The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report into a recent incident involving an American Airlines flight that experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport. According to the report, the incident was caused by several parts being installed incorrectly and fuel leaks. The aircraft, which was headed to Dallas, took off and shortly after that, the crew noticed issues with the right engine, including high engine vibration indications and concerns about the safety of the aircraft.
After landing safely, passengers and crew members reported noticing fire and smoke in the cabin, which led to an evacuation. Video footage showed passengers evacuating the aircraft, with some standing on the wings of the plane. The NTSB report detailed that the fuel leaks were caused by a fuel fitting that was fastened incorrectly and a loose part installed in the wrong direction. The plane was towed to a hangar for further examination, revealing streaks on the engine’s exterior from the leaking fuel.
During an inspection of the damage, investigators found that the plane exhibited heat/smoke/burn indications near the right engine nacelle, right wing, right side of the fuselage aft of the wing, the right main landing gear, and the right main landing, gear wheel well. The report also mentioned that the lockwire of a fuel fitting on the variable stator vane (VSV) was loose and installed in the incorrect direction. Other issues included a fan blade platform that was fractured and a part of the plane that controls airflow through the turbine’s compressor being incorrectly fastened and secured, allowing fuel to leak from the fitting.
American Airlines stated that 172 passengers and six crew members were on board at the time of the incident. The airplane suffered substantial damage, while 12 passengers and six crew members sustained minor injuries. The airline has not yet released a statement regarding the incident, although Fox News Digital has reached out to American Airlines for further details. The incident highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and safety protocols in the aviation industry to prevent such tragic occurrences.