2024: ## Cathay Pacific A350 Engine Defect Could Have Caused “Extensive Damage”: Hong Kong Probe

**Hong Kong, October 26, 2023** – A Hong Kong investigation into a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 engine failure in September has revealed the defect could have led to “extensive damage” to the aircraft. The incident involved a Zurich-bound flight that was forced to turn back to Hong Kong on September 2nd due to an engine issue.

Following the incident, Cathay briefly grounded its fleet of 48 A350s for inspections and repairs. The inspections revealed that components on 15 planes needed to be replaced.

A post-flight examination of the Zurich-bound aircraft found that a fuel hose had ruptured, causing a leak and potential fire hazard. “If not promptly detected and addressed, this situation… could escalate into a more serious engine fire, potentially causing extensive damage to the aircraft,” stated the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) in their preliminary report.

The AAIA has recommended that the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) require Rolls-Royce, the engine manufacturer, to implement inspections of the secondary fuel manifold hoses.

While the investigation is ongoing, the incident has prompted other airlines in Asia to carry out similar checks on their A350s. EASA has mandated inspections on A350-1000s as a precautionary measure.

Cathay Pacific, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce are cooperating with the investigation and have not commented further.

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